Rev. (Dr.) Sam Oye (Right) and Emmanuel Isaiah during the press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
By Felix Khanoba
The Lead Pastor of The Transforming Church (TTC), Rev. (Dr.) Sam Oye, has emphasized that the 2024 Encounter Worship Conference will serve as a platform to bring Nigerians together, offering spiritual solace amid the country’s economic challenges and societal divisions.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Oye said the conference tagged Encounter ’24, scheduled for November 1, 2024, at the church’s premises in Gwarinpa, will be an opportunity for Nigerians to turn their focus to God for divine intervention.
“The Encounter is an initiative of The Transforming Church to provide an atmosphere where people, especially Nigerians, can come together despite the crises, political divides, and ethnic tensions in the country,” Dr. Oye said.
He emphasized the importance of unity during difficult times: “This event is a rallying point for people from all walks of life – across tribes and political affiliations. It is a rare occasion where individuals from different parties, whether PDP, APC, Labour, or APGA, will come together to acknowledge God, share their humanity, and reaffirm our oneness as Nigerians.”
Dr. Oye stressed the need for Nigerians to shift their reliance from the government to God in the face of overwhelming challenges.
“With the government struggling to meet expectations and people unable to rely on each other because everyone is burdened, we must turn to the one who can help us all. That night will be a time to unburden ourselves and seek divine assistance for the nation,” he said.
He added that the conference will also include prayers for the government and national leaders. “As a faith-based organization, our role is not to criticize leaders but to pray for them and for Nigeria’s future,” Dr. Oye noted.
Speaking further, the clergyman revealed that TTC has been actively supporting Nigerians through various social initiatives, including education scholarships, healthcare, and food distribution to those in need.
“We provide scholarships from primary school to postgraduate levels, both within and outside Nigeria. In addition, we offer free medical services every Sunday at the church clinic for those who cannot afford healthcare,” he said.
He disclosed plans to launch a 24-hour medical centre that will operate daily throughout the year. “We are in the advanced stages of establishing this centre, with a team of doctors and medical professionals ready to serve the community,” Dr. Oye added.
He said the church’s ongoing food distribution initiative, known as the “Mercy Table,” is open to all, regardless of religious affiliation. “Every month, we distribute food items to families, including non-Christians, to help them cope with the economic situation,” he explained.
When asked about the possibility of joining politics, Dr. Oye dismissed the idea.
“” I am a father to people in government. I cannot go into government. On the contrary, I watch over people who are in government. I’m sure you are aware, last Sunday, I had with us here the governor of Abia State who just came to appreciate for the work that I’m doing with him privately, which, if not that, he came to the public to say that you will never have known, and he is one of the few that I’m working with like that privately, governors, senators, members of the House of rep are people that I’m working with privately,” he said.
On his part, Emmanuel Isaiah, Chairman of the 2024 Encounter Worship Conference organizing committee, called on Nigerians to embrace God to navigate the nation’s challenges.
“We strongly believe in the power of God that can transform a nation. Nigerian need God more than ever before now, and Nigerians need God more than ever before. So this is one night where we believe strongly that God’s mercy will show up for our nation. God’s mercy will intervene in the individual lives of Nigerians.
“Currently, we need direction and the clarity we can get to get us where the destiny of Nigerian can get to will only come by the mercy and the faithfulness of God. So we are using this one night to pray to God to show our nation His mercies and help us get to where he has ordained us to get to. Nigeria is a great nation we believe in this country, and my pastor has always over and over again, emphasize on the power that unity can actually bring to pass if we all work together,” he said.
The AUTHORITY reports that the Encounter Worship Conference will be broadcast live via satellite, reaching audiences worldwide, and will also feature performances by renowned gospel artistes from across Nigeria.
