From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
Leaders and citizens across Nigeria have been urged to embrace strict accountability and personal integrity as the most effective remedies to the country’s current socio-economic challenges.
The Senior Pastor of House of Purpose Ministry, Apostle Yakubu Yusuf, made the call on Sunday, during a thanksgiving service marking the church’s 19th anniversary in Angwan area of Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
Speaking on the theme “Glory Realm,” Apostle Yusuf explicitly challenged public office holders to govern with transparency and the fear of God, reminding them that their obligations extend far beyond political survival or public opinion.
“Leaders should know that they are leading people for whom one day they will give an account in heaven,” the cleric cautioned.
Turning his attention to the citizenry, the pastor emphasized that navigating the nation’s difficult times requires a genuine spiritual foundation and a commitment to truth in both public and private life.
“If there is anything we need in a challenging time like this, it is that everyone should be real, genuine, and have God.
“Be born again, have Jesus, and carry Christ inside you. That is the way out,” Apostle Yusuf told the congregation.
Delivering a message titled “The Sound of Glory,” drawing from Acts 2:1–2 and 1 Chronicles 16:27, the cleric explained that the 19-year milestone signifies more than just numerical growth; it marks the church’s entry into a new prophetic season.
He noted that divine intervention only manifests where hearts are intentionally prepared through holiness and consecration, stating, “Glory does not come upon an empty vessel. It comes upon vessels that are prepared.”
Apostle Yusuf also expressed delight at the large turnout of visiting ministers and pastors, describing the solidarity as a visible proof of the church’s collective strength.
“The church is not divided,” he noted. “The Bible says ‘I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’ We are stronger when we are together,” he said.
Corroborating this sentiment, the Chairman of the 19th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Deacon Musa Ephraim Suv, expressed gratitude to members and guests for their overwhelming support.
He remarked that the ministry’s structural and spiritual development belies its age.
“If you look at the church now, you would think it is almost 30 years old, but it’s just 19”.
“We thank God. We pray that in the next 15 years, we will move to our permanent site and a larger church structure,”Deacon Musa stated.
The landmark celebration concluded with special intercessory prayers for national peace, divine guidance for leaders, and continued growth for the ministry.
The Governor further said that ‘’in the same vein, the iconic Panteka Market, widely recognized as Africa’s largest informal skills hub, has undergone significant modernization under our administration.
The market now has state-of-the-art tools, infrastructure, and training facilities aligned with the Nigerian Skills Qualification Framework.
‘’This initiative is expected to uplift more than 38,000 apprentices
by preserving traditional craftsmanship while integrating modern production techniques, standardization, and nationally recognized certifications,’’ he added.
Governor Uba Sani disclosed that ‘’the new and re-worked Panteka Market has since surpassed the legendary Jua Kali of Kenya, which was for several decades regarded as Africa’s largest informal vocational training initiative.’’
He directed that immediate steps be taken to construct a befitting Lecture Theatre Complex within the Polytechnic.
‘’ Arrangements are also underway for the rehabilitation and repair of access roads within both the Main Campus and the By-Pass Campus to improve mobility and provide a more conducive learning environment for students and staff.
‘’The future of our nation depends substantially on the quality of institutions we build today,’’ he pointed out.
