THE Primate of the Africa Church, His Eminence Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa has emphasised the need for the church to preserve its heritage, while embracing necessary reforms and innovations.

Odufuwa, who stated this during a press conference in Lagos, to unveil the church’s 125th anniversary logo and theme, stressed the need to prepare young people to shape the church’s future.

The main celebration, scheduled to hold on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, featuring a Thanksgiving Service, goodwill messages, awards, anniversary cake cutting and the launch of legacy projects, the Primate said the anniversary would celebrate 125 years of faith, sacrifice, service and divine preservation.

“Today, we do more than unveil a logo or announce a programme. We open a new chapter in a story that God began 125 years ago. 125 years have witnessed changing generations, societies and circumstances, yet remained anchored in Christ’s Gospel. Our testimony is simple: God has been faithful,” he said.

The primate, who said the church’s history was woven into Nigeria’s religious and social history, expressed gratitude to the founding fathers and mothers for their faith, courage and sacrifices.

“The anniversary theme is 125 Years of Grace: A Future Unfolding, from Isaiah 43:19. The theme deliberately joins remembrance with expectation. The first part is our testimony. The second is our mandate.

“We celebrate what God has done, but we refuse to believe that our greatest days are behind us. Grace brought us here; grace must lead us forward. The next chapter requires a Church faithful to Scripture, conscious of its heritage and responsive to its times.

“There is need to prepare young people to shape the church’s future. Our young people must not merely inherit our history; they must be equipped to shape the next chapter. This is why the programme has been designed not as a single-day ceremony. It is a season of remembrance, renewal, evangelism, service and celebration,” he said.

Odufuwa said activities to mark the anniversary would include a 40-day countdown campaign from September 4 to October 12, featuring historical facts, interviews, podcasts, documentaries, digital engagements and prayer videos.

According to him, historical activities would include a National Bible and History Quiz and a Historical Essay Competition for younger generations, among others.

On his part, the incoming Lay President of the African Church, Prince Debo Oduguwa, who stated that the church’s founding fathers did not only pursue soul-winning, but also established schools and hospitals to meet the needs of their immediate environment, said the founders faced numerous challenges but weathered all storms to make the church impactful.

The Chairperson, 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary Planning Committee, Elder Gladys Obajulaiye, said the anniversary was designed not merely as a series of ceremonies but as a season of remembrance, renewal, service, fellowship and legacy, urging Nigerians to reflect on the church’s journey of faith, sacrifice and service.