By 
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria PFN has inaugurated a new executive for its Abia State Chapter, with the leadership unveiling a reform focused agenda aimed at strengthening unity, accountability and social engagement within the Christian community.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday 16 December 2025 at The Active Word Assembly Church of God in Christ, Ikot Ekpene Road, Umuahia, and attracted senior church leaders, representatives of the Abia State Government and leaders of Christian organisations across the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu FNSE, his Director of Protocol, Elder Godwin Onwueyi, congratulated the new officers and urged them to see leadership as service rather than privilege. He emphasised the need for integrity, unity and responsible conduct, noting that faith leaders play a critical role in shaping moral values within society.
Representing the National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, the Chairman of the National Inauguration Committee, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, charged the new executive to prioritise people centred leadership and mentorship. He said ministry leadership should focus on raising others and creating opportunities for younger ministers to grow, rather than consolidating authority.
Archbishop Joseph Ojo also cautioned ministers against indiscipline and excessive public speech, urging them to remain committed to their calling and grounded in service. He advised the new chairman to work closely with the PFN National Vice President South East, Bishop Maxwell C Korie, to ensure stability and cohesion within the Fellowship.
Bishop Maxwell C Korie, who formally dissolved the outgoing executive, commended the peaceful transition and praised the administration of the immediate past chairman, Archbishop Chikezie Elekwa, for its cooperation and commitment. He described the election that produced the new leadership as transparent and free of crisis and expressed confidence that the Fellowship would continue to grow.
In his valedictory address, Archbishop Chikezie Elekwa reflected on his nine year tenure, describing the early period as challenging but rewarding. He said his administration focused on restoring unity and strengthening the Fellowship and thanked members for their support. He urged continued cooperation with the new executive, stressing that PFN remains a collective Christian body rather than the preserve of any individual or denomination.
The new chairman, Bishop Ugochukwu Newlife, in his inaugural address, outlined a four year agenda anchored on what he described as a necessary paradigm shift. He commended the outgoing executive for leaving the Fellowship debt free and announced that the new administration has already paid the PFN national dues for 2026 in advance.
He identified key priorities to include the introduction of a bi annual Abia PFN conference and inaugural lecture series, the establishment of a foundation to support indigent pastors and their families, an enlightenment and reconciliation drive to strengthen membership, and renewed efforts to secure land for a permanent PFN secretariat in Abia State.
Additional initiatives include a coordinated prayer programme involving members across designated time divisions, quarterly zonal prayer meetings and an annual PFN retreat aimed at spiritual development and mentorship.
Bishop Newlife appealed for unity among Pentecostal churches and called on members to support the administration’s agenda. He also appealed to the Abia State Government to assist the Fellowship in acquiring land for its proposed secretariat.
The event was attended by the Abia State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Ojo Ojo Uduma, alongside other senior clergy. Special prayers were offered for Nigeria, Abia State and the Church.
The newly inaugurated PFN Abia State executive includes Bishop Ugochukwu Newlife as Chairman; Reverend Chukwuma Kalu, Deputy Chairman; Reverend Ikechukwu Ndukwe Daniel, Secretary; Reverend D C Obasi, Treasurer; Pastor Barrister Martin Okereafor, Legal Adviser; Reverend Moses Odoemelam, Internal Auditor; Bishop Chika Ezeh, First Vice Chairman; Reverend A N Ogbonna, Second Vice Chairman; Apostle Ben Nwankwo, Third Vice Chairman; and Reverend Blessed Amalambu, Public Relations Officer.
Comments