Ogheneruona Tejiri, Warri
Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria(PFN) College of Theology, Delta State Chapter has graduated its maiden set of Diploma Certificate students.
The ceremony took place at Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)Alpha and Omega City, Agbarho, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
In his address, Bishop Dr. Francis Wale Oke, National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN)said that the programme has given room for the graduating students to be impacted with knowledge of capacity development and building saying, good knowledge acquired is an essential part of man’s life.
Bishop Oke said that there are many gospel Ministers in different ministries who have no requisite knowledge of the Bible saying, knowledge is acquired and not got on the platform of anointing.
According to Dr. Oke, “there are no such anointings that impact capacity. You have to acquire knowledge to be formidable to advance the course of this Ministry.Therefore,to be Minister of the gospel, we must develop and build capacity. That is why, this school is here to bring the opportunity for capacity building to every one”.
Bishop Dr. Oke who was represented by Bishop Ralph Olufemi Olowo, National Director, Directorate of Education, PFN congratulated the graduating students for their successful graduation.
He charged them to spread the good news of the presence of the institution in the state to enable others tap on the opportunity to be educated in this regard.
Bishop Oke added, “I therefore require of you graduating today to encourage others to come and enroll in this school to keep the fire burning in the state and beyond”.
Bishop Oke congratulated Rt. Revd. Dr. Abos Willie, Chairman, PFN, Delta State chapter and his executive members and all those who have contributed in one way or the other for successful graduation of the first Diploma Certificate students of PFN Delta State College of Theology.
The National President also expressed gratitude to the Delta State Governor Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for his support to the body in one way or the other over the years.
On his part, Prof. Innocent Okponovwe, Rector of the Institution said that the programme strives to raise competent leaders in God’s vineyard, he expressed gratitude to the students for being the first set of students of the great institution of learning. He also commended PFN Delta State Chapter for the great vision to educate the people in this direction.
According to Prof. Okponovwe, ,”we are proud of PFN, Delta State chapter. I thank all members of the Governing Council for their selfless and tireless efforts for the success of the programmme.
“I also thank the graduating students for being the first set of students of this great college. May God richly bless and keep you in your various ministries”.
Speaking on the theme of programme: “Training for Integrity and Credibility, the Guest Lecturer, who is the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, Professor Ezekiel Agbalagba said, the programme is a historic one as PFN is celebrating both academic and spiritual achievements of the graduating students.
According to Prof.Agbalagba, “the topic of the day is crucial in that, despite the age and time where deception and all kinds of criminals activities such as kidnapping, among others, hold sway, there are still men of integrity in the vineyard of God.
“It is a historic moment that marks both the academic and spiritual achievements of graduating students”.
Prof Agbalagba commended the graduating students to have taken the determination to pursue such a noble course and charged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the institution.
He also thanked the Chairman of PFN Delta State Chapter and Governing Council of the institution for the programme which has successfully graduated the students.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Abos Willie, Chairman of PFN, Delta State Chapter and Chancellor of the institution said that a new cap has been added to the students achievements.
According to Revd. Dr. Abos, the graduating students must show to the world that they have learnt by being good ambassadors of the institution, he charged them to spread the good news of the presence of the Institution and the programmes it is offering.
Revd. Dr. Abos added, “today, you are making history. Let us comport ourselves, let us show to the world that we are learned people, educated and well informed. We show that by the way you address people. You are trained as a Minister of the Gospel”.
The PFN State Chairman and Chancellor reminded them that, a time is coming where it is only those who pass through the College of Theology that would hold office in PFN as many things including part of law is taught to equip the Ministers for better performance in the Ministry.
He expressed gratitude to the the National President and past Chairman, Delta State PFN, Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi and others to have allowed him to serve in this capacity.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of certificates to the graduating students.
