Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Church, and chieftain of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Pastor Femi Emmanuel, has urged Christians in Nigeria to join politics, saying the Church has the numerical strength, intellectual capacity, and financial resources to influence governance.
Emmanuel, a former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, made the call while speaking during a service marking his 70th birthday celebration, which was held at the church headquarters, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The pastor challenged Christian leaders, stating that “prayers and fasting alone cannot deliver Nigeria.”
He urged the Church to step into the political space, noting that God has already answered the nation’s prayers by providing the Church with numerical strength, intellectual capacity, and financial resources—tools that must be used to influence governance.
“The Church has failed by assuming politics is dirty and leaving it to career politicians. That mindset is part of why the nation is where it is today,” he said, stressing the importance of political education at the grassroots level and the need for Christians to actively participate in delegate and candidate selection processes.
The event was graced by political leaders, religious figures, and members of the Christian community—all of whom paid glowing tributes to Pastor Emmanuel’s decades-long legacy in ministry, leadership, and national development.
They included a former Head of State, General Yabubu Gowon [rtd]; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Bishop David Oyedepo, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke; Emeritus Primate Sunday Ola Makinde, a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Supo Ayokunle, a former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, and others. Gowon was represented by the National Chairman of the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Bishop Olubunmi Banwo.
Delivering his goodwill message, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, described Pastor Emmanuel as “a rare leader whose spiritual insight and commitment to state and national transformation have touched countless lives.”
The governor commended his advocacy for good governance and moral integrity, calling him “a voice of reason and wisdom in turbulent times.”
Also extending his congratulations, former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, lauded Pastor Emmanuel as “a fantastic Nigerian who once ventured into politics but was divinely redirected into God’s vineyard.” Dalung praised him as “one of the most enduring and practical preachers of our time,” echoing Pastor Emmanuel’s frequent call for Christians to actively participate in politics rather than merely lament societal issues.
Dalung emphasised that “prayer without political action is not enough to change Nigeria,” lamenting the dominance of corrupt leaders and urging Christians to bring light into the political sphere.
He referred to Pastor Emmanuel as “a statesman in the pulpit,” recognizing his influence on public discourse and national unity.
From the religious space, Bishop David Oyedepo, Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners Chapel), paid tribute to Pastor Emmanuel’s unwavering faith and pioneering ministry.
In his sermon, Bishop Oyedepo said, “Pastor Femi Emmanuel has been a torchbearer of truth and kingdom advancement.
His legacy is one of courage, vision, and undiluted passion for souls.”
Similarly, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, General Overseer of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries and President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), described Pastor Emmanuel as “a man of deep convictions and an unrelenting pursuit of God’s purpose.”
He commended him for mentoring a new generation of leaders and urged younger pastors to follow his example.
Speakers at the event traced Pastor Emmanuel’s remarkable journey—from his early career as a civil engineer and former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, to his transformation into a nationally respected cleric and social commentator.
In his own remarks, Pastor Emmanuel expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who have supported him throughout his journey.
“At 70, I am deeply humbled. I thank God for preserving my life, for growth in ministry, and for the grace to serve,” he said.
Reflecting on the past decades, he described his journey as a blend of challenges, victories, and divine help. “With Jesus Christ in my life, the journey became easier,” he noted, adding that the celebration was not about him but about God’s grace and the lives that have been touched through his ministry.
As part of his birthday celebrations, Pastor Emmanuel outlined a series of outreach initiatives, including empowerment programmes for the vulnerable, free medical care, and the provision of eyeglasses by ophthalmologists.
He also announced infrastructure projects such as road construction and access to clean drinking water, emphasizing that his goal is to leave a lasting legacy that uplifts the community.
The celebration also featured musical performances by Evangelist Tope Alabi, Evangelist Funmilayo Aragbaye, and some other great anointed gospel musicians, heartfelt testimonies from church members.
