03/04/2026
𝗢𝗝𝗘𝗠𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗘𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗗𝗜𝗩𝗜𝗡𝗘 𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗔𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳
By Ojila Yahaya Monday
In what observers described as a solemn moment of faith and reflection, the Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on the National Inland Waterways, Chief Hon Pst. Ojotu Ojema, PhD, FESMI, on Tuesday, 1 April 2026, formally received Divine Blessings ahead of the 2027 political season.
The prayer gathering took place at Kingdom Gospel International Gospel Centre, Ugbokpo, where pastors and church leaders from Apa and Agatu Local Government Areas assembled in large numbers to intercede for the Lawmaker. The event was marked by worship, exhortation, prophetic declarations and prayers for guidance, protection and victory.
The solemn meeting, which symbolically placed the forthcoming political contest before God, echoed the biblical injunction in Matthew 6:33 that believers should “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto them.”
In his opening remarks, Chief Ojema recalled that before the 2023 elections he had first come before the altar of God to seek spiritual guidance and prayers from the clergy before formally declaring his political ambition to the public. According to him, he had returned once again to the same spiritual platform as political activities towards the 2027 elections begin to gather momentum.
He explained that the purpose of the gathering was to commit the journey ahead into the hands of God and to draw strength through prayers from spiritual leaders.
“Before the 2023 elections, I came to this altar to declare my intention before the people of God. I believed then, as I still believe today, that every journey that will succeed must begin with God. Today, I have returned again to make this declaration before the kingdom of God as preparations towards the 2027 race begin.
"I am here to seek your prayers, your blessings and your spiritual covering as we approach the primary elections in the coming weeks,” Ojema said.
Reflecting on his dual calling as both a pastor and a politician, he noted that many people had initially questioned his decision to venture into politics because of the widespread perception that politics is morally compromised.
However, he maintained that the problem lies not in politics itself but in the character of those who participate in it.
“As many of you know, I am an ordained pastor just like many of you seated here. When I decided to join politics, some people wondered why a pastor would enter what they call a dirty game. But I told them that politics is not dirty—people are."
'If righteous people participate in governance, they will cleanse the system and restore integrity. In the almost three years that I have served, I am grateful to God that nothing I have done has brought reproach upon the kingdom of God. Instead, we have worked diligently to bring tangible benefits to our people,” he added.
He further reminded the congregation that while in office he had continued to seek spiritual guidance from the clergy through periodic prayer sessions.
“Even after the election victory, I have continued to return to the altar for prayers of sustenance. Leadership is not sustained by human strength alone. The Bible tells us in Psalm 127 that ‘unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.’ That is why I have come again—to ask God to guide the journey ahead,” he concluded.
Responding on behalf of the clergy, Rev. Timothy Ochoche Oki praised the lawmaker for representing both the constituency and the Christian faith with dignity.
He noted that the tangible projects and social interventions facilitated by Pst. Ojema had significantly improved living conditions across the constituency.
“The Scriptures say in Proverbs 29:2 that ‘when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.’ In the case of Apa/Agatu today, the people are indeed rejoicing."
"In less than three years, nearly every village in the constituency now enjoys illumination through the standalone solar lighting projects facilitated by our brother, Pst. Ojotu Ojema. Roads that once existed only in dreams are now being constructed and asphalted. Over 600 tertiary students have received scholarships worth ₦50,000 each, while hundreds of young people have benefitted from free JAMB registration every year."
"Empowerment programmes involving motorcycles and tricycles have also supported the livelihoods of many families. These are not small achievements, and we are proud that a servant of God is representing us,” Rev. Oki declared.
He assured the gathering that the clergy would continue to “stand in the gap” spiritually for the lawmaker, invoking the biblical example of Moses whose hands were lifted by Aaron and Hur during battle in Exodus 17:12.
In a separate exhortation, Rev. Adah Philip commended Ojema for prioritizing spiritual consultation before political ambition.
He expressed confidence that God would reward such humility with victory.
“You have demonstrated the principle of seeking God first. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33 that when we seek the kingdom of God first, every other thing will be added unto us."
"Because you have remembered God in your leadership, God will remember you in the days ahead. Because you have not brought shame upon the gospel, the Lord will grant you favour before men and victory in the contests ahead,” Rev. Philip declared.
Also speaking during the event, Chief James Edo, the Och’Adogoji, commended the lawmaker for combining spiritual devotion with leadership responsibilities. He emphasized that leaders who acknowledge God’s authority often govern with wisdom and humility.
“Leadership is a sacred responsibility. When a leader remembers God and seeks divine direction, it is a sign of humility and wisdom. In the Bible, even King Solomon asked God not for riches but for wisdom to govern the people, and God honoured that request."
"What we are witnessing here today shows that Chief Ojema understands that leadership requires spiritual guidance. As elders of the land, we encourage leaders who remember God because such leaders will remember the people,” Chief Edo remarked.
The high point of the gathering came when Archbishop Cephas Ocheola Okwori led an assembly of pastors and ministers in a solemn prayer and anointing session for the lawmaker.
During the session, the clergy laid hands on Chief Ojema and offered prayers for divine favour, protection, wisdom and victory. They also prayed that God would soften the hearts of the people, frustrate adversarial forces and grant the lawmaker the strength and grace to fulfil his mandate.
The prayers echoed the biblical example of David, who was anointed before ascending the throne of Israel in 1 Samuel 16, symbolizing divine approval and preparation for leadership.
