…Hails Jude Okporoβs πππ πππ²
By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The House of Prayer International Covenant Church (HPICC), Orlu, has celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in grand style, marking 60 years of faith, prayer, spiritual service and commitment to its divine mandate, while paying glowing tribute to the enduring legacy of its late founder, Most Rev. Jude Oguaju, popularly known as βJude Okporo.β
The grand anniversary celebration was held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the HPICC International Headquarters, Isiala Okporo Community, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, under the theme, βOur Faith: A Light for Our Future.β
The celebration brought together worshippers, church leaders, guests, community leaders and representatives of sister churches from different parts of Nigeria and beyond to commemorate the six-decade journey of the church.
The event was characterised by thanksgiving, praise, music, prayers, tributes and reflections on the history and growth of the church since its establishment 60 years ago.
Speaking at the occasion, the General Overseer and High Priest of HPICC, Rev. John Jude-Peters Oguaju, described the Diamond Jubilee as a historic moment to celebrate Godβs faithfulness and honour the legacy of the churchβs founder.
Rev. Oguaju paid glowing tribute to his late father, Most Rev. Jude Oguaju, for responding to what he described as a divine call and laying the spiritual foundation upon which HPICC had continued to grow.
He said the six-decade journey of the church was a testimony to the power of faith, obedience, sacrifice and commitment to divine purpose.
According to him, the values of faith, prayer, covenant, service and spiritual responsibility established by the founder had continued to guide the church across generations.
βFor sixty years, this House has stood as a testimony of what can happen when a people remain committed to a divine calling. Seasons have changed, circumstances have evolved, generations have emerged, yet the foundational values of faith, prayer, covenant, service and spiritual responsibility have continued to provide direction,β he said.
The General Overseer expressed appreciation to members, leaders, supporters and friends of the church whose prayers, sacrifices, resources and dedication had contributed to the growth and sustainability of HPICC.
He urged members to preserve the heritage handed down by the founder and remain committed to advancing the work of God as the church enters another phase of its journey.
The Chairman of the occasion, Apostle Barnabas Dike, also commended the late founder for his obedience to God’s instruction, noting that his response to the divine call had grown into a mission with lasting spiritual impact.
Apostle Dike urged members to use the Diamond Jubilee as an opportunity to rededicate themselves to God and sustain the principles upon which the church was established.
Similarly, the Chairman of the HPICC National Executive Council, Elder Dr. Luke Nwannedi Ejezieh, expressed delight over the growth and recognition of the church, describing its progress as evidence of God’s faithfulness.
He said the life of the late founder remained an example of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to divine service, urging the present generation to preserve and build on his legacy.
The Chairman of the Jubilee Committee, Deacon Engr. Ndubueze Ogbonna, and the Secretary, Deacon Dr. Okeke Nnamdi, attributed the success of HPICC’s 60-year journey to the faithfulness of God.
They recalled the blessings and impact associated with the church over the years and acknowledged the foundational role played by the late Jude Okporo in establishing a spiritual heritage that had continued to influence lives and communities.
The traditional ruler of Isiala Okporo, His Royal Highness, Eze Francis Nonyelum, congratulated the church on attaining the milestone, noting that the community had benefited significantly from its presence and activities.
In separate goodwill messages, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) senatorial candidate for Orlu Zone, Hon. Chukwudi Mayor Eze, and former Imo State lawmaker, Hon. Pascal Okolie, described HPICC as a longstanding symbol of faith, worship and righteousness.
They praised the late founder for his contributions to the spiritual development of the area and urged the church to continue building on the foundation he laid.
Other personalities at the celebration included Senior Pastor Emmanuel Ndulue of Christ Holy Covenant Sabbath Mission, Anambra State; Priest Nonso Onyeagba of Remnant International; Leader Daniel Ajuluchukwu of Will of God Sabbath Mission, Anambra State; and Ochomma Justice Chisom of the Altar of Answers Sanctuary for All Nations, Imo State.
Also present were Priest Elijah Munonye of God’s Will Covenant ππ’π¬π¬π’π¨π§, Priest Solomon Nkodum of Light of Yahweh ππ¬π¬ππ¦ππ₯π² ππ§π Rev. Onyeka J. Nnajiofor of Living Mountain Covenant Church of Yahweh Uga, Anambra State.
The grand celebration featured a music cantata, special ministrations, thanksgiving, the cutting of the Diamond Jubilee cake and the unveiling of the HPICC House Yovel Project.
The activities generated excitement and jubilation among members and guests, as the church reflected on its 60-year journey and celebrated the contributions of those who had helped to advance its mission.
The Diamond Jubilee celebration ultimately served as both a celebration of six decades of God’s faithfulness and a renewed call for HPICC to preserve the spiritual heritage of Jude Okporo while pursuing greater impact, service and growth in the years ahead.
