The National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, has declared that Nigeria would have collapsed long ago if not for the consistent prayers and intercessions of Christians across the country.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH to mark the 40th anniversary of the PFN, Bishop Oke said the survival of Nigeria amid decades of insecurity, corruption, and economic hardship is a direct result of divine intervention sustained through prayer.
“If not for the prayers of the saints, Nigeria would have collapsed a long time ago. There have been moments when everything seemed to be falling apart — insecurity, corruption, economic distress — but God has continually preserved this nation because His people never stopped praying,” Bishop Oke stated.
PFN at 40: Four Decades of Impact and Unity
Reflecting on the organisation’s journey since its founding in 1985, Bishop Oke described the PFN as one of the most unifying and influential Christian bodies in Nigeria, created to strengthen the bonds among Pentecostal believers nationwide.
“The PFN started 40 years ago, and to a very great extent, the vision of the founding fathers — to bring Pentecostal believers together in unity under one umbrella — has been fulfilled and continues to be fulfilled from generation to generation,” he said.
According to him, the PFN’s greatest achievement has been its consistent role in promoting national unity through prayer, evangelism, and social outreach.
“We’ve made a great impact on Nigeria through the preaching of the gospel, changing hearts from evil to good, from sin to righteousness. The only power that can transform people is the gospel of Christ. When people receive the gospel, their lives change — and when lives change, society changes,” the PFN President explained.
He noted that the fellowship’s presence in every state has made it a stabilising spiritual force, with thousands of churches mobilising prayers and humanitarian efforts that have contributed to national development.
‘Killings Affect All Nigerians, Not Just Christians’
Addressing Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, Bishop Oke condemned the widespread killings, kidnappings, and acts of terrorism affecting many communities across the country.
He stressed that insecurity does not discriminate based on religion, noting that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of the violence plaguing the nation.
“When bandits, insurgents, or terrorists strike, they don’t ask whether you are a Christian, Muslim, or traditional worshipper. Blood is blood. Every killing is a tragedy that affects us all,” he said.
Bishop Oke called for interfaith collaboration in promoting peace and ending the cycle of violence, insisting that no religion supports bloodshed or hatred.
“We must all rise together — Christians, Muslims, and people of every faith — to denounce evil and uphold peace. Every true religion teaches love, not murder,” he emphasised.
Prayer as Nigeria’s Lifeline
The PFN President described prayer as Nigeria’s most powerful survival tool, saying that it has prevented the country from disintegrating despite its political, economic, and social crises.
“There were moments in our national history when it looked like everything would collapse — during elections, military coups, and economic recessions — but God always intervenes through the prayers of His people,” he said.
According to him, the PFN has never relented in mobilising nationwide prayer chains for peace, justice, and leadership.
“Every year, we hold intercessory vigils and national prayer gatherings. We believe in the power of prayer to heal the land. The Bible says righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach. Nigeria must return to God to experience real transformation,” Bishop Oke stated.
He urged Nigerians not to despair despite current economic difficulties, high inflation, and unemployment, assuring that God’s purpose for the nation remains intact.
“Nigeria’s problems are not beyond divine solution. God has a plan for this nation. We only need to keep praying, believing, and doing what is right,” he said.
PFN’s Role in National Development
Beyond spiritual influence, the PFN has also played a significant role in national development through advocacy, humanitarian outreach, and civic engagement.
Bishop Oke said the fellowship has, over the years, provided relief to victims of crises, supported educational initiatives, and partnered with the government and NGOs on peacebuilding and social welfare programs.
“We are not just about preaching. We are involved in providing succour to the needy, supporting widows, and giving scholarships to children. We also engage leaders in dialogue, praying for them and encouraging them to govern with integrity,” he explained.
He noted that PFN leaders often serve as mediators in national conflicts and advisers on moral and ethical governance.
“The PFN will continue to serve as the moral compass of the nation — speaking truth to power, promoting justice, and defending the rights of the oppressed,” Bishop Oke added.
Challenges Facing the Church
While acknowledging the successes of the PFN, Bishop Oke pointed out that the church in Nigeria still faces significant challenges, including persecution, moral decline, and economic pressure on congregations.
“The times are tough, even for churches. Many believers are struggling with poverty, unemployment, and fear caused by insecurity. Yet, the church must not compromise. We must continue to preach holiness and hope,” he advised.
He warned against the growing wave of moral compromise within the church, urging Christian leaders to remain faithful and focused on God’s mission.
“The church must remain the conscience of the nation. If we lose our moral authority, we cannot speak truth to those in power,” he said.
A Call for Unity and Hope
As Nigeria battles multiple crises — from insecurity to inflation and political distrust — Bishop Oke called for renewed unity among Nigerians, urging everyone to look beyond ethnic and religious divisions.
“We must not give up on Nigeria. God has not given up on this nation. Let us believe, work, and pray together. With righteousness, peace, and unity, Nigeria will rise again,” he declared.
He encouraged Christians to remain patriotic and optimistic, saying that the PFN would continue to lead nationwide prayers for revival and restoration.
“Our hope is in God, not in any political system. As long as we keep praying and doing what is right, Nigeria will not fail,” he affirmed.
About Bishop Wale Oke and the PFN
Bishop Francis Wale Oke is the Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan, and the Chancellor of the Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan. He has served as the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria since 2021, succeeding Rev. Felix Omobude.
Under his leadership, the PFN has expanded its nationwide reach, strengthened inter-church cooperation, and intensified advocacy for moral reform, peace, and national unity.
Founded in 1985 by prominent Christian leaders including Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Rev. David Oyedepo, and Bishop Mike Okonkwo, the PFN serves as the umbrella body for all Pentecostal denominations in Nigeria and remains one of the most influential Christian networks in Africa.
The fellowship has been at the forefront of national prayer movements, policy advocacy, and disaster relief initiatives, cementing its role as both a spiritual and social force in Nigeria’s development.
Bishop Oke’s Message to the Nation
In his closing remarks, Bishop Oke delivered a message of faith and resilience to Nigerians, urging the people not to lose hope in the face of hardship.
“God has not abandoned Nigeria. Our destiny is glorious, and our tomorrow will be better than today. Let us keep praying, loving one another, and working hard to build the Nigeria of our dreams,” he said.
