- urges churches to create jobs, empower members, provide solutions to Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges
The Deputy General Overseer of Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor Dr. E. T. Oluwayemi, has called on Nigerians to put their absolute trust in God despite the nation’s economic hardship and security challenges, describing God as “the only system that cannot fail.”
Pastor Oluwayemi made the call on Sunday, June 28, 2026, during the grand finale of the church’s annual three-day revival held at Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Isuada 1 Assembly, Owo, Ondo State, with the theme, “The Lord is My Shepherd.” The programme also featured the presentation of scholarships to students in three categories and the empowerment of male and female members of the church.
Preaching on the theme, the cleric explained that sheep are naturally unable to protect themselves and therefore require a shepherd. He said Jesus Christ willingly offered Himself as the Good Shepherd, quoting John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
He urged people to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ, assuring them that anyone who makes Christ his Shepherd will enjoy divine provision, guidance, protection, comfort, empowerment, goodness, mercy and God’s abiding presence. He also appealed to those who were yet to accept Christ to do so without delay.
Speaking with journalists after the programme, Pastor Oluwayemi stressed the importance of unwavering trust in God, citing Psalm 125:1: “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.”
According to him, trust in God produces faith and keeps believers steadfast in difficult times.
“You cannot trust any system again. God is the only system that cannot fail,” he said, adding that Christians should reject fear because “fear is a killer and an enemy of faith.”
He noted that focusing on prevailing circumstances often breeds fear, whereas placing one’s confidence in God strengthens faith and hope.
On the role of the Church in addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges, the Deputy General Overseer said prayer alone was not enough, insisting that faith must be accompanied by action.
Quoting the Book of James that “faith without works is dead,” he challenged churches to complement evangelism with practical interventions by empowering people economically, establishing factories and companies to create employment opportunities, participating in governance, promoting agriculture, and establishing institutions capable of providing lasting solutions to the nation’s economic and social challenges.
He reminded Nigerians that the country’s present difficulties were not unprecedented, urging citizens to trust God, live by faith, avoid compromising their values, and become part of the solution rather than contributing to the nation’s problems.
The host pastor, Pastor Michael Akinola Ojo, told journalists that the theme of the revival was received through the leading of the Holy Spirit in response to the prevailing insecurity and economic hardship in the country.
He explained that the church’s scholarship and empowerment initiatives were designed to provide relief to vulnerable members in line with James 1:27, which emphasises caring for people in need.
Pastor Ojo added that beneficiaries were selected based on genuine need, with priority given to hardworking members and students who required financial support to pursue their education and improve their livelihoods.
The programme also underscored the church’s commitment to social welfare through its scholarship and empowerment initiatives. Scholarships were awarded to 29 students, comprising five primary school pupils, 17 secondary school students, and seven tertiary institution students, while eight male and female members of the church received empowerment support. The presentation was coordinated by the Chairman of the Church’s Scholarship and Empowerment Committee, Prof. Sylvester Itanrin.
The Asuada of Isuada, His Royal Majesty, Oba Joel Oluwafemi Adeluwoye, his wife, the Chief Atuwa of Isuada, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary School (ASUSS), Comrade Sola Adigun, the former Registrar of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Pastor Peter Akinlabi, Prophet Oguntade, Lady Evangelist Sharon, and other dignitaries graced the occasion.
The three-day revival attracted worshippers from within and outside the community and featured intensive prayers, soul-winning messages, scholarship presentations and empowerment programmes aimed at promoting both spiritual growth and socio-economic development.
