by Christiana Gokyo, Jos.
PLATEAU STATE: The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Plateau State Chapter, has also joined other states across the federation to mark the 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Awards Service of the Fellowship, held at Living Faith Church, Lugard Road, Jos, on Sunday.
Speaking during the ceremony, the National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, commended the Plateau Chapter for keeping the PFN vision alive and vibrant, with theme: ‘PFN: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.’
He reminded the believers that the fellowship began humbly in Lagos State, the cradle of Pentecostalism in Nigeria, emphasizing that PFN remains a symbol of unity, holiness, and faith-driven leadership.
He said, the 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of the past but “a call to greater exploits tomorrow,” adding that, “PFN would henceforth institutionalize the Thanksgiving and Awards Ceremony as an annual event to celebrate excellence, integrity, and impactful leadership across the nation.”
While preaching on the theme, Rev. Dr. Wilson Ezeofor took his text from the Book of Joel, reminding Christians of the Pentecostal experience when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and empowered them to speak in tongues.
But he lamented on the spiritual ignorance among many believers, despite Jesus’ declaration that “all power in heaven and on earth belongs to Him,” and stressed that “PFN is not a mere organization but a spiritual movement, rooted in the Word of God, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s moral and social development.”
He urged the Church not to forget “the Pentecostal of tomorrow,” calling on members to take the gospel beyond Plateau State and Nigeria’s borders.
Speaking earlier, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk, who is Chairman of PFN Plateau, disclosed the historical journey of the fellowship since its establishment in 1988.
While recalling that the PFN on the Plateau began under the pioneering leadership of Rev. N.C. Thompson, working alongside other visionary clerics, Rev. Kenneth Ononeze, Rev. Samuel Anthony, Rev. Emmanuel Nnajei, Rev. Bright Ndu, Bishop Jonas Katung, Rev. Samuel Alaha, Rev. Chuwang Davou, and Rev. Steven Dangana, each contributing at different times to the spiritual growth and unity of the body of Christ.
According to him,under Bishop Jonas Katung (2003–2005), PFN Plateau secured its first Secretariat at No. 8 Langtang Street, Jos, a milestone that strengthened its institutional foundation.
Rev. Chuwang Davou later introduced decentralization and structural reforms, while Rev. Dr. Steven Dangana (2015–2023) consolidated PFN’s presence across all local government areas of the state.
Rev. Gomwalk further announced that under his current leadership, the PFN has acquired land for a permanent Secretariat and a 12 seater Volkswagen bus, affirming that “the vision of our founding fathers is gradually unfolding , to God be the glory.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Award of Excellence in Leadership to the Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, in recognition of his unwavering support for the Christian community.
While presenting the award, Rev. Dr. Dunka Gomwalk recalled that shortly after assuming office, Governor Mutfwang donated a parcel of land for the construction of PFN’s permanent Secretariat ,a promise he not only fulfilled but fully paid for, to the tune of ₦100 million, with all documentation completed.
The Governor was represented by Hon. Barr.J.K. Chris, Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, expressed gratitude for the honour, describing it as “a call to do more for the people of Plateau State.”
The Governor reaffirmed his faith in God and urged PFN and all churches in the state to continue praying for the success of his administration.
Also Prophet Isa El-Buba,who is the National Vice President (North Central) of PFN and Chief Host of the event, decried the rising wave of killings and genocidal attacks on Plateau communities.
He declared that the PFN would not remain silent while innocent lives are being lost, revealing plans for another peaceful procession to draw global attention to the ongoing atrocities.
According to him,silence in the face of evil is complicity,” he warned, urging both government and faith leaders to act with courage and compassion.
The event further featured awards of honour to clerics and pioneers whose contributions had laid the foundation for PFN’s enduring legacy on the Plateau.