The Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide holds its Centenary world press conference at the Aladura Comprehensive High School Anthony Village,Lagos,on Saturday,15th November,2025.
Speaking at the Centenary Press Conference, the Primate and Supreme Head, His Holiness, The Most Rev. (Dr.) Rufus Okikiola Olubiyi Ositelu, said the milestone represents “one hundred years of manifest glory and divine faithfulness.” Quoting Psalm 118:23, he declared: “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.”
Recalling the Church’s origins, the Primate said the ministry was born out of a theophany that reshaped the spiritual landscape of Africa.
“From a humble beginning in Ogere-Remo, the Church has grown, by divine grace, into a global movement present in more than thirty nations,” he said.
Primate Ositelu added that the mission remains rooted in proclaiming Christ, manifesting His power, and serving humanity “through faith, holiness and love.”
He described TCL as, “The Aladura with a Difference,” guided for a century by six foundational tenets: Biblical in Pattern, Pentecostal in Power, Evangelical in Mission, Ecumenical in Outlook, Prophetic in Ministry, and Social in Responsibility.
“These divine anchors continue to raise generations grounded in integrity, intercession and impact,” he said.
The Primate also highlighted the significance of Mount Tabieorar, consecrated in 1937, calling it “Africa’s living Sinai” and a sacred place where millions have sought divine renewal.
“The annual Tabieorar Convocation is not a ritual—it is a rendezvous with the divine,” he said.
Reflecting on the Church’s leadership history, he honoured his predecessors and noted that TCL has experienced continuous growth under successive Primates. He reaffirmed the Church’s current global role, particularly through his service as President of the World Council of Churches (WCC) for Africa.
“We have entered a new season of manifest glory marked by digital evangelism, youth empowerment, theological training, interfaith cooperation and humanitarian engagement,” Primate Ositelu said, quoting Isaiah 60:3: “And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.”
Delivering a prophetic message to Nigerians and the global community, the Primate urged the nation to pursue unity, justice and peace.
“Nigeria must rise above the walls of division and rediscover the bond of love and justice,” he said.
On leadership, he charged those in authority to rule with transparency, accountability and the fear of God. He also encouraged young people to take responsibility for the country’s future.
“To the youth, we say—arise! Seek knowledge, uphold moral values, and let your creativity serve God and humanity,” the Primate said.
Looking ahead to the next century, Primate Ositelu reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to expanding evangelism, deepening humanitarian work, strengthening clergy and laity development, and promoting unity across denominations and cultures. Citing Habakkuk 2:14, he said: “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”
“The flame of prophecy burns brighter still. This Centenary is not the end but a divine beginning—a new dawn of Manifest Glory for generations to come. To God alone be the glory,” he declared.
The Church history book will be available in all branches of the church worldwide.
During the question and answer session,the press asked the Primate of his take,and the world of councils take on the Trump’s Christians genocide,
Ositelu said Trump’s comments, widely interpreted as a threat or intention to launch military action against Nigeria, were both misunderstood and exaggerated.
He joined other Christian leaders in insisting that the scale, pattern, and intent of ongoing killings in parts of Northern Nigeria meet the global definition of genocide, and can no longer be dismissed or downplayed by authorities.
“Trump was not talking about invading Nigeria. He was offering support to eliminate terrorist cells. The U.S. doesn’t need to enter Nigeria physically to do that,” Ositelu clarified.
According to him, Trump’s statement reflected a willingness to help Nigeria confront extremist groups that have destabilised significant portions of the North. He noted that the U.S. possesses the technological and military capability to operate from neighbouring countries without violating Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
By Olayemi Elizabeth
