By:Bode Oduneye
The African Church has formally commenced activities marking its 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary with a Press Conference, Theme Declaration and unveiling of the Anniversary Logo held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Adeniyi Coker Memorial Chapel, Ifako, Lagos. The landmark anniversary, which will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, commemorates 125 years of the Church’s faith, sacrifice, service and divine preservation, while also setting a forward-looking agenda for its next chapter.
Speaking at the occasion, the Primate of The African Church, His Eminence, Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa, described the 125-year journey as a remarkable testimony of God’s grace and the courage and sacrifice of the Church’s founding fathers and mothers. According to him, what began as a bold vision has evolved into a historic Christian institution whose story is deeply woven into the religious and social history of Nigeria. Reflecting on the sacrifices of the pioneers, the Primate expressed profound gratitude to God and the founding generation, noting that their sacrifices provided the foundation upon which the Church has continued to stand. “The Church stood because they sacrificed. And we must now build because they entrusted us with a legacy,” he said.
The Primate also declared the official theme of the anniversary as “125 Years of Grace: A Future Unfolding”, drawn from Isaiah 43:19. He explained that the theme emerged from the unique and inspiring story of grace that has characterised the journey of The African Church over the past 125 years. According to him, the theme deliberately connects the Church’s remembrance of its heritage with its responsibility to embrace the future. “Grace brought us here; grace must lead us forward,” the Primate said, stressing that the next chapter of the Church’s history requires a body that remains faithful to Scripture, conscious of its heritage, responsive to the demands of its times and courageous enough to embrace the opportunities of the future. He further disclosed that the anniversary programme has been designed not merely as a celebration of the past, but as a platform for spiritual renewal, historical reflection, evangelism, community engagement and strategic repositioning for the future. The activities include a 40-Day Countdown Campaign, running from September 4 to October 12; Historical and Educational Activities designed particularly to engage younger generations; a National Bible and History Quiz; a Historical Essay Competition; National Evangelism and Community Impact initiatives; and an Exchange of Pulpits across the Church. The programme will culminate in the Grand 125th Founders’ Day Celebration on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, featuring the Anniversary Thanksgiving Service and presentation of awards to deserving members of the Church. The anniversary season will conclude on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when Parishes of The African Church worldwide will observe a uniform Thanksgiving Liturgy and Anniversary Sermon.
Taking participants down memory lane, the Lay President-In-Waiting, Prince Debo Oduguwa, recounted the historical circumstances surrounding the emergence of The African Church, particularly the movement of the founding pioneers from St. Paul’s Breadfruit Church to establish an indigenous pastorate church. He recalled the numerous challenges and storms the Church encountered throughout its history, emphasising that its survival and continued growth over 125 years constitute a remarkable testimony to the sustaining grace of God. A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary Logo. The unveiling was performed by a distinguished group comprising the Primate, His Eminence Augustine Afolabi Odufuwa; the Lay President-In-Waiting, Prince Debo Oduguwa; and the Chairperson of the 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary Planning Committee, Elder (Sis.) Gladys Modupe Obajulaiye, with the support of The Rt. Rev’d Dr. S. Ola Ogunjobi, The Rt. Rev. Mobolaji-Thompson, and Otunba Ola Makinde.
The event also featured an interactive media session during which Church leaders responded to questions on a range of contemporary issues, including politics, national security, artificial intelligence, and the contribution of the Church to societal development. The session provided an opportunity for the leadership of The African Church to articulate the Church’s position on current national issues while highlighting its continuing commitment to making a meaningful contribution to Nigerian society. In her remarks, the Chairperson of the 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary, Elder (Sis.) Gladys Modupe Obajulaiye, called on the media to become active partners in documenting and telling the story of The African Church. She urged journalists and media organisations not merely to report the anniversary events, but to explore the Church’s rich history, engage its leaders, tell the stories of its people and contribute to preserving an important chapter of Nigeria’s Christian heritage for future generations.
The Press Conference ended with prayers by the Primate for The African Church, Nigeria and its people, as well as the members of the 125th Founders’ Day Anniversary Committee, for divine wisdom, strength and a successful execution of the anniversary programme.
As The African Church enters its 125th year, the anniversary stands as both a celebration of a remarkable heritage and a declaration of renewed commitment to the future, a future unfolding by grace.
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