COMMUNIQUÉ: National Conference 2022 in Delta State.

PREAMBLE

The Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship (NCGF), an inter-denominational organization of Christian intellectuals, held its 47^th Annual National Conference from the 24^th to 28^th of August, 2022 at the Grand Hotel, Asaba, Delta State. Participation was both physical and virtual.

The Conference also marked the 25^th Anniversary of the missionary arm of the Fellowship, the Africa Vision Tract House Society (AVTHS).

The conference which had as its theme, WALKING IN DOMINION (Genesis 1:28), was attended by Christians from different parts of Nigeria and it was addressed by anointed ministers of the Gospel, missionaries, development experts, political activists and investment experts, including His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa who was represented by the first lady of the State, Her Excellency, Dame Edith Okowa; Apostle (Dr.) David Onuoha; Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ifeanyi Ekpenisi and Dr. Iheanyi Uwaoma. Others include: Bishop (Prof.) Vincent Iyawe; Prof. Chuks Eboka; Prof. (Mrs.) Mabel Osakwe; Prof. Julius Iyasele; Pastor Oje Ohiwerei; and Pastor (Engr.) Chuka Anuebunwa, among others. The conference provided a forum for exhilarating praise and worship; intercessory prayers for the nation; inspiring expositions from the Bible and robust discussions of matters of national interest, including the 2023 general elections.

RESOLUTIONS

At the end of the 4-day conference, the following resolutions were reached:-

The Church:

The Conference affirmed the position of the Scripture (Gen. 1:28) that man was created for dominion.

The Conference emphasized the fact that dominion is a co-creation mandate; that everything God created was left in its raw material state and that it is by man’s exercising of his co-creation mandate in converting the raw materials to finished product, that man dominates the earth.

It reminded believers that they all have abilities deposited in them by God at the time of their creation which they must identify, and harness to full capacity until they (their name) become associated with that particular venture of their ability; then, can it be said that dominion has taken place.

The Conference encouraged Christians that it is never too late to begin to fulfill their dominion mandate; that at whatever age a man receives his vision from God, his destiny has begun; and that as long as the vision is alive, longevity is guaranteed.

It emphasized the need for all, especially believers, to discover their purpose of being created by God and guided them on how to discover their purpose, to wit: by looking up – seeking the face of God; looking in-wards – by identifying their innate abilities, talents, and strengths; looking around – identifying areas of life where their passions lie; and by looking forward – by helping others who have identified their purposes in life in fulfilling their purposes, as by so doing, God will reward them (the believer) by revealing to them their own purpose as recorded in Luke 16:12.

The Conference enlightened Christians that, after the fall of man (Adam), the dominion mandate given to mankind was expanded beyond dominating the earth to include dominating every power of the enemy/kingdom of darkness as recorded in Luke 10:19.

It emphasized the fact that continuous study and meditation on the Word of God and having a constant prayer and fasting lifestyle are necessary habits that must characterize any believer who must fulfill this expanded dominion mandate.

The Conference emphasized the high price tag placed on the Christians who were called the Salt and Light of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself in Matt. 5: 13-14; and asserted that, by this unique position the believers occupy, wherever darkness or tastelessness is identified in the world, the believers are to be held responsible. Accordingly, believers must strive to live up to expectations.

Politics and Governance:

The NCGF took a critical look at the state of the nation and expressed deep concern over the sorry state of the nation generally, from the economy, as evidenced in the country’s unprecedented debt profile and the extreme poverty ranking according to the World Bank’s latest 2022 Poverty and Prosperity Report which ranks Nigeria 103 out of 121 countries.; to the education sector – as evidenced in what has been described as one of the longest ASUU strikes, and the attendant negative effect on the youths of the country; as well as socially, as expressed in the teething security challenges facing the country, ranging from the recurrent cases of kidnappings, mindless killings of Christians in Jos and Southern Kaduna, as well as the unknown gunmen attacks in the eastern and other parts of the country; among several other challenges plaguing the country Nigeria.

The Conference took a critical consideration of the various problems bedeviling the country, and identified leadership ineptitude, corruption, and lack of empathy by our political leaders, as constituting part of the root causes of the challenges plaguing the country.

The Conference however expressed hope for the country Nigeria, especially in view of the words of prophecies that have gone ahead of Nigeria which is yet to manifest.

The NCGF noted that the 2023 election is very critical in the battle for the soul of Nigeria.

It adopted the document produced by the Political and Strategy Committee of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 2023 General elections which identified 4 basic considerations, to wit: Character, Competences, Capacity and Policies, which should serve as a benchmark for all citizens, especially Christians, in the assessment of the candidates vying for political offices at all levels in 2023 and guide them to make informed choices.

The Conference urged all Nigerian, Christians in particular, to come out en masse and cast their votes on election day.

CONCLUSION

Finally, the Conference offered strategic prayers for a greater Nigeria; and enjoined Christians and Nigerians at large to have faith in God and continue to remain resilient in their hope for a greater Nigeria where peace, justice, and prosperity shall reign come 2023.

Long live the Nigeria Christian Graduate Fellowship!

Long live the Christian Community in Nigeria!!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!

Prof. Chuks Eboka Pastor Peter Adebayo National President General Secretary