…Tasks leaders on responsible governance to address insecurity
The Senior Pastor of Champion Faith Assembly, Apostle Godspower Udjor, has hosted a Thanksgiving Service and a special Couples’ Dinner for pastors and their spouses in Abuja, describing the initiative as a deliberate effort to strengthen family unity, renew marital bonds, and promote peace in society.
Speaking at the event, Apostle Udjor said the dinner was the first of its kind for many of the pastors present, noting that the demands of ministry often leave little time for family life.
“This is about the first pastor-and-spouse dinner of its kind in Abuja,” he said. “Most of the pastors you see here have not had such time with their wives for a very long time. They are busy with pastoral duties, while the wives are left at home with children and other responsibilities.”
According to him, the programme was designed to allow couples relax, bond, and reconnect ahead of the new year.
“I thought it wise to organise a dinner for them, give awards, allow them dance together, bond, and renew themselves for the coming year,” Udjor explained.
The cleric stressed that strong families are foundational to national stability, arguing that peace in the home ultimately reflects in society.
“A peaceful family and a happy woman will sponsor a peaceful home, and that will raise well-mannered children,” he said. “When homes are dysfunctional, society suffers. This coming together will support unity in families and eventually peace in the country.”
Addressing questions on national security and concerns over insecurity during the festive season, Apostle Udjor said prayer, unity, and responsible governance must go hand in hand.
“Security is the first responsibility of government,” he said. “While the government is trying, we as a church are also praying and doing our part. When homes are united and couples agree in prayer, we get better answers.”
He added that unresolved conflicts at home could weaken spiritual efforts. “A wounded wife will not truly agree in prayer. Agreement must be from the heart. That unity is what we are trying to achieve here,” he said.
The event also attracted community leaders, including the District Head of Gbaduma community, Amadou Mamai Badima, who commended the church and urged Nigerians to promote peace and respect for leadership.
“We should stop insulting leaders and continue to pray for them,” he said. “When we pray for our leaders and for peace, Nigeria will remain united. Nobody is above God.”
Participants described the Couples’ Dinner as refreshing and impactful. Pastor Mrs. Isaac Cynthia Ebele of Vision International Bible Church, Dede, said the experience rekindled affection between her and her husband.
“For a very long time, I have not had this kind of moment with my husband,” she said. “I’m grateful that Apostle insisted my husband bring me. I feel a renewed love between us. Dancing together may look simple, but it means a lot.”
She expressed confidence that the programme would positively affect families and the nation. “This will have great impact in my family and beyond,” she added.
Another participant, Reverend Dr. David Aliyu, lead Pastor, Christ Faith Global Assembly in Gbaduma 1, Asokoro Extension, who said his marriage was nearing 10 years, described the night as timely. “Finding time like this to mingle with your wife in the atmosphere of the brethren is a wonderful thing,” he said, calling for such initiatives to continue both publicly and within homes.
The Thanksgiving Service and Couples’ Dinner featured music, testimonies, dancing, and fellowship, with organisers saying the goal was to reinforce love, unity, and spiritual alignment within Christian homes.
