President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State have congratulated the President and Founder of The Sword of the Spirit Ministries International, Bishop Francis Wale Oke on his emergence as the seventh President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Buhari also congratulates the outgoing President of PFN, Dr. Felix Omobude, for his stewardship, recognizing the continuous intercessions in prayers for the nation, and willingness to offer wise counsels to leaders of the country at all levels, including Federal, State and Local Council.
In a statement by presidents spokesperson, Mr Femi Adesina the President commends all participants at the meeting of National Advisory Council of PFN held at the Grace Cathedral, Enugu, for electing the renowned preacher, teacher and evangelist to lead the Christian body, affirming that his wealth of experience in spiritual issues, and passion for the country’s development will make a difference.
President Buhari enjoins the new leadership of PFN, all Christian leaders and the Church to continue upholding the country in prayers for peace and prosperity.
The President wishes Bishop Oke and his team God’s favour on the new responsibility.
Governor Makinde said the choice of Bishop Wale Oke, ho he described as his father, to lead the PFN at this time, is a step in the direction and a good development for the Christian fold.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as equally saying that he had no doubt that the PFN would experience tremendous progress under Oke’s leadership.
According to Makinde, “the emergence of my father in the Lord and one of the servants of God I have great regards for, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, as the
President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria is a good news.
“For anyone who knows Bishop Oke, his principles and strong belief in excellence, his selfless spirit and above all, his deep sense of patriotism, his choice to lead PFN at this trying times in the life of the nation is divine.
“I congratulate the revered Man of God and the Pentecostal Fellowship on this development and I pray that Christ will continue to move the fellowship forward.”
Governor Makinde equally declared that the Oyo State government under his watch remains ever ready to support Bishop Oke, a patriotic indigene of the state as well as all religious leaders, because the administration believes strongly that prayer remains the greatest key to its success.
He added that apart from the Pace-Setter sobriquet of Oyo State, the state might as well be referred to as God’s own beloved state, as the emergence of Bishop Oke as PFN President meant that the President of the PFN and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) are now both from Oyo State.
The governor used the opportunity to charge the new PFN President to lead a strong charge in prayers for the country, stating that the efficacy of prayers cannot be wished away at this time in the life of the nation.