Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has upgraded Pleasure Missionary District of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos to a full-fledged District and formally declared Rev’d Charles Fashola as its substantive District Overseer.

Speaking during the first District Convocation and Anniversary of the Church, the General Overseer of the Church, Rev’d Sam Aboyeji, urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith and always learn to appreciate God, despite the economic challenges confronting the country.

Aboyeji, represented at the event by the Axis Coordinator, Ikeja Axis, Rev’dAyomide Abraham ministered on “Power of Gratitude.”

He urged members of the church to remain committed to God while prioritising the development of younger generations. He described the younger generation as critical to the future of the church.

Aboyeji, who described the development as a manifestation of God’s faithfulness, expressed optimism that the new status would usher in greater growth and expansion for the district.

He said the District Church had met the requirement for elevation, adding that its membership rose from to 1,000 to 1,500, which is the stipulated benchmark.

He noted that the District recorded remarkable growth within one year, stressing that the establishment of new districts and churches remained part of the church’s strategy for sustained expansion.

The General Overseer tasked members of the church to embark on evangelism and ensure that more young people are attracted to the church.

Speaking on his new responsibility, Fashola admitted that the task ahead of him would require greater commitment, discipline and strategic planning. He emphasised that his major concern would be to sustain the status of the District Church and ensure that it is adequately prepared for reassessment after 12 months.

“Sincerely speaking, I feel that the time for bigger work has started. My excitement is not just about attaining the status, but about how to sustain it,” he said.

He attributed the District’s progress to God’s grace, clear priorities and measurable interventions.
Fashola, who is also the Pro-chancellor and Chairman-in-Council of McPherson University, urged Christian institutions to embrace the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), and develop responsible guidelines for its use.

He said discussions were underway at the university on how AI could benefit students without compromising appropriate limits.

The event featured the ordination of seven members as deacons, deaconesses and an elder.