By Tribune Online

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…unveils plans for National convention

The Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria has rolled out activities to celebrate its 70th anniversary, including 12th public lecture and the 70th Annual National Convention scheduled for October.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Monday, September 8, 2025, the General Overseer of the church, Rev. (Dr.) Sam Aboyeji, described the milestone as a testimony of God’s faithfulness since the church was planted in Nigeria in 1955.

According to him, what began at Yankee Bar, near Alagomeji in Yaba, Lagos, through the efforts of Rev. Harold and Mrs. Faye Curtis, alongside early Nigerian leaders such as Samuel Odunaike, James Boyejo and Rev. Friday Osuwa, has grown into a nationwide movement with over 5,000 churches spread across the 36 states and the FCT.

He added that the church has also expanded into other African countries including Ghana, Liberia, Togo, Benin Republic, and Equatorial Guinea.

“As we mark this 70th anniversary, we are vigorously pursuing our Decade of SOARING vision built on inreach, outreach, and raising the next generation. We believe the gospel mandate extends beyond the church walls into nation-building,” Rev. Aboyeji said.

One of the highlights of the anniversary is the 12th Annual Public Lecture, billed for Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos. The lecture will focus on the theme “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy.”

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State will chair the event, while Dr. Doyin Salami, Associate Professor at Lagos Business School and former Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council, will deliver the lecture. A panel of experts including Pastor Ben Akabueze, Mrs. Ini Abimbola, and Dr. Otive Igbuzor is also expected to enrich the discussion.

Rev. Aboyeji explained that the choice of the theme was informed by the alarming poverty statistics in the country, noting that recent World Bank figures put rural poverty at 75 percent and urban poverty at 41 percent.

“Poverty is not merely a social issue but a critical economic imperative. Addressing it requires reforms that empower citizens with skills, opportunities, and access to resources,” he said.

The church will also host a special evangelistic outreach tagged Holy Spirit Refreshing Dew on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, as part of the jubilee celebrations.

The climax of the anniversary will be the 70th Annual National Convention, themed “Completion and Perfection,” slated for October 6–12 at the Foursquare Campground, Ajebo, Ogun State. The event, according to a statement from the church, will feature prominent church leaders including Pastor E.A. Adeboye, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, and the International President of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev. Randy Remington.

Rev. Aboyeji also used the occasion to felicitate with Nigerians on the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to remain resilient and prayerful in the face of challenges.

“As a church, we will continue to pray for our leaders and our nation, while also speaking truth to power where necessary. We believe God for a new Nigeria that we will all be proud of,” he said.

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