Divine appointment: Apostle Nwaire steps into God’s plan at CLGA Church

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

God’s plan is sovereign and unchallengeable. Within the sacred order of the Church’s leadership, God appoints leaders who reflect His will and heart. In accordance with this divine orchestration, the Christian Life Gospel Assembly (CLGA), Oke-Afa, Lagos State, now embraces a new leadership chosen by God to fulfill His purpose.

Apostle Samuel Chukwunenye Nwaire, who emerged as the new General Overseer (GO) of the church said that the transition of leadership was smooth and straightforward because it was God’s design and desire. According to Nwaire had there been any contest in this succession process, the transition might have occurred sooner.
The scenario of his coming onboard according to him, brings to the fore the biblical story of Moses, who was initially hesitant and unprepared for leadership, unlike Joshua. When God announced to Joshua that Moses was dead, indicating there was a leadership vacuum that needed filling, and Joshua was chosen to step up, as he had shown faith in God in his forty years of mentorship under Moses.

The Christian Life Gospel Assembly in Oke-Afa, Lagos State started 32 years ago as a prayer ministry at 10, Alabe street isolo, Lagos, with Nwaire and family as one of the pioneer members.

Some members of the church in group photograph with their new G.O

Following the passing of its founder, the church, guided by divine providence, has now appointed a new General Overseer to lead its mission and oversee its growth, in alignment with God’s plan.

The general overseer narrates that he was in Owerri, Imo State when the Founder of the ministry, Rev. Dr. Isaac Chibuike Ugboaja, passed away. “At that time, I thought I would only contribute ideas for the ministry’s continuity, possibly through someone else. However, as testimonies came in from all around, many people shared that Isaac had told them in good health that I would be the one to lead the ministry if anything happened to him.

“This clear directive meant that there was no contention about my new role, not even from Isaac’s family,” Nwaire voiced. “It became evident that God’s plan was unfolding, as his will always does,” he stated.

He said: “Our commitment to following God’s word has shielded us from challenges. Often, difficulties arise when people pursue their own desires rather than God’s will.”

Reflecting on the swift successes we’ve achieved in such a short time, any member will tell you that the anticipated outcomes have already come to pass, including today’s event. The general overseer acknowledged that the best course is to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who can provide everything we need.

“I didn’t foresee myself in this position and was initially reluctant to accept the call, feeling unprepared. Yet, God continued to guide me, showing why I had to step into this role. Planning an event like this seemed daunting, but we are here today purely by God’s grace, which shows His hand is upon us. Even the weather has testified to God’s favour.

“Yesterday’s rain made it impossible to stand outside, but today, the weather is perfectly clear, and I feel assured it will remain so even up to Sunday when we will have the remaining part of this programme,” Nwaire prophesied.

In his acceptance speech, the new General Overseer expressed his gratitude and commitment: “My self, my wife, and the entire household of Apostle Samuel Chukwunenye Nwaire, are honoured to serve the Christian Life Gospel Assembly. I want to assure you that the same God who has called me will touch your lives today. I declare that the Lord, who holds blessings in His hands, will bless you abundantly. Just as He has visited me, He will visit you. The hand of God will be upon you, and as you have gathered here, He will fulfill the desires of your hearts. God’s grace and favour will continually rest upon you.”

Expressing the deep gratitude, Nwaire submitted “I thank God for making this possible, and I am grateful to this church for finding my wife and me worthy of this important calling to serve and lead.”

Pastor (Mrs.) Stella Ugboaja, the wife of the late Founder and General Overseer of the Christian Life Gospel Assembly, highlighting the futility of struggling over spiritual leadership: “Those who do not know God often stand in opposition to His will, seeking to grasp both spiritual and worldly possessions. In our situation, just as God appointed Joshua, my late husband by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost chosen the new General Overseer.

Pastor Mrs Ugboaja, wife of late General Overseer

“There is no need for conflict over succession. My children and I are fully committed to supporting the G.O for the continued growth of this ministry. This is God’s work, not something to be contested over. When you truly know God, you let Him lead and direct your path, regardless of earthly temptations.”

She continued, expressing gratitude and optimism: “We thank God for today’s developments. By His grace, the church now has a new G.O. We rejoice in seeing the legacy of the late Rev. Ugboaja continue, and we bless God for it. We trust that God will use the new leader to accomplish even greater things. We pledge our support to honor and glorify Jesus’ name.”

Reflecting on her late husband’s vision, she shared, “Rev. Ugboaja had a mission to win at least 30,000 souls for God. Though he could not fulfill this vision himself, we pray that God grants the new G.O the grace to carry on this mission, bringing many more souls into God’s kingdom and expanding the ministry.”

Pastor Ugboaja also reaffirmed their commitment to the church’s foundational mission: “Our calling was always about deliverance and soul-winning. Though God has called my husband home, we praise His name. I am confident that, with God’s grace, this vision will be realized. My family is wholly dedicated to supporting this ministry. I wish the new leadership and all members of the congregation strength, grace, and success in serving Him even more fervently.”

In his homily, Bishop Abraham James emphasized that despite our prayers and fasting, God’s will always prevails, and it may not align with our desires. He stated, “It’s not about what we want; it’s about what God wills. Moses faced many challenges and surmounted them through God that called him.

“As the new prophet on this mountain, you have no excuses. You must lead effectively; ensuring people come early to church and are won to Christ. All eyes are on you. Arise and guide this congregation forward. This ministry cannot falter under your leadership.”

Bishop James continued, “You are not here to create a new vision but to understand and advance the one already established. Your task is to comprehend it deeply and run with it, for the glory of the latter days will surpass that of the former. That’s why you are being announced as the new leader today. Your role is not to outshine Moses but to give your best by God’s empowerment. In ministry, there’s no such thing as ‘doing better’—what you think is better might not align with God’s intentions. Focus on fulfilling your mission to the best of your ability through God’s grace.”

He further elaborated and reminded the congregation, “Don’t expect to hear Moses’ sermons repeated on Sundays, for Moses is gone, and the work continues. God is not a traditionalist; He is a strategist with countless ways to fulfill His purpose. Anyone expecting the new General Overseer to be exactly like his predecessor will be disappointed. New anointing brings new power, new revelations, and new directions. Things will never be the same.”

Stressing the importance of loyalty James said: “If you are part of this ministry, your allegiance must be to the new Joshua(Apostle Nwaire), those who remain loyal to the former leader and resist the new leadership are inviting conflict with God, just as God dealt with those who rebelled against Moses, He will handle those who oppose His servant on this mountain. Your complete loyalty now belongs to the Joshua of our time in this sanctuary.”

Prelate Enyinnaya

Prelate of Fellowship of Frontline Apostles and Prophets (FFAPP) and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigerian (PFN) Chairman Lagos State branch, Apostle Enyinnaya Okwuonu, while anointing Apostle Nwaire pronounced that he was by virtue of his consecration qualified to carry out such sacred activities as weddings, ordinations, baptism amongst others.

Prelate Enyinnaya blowing the shofar at the consecration last Saturday 22 June, 2024

He said, “By your consecration, you have the cooperation of God to restore life in this Ministry. To members, I admonish you, he may not be the best, but he is God’s arrangement for today as far as CLGA is concerned.

“As a Minister of God, you are not the boss but a servant, leader, peace maker, solution provider amongst others.”

Mrs Nwaire being anointed as a pastor

The wife of the G.O Mrs. Cecilia Onyemazuwa Nwaire was also ordained pastor by the Prelate, Apostle Okwuonu.

One of the newly ordained elders, Emmanuel Nwacha, who along with other brethren received the anointing of ordination administered by the new G.O, Apostle Nwaire, described him as a humble child of God who is known locally and internationally.
“The late G.O by the inspiration of the holy spirit prepared and presented Apostle Sam for this task when he ordained him as the assistant G.O, he foresaw the future.

Elder Emma & Deaconess Mrs Chinwe Nwacha at the ordination at Oke- Afa, Lagos

“We have seen his worth, he is indeed a round peg in a round hole.

“As God could have it, he started undergoing some religious/ theological courses some of which have prepared him for this great task, this great commission.

“Apostle Nwaire’s ascendance to this office is divine and only those that have spiritual eye, those their spiritual antenna are alert could comprehend where our late G.O was being led to.” Emma clarified.

Elder Emma expressed gratitude to God that Apostle Sam never declined the call at this time in the life of the church.

“We are grateful for those that have stood firm for the church of God and by the new G.O. The mammoth crowd last Saturday was a testament to the calibre of the person of our Daddy in the Lord Apostle Nwaire. We have no doubt this trend will continue because very many people want to associate with him.

“He has done enormous things to glorify the name of God through humanity even his philanthropic gesture has been outstanding, employment opportunities not left out.
God has positioned this His vessel at this time for His work, I implore our members who are backsliding to join the moving train or be left out.

“Let’s join the Joshua of our time to take the church of God to the promised land being envisioned by our late G.O, Rev. Dr Ugboaja,” Emma sounded.

Apostle Nwaire anointing ministers of the church last Saturday

Six elders, nine evangelists, 12 deacons/deaconesses and alter ministers were ordained, while Pastor Japhet Iheanacho Davidson and 18 others had their pastoral anointing refreshed.

RL: Pastor Humphrey Nwaire with Prelate Enyinnaya and others at the alter during the consecration.

Elder brothers of Apostle Nwaire – Pastors, Geoffrey and Humphrey Nwaire were also on hand to lend their solidarity, according to Humphrey, the family is proud of Apostle Sam. They prayed for the guidance and protection of the holy spirit on him and the wife to lead the flock placed in their care to the way of the Lord.

Fervent prayers offered last Saturday at the ordination service brought down the hands of God for divine intervention and solutions to myriads of challenges facing the country and individuals as Bishops, Apostles and head of churches graced the special service among whom were Mr. Ayo Badejo , District Coordinator, (D.C.) South west 6 District and Barrister Okey Mbah, National Director of Full Businessmen’s Fellowship.

NLC President Joe Ajaero, Chief Okewulonu and others in a group photograph with Apostle Nwaire

The Imo State Governor , his Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, was represented by Dr. Chidi Patrick Uzoma, Imo State Lagos liaison officer. The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly Rt. Honourable Chike Olemgbe, sent his good will message.

The President of Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC) Comrade Joe Ajero witnessed the ceremony, along with Chief Emma Okewulonu, (Ikeoha).
Many other Technocrats, captains of industries also were not left out. They include Hon. Engr.Jonathan Lawani, Chief Technical officer, Benin Electricity Distribution Company. Many traditional rulers graced the occasion.