By Chioma Vivian James.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has commended the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, and his wife for complementing government efforts through humanitarian interventions and projects aimed at improving the welfare and safety of residents.
Wike gave the commendation during the inauguration of the Dunamis Pedestrian Bridge in Abuja, where he described the project as a practical demonstration of purposeful leadership and commitment to community development.
He noted that the church had demonstrated that religious organisations could contribute meaningfully to societal development by investing in projects that address the needs of their host communities.
The Minister recalled that the church’s application for approval to construct the pedestrian bridge was submitted in 2018 but was eventually approved under the administration of President Bola Tinubu through his office.
According to him, leadership remains critical to the growth and development of every institution, including religious organisations, adding that the achievements of Dunamis reflected the importance of combining spiritual responsibilities with practical service to humanity.
“Even as a pastor, if there is no leadership in you, this church will never move forward. The leadership prowess you and your wife have as pastors is the reason why we are here today, watching the documentary and seeing what you have done as a church,” Wike said.
Responding to Enenche’s request for a protective shield on the pedestrian bridge, the Minister immediately approved the proposal and pledged that the FCT Administration would bear 50 per cent of the cost.
He reiterated the administration’s willingness to partner with organisations whose projects complement government efforts to improve public welfare, urging residents and church members to make proper use of the bridge to ensure their safety when crossing the road.
Earlier, Enenche urged Nigerians, particularly those in positions of authority, to prioritise meaningful contributions to society rather than the accumulation of personal wealth.
He said people would ultimately be remembered not for their material possessions but for the positive impact they made on humanity.
The cleric expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and the FCT Administration for granting approval for the project, noting that the church had pursued the request since 2018.
Drawing lessons from 1 John 4 and John 3:16, Enenche explained that genuine love must go beyond words and be demonstrated through selfless service, generosity and a commitment to improving the lives of others.
He identified four essential dimensions of love as giving, contribution and distribution, societal impact, and posterity, stressing that genuine love was the opposite of selfishness and greed.
According to him, while selfishness and greed focus on personal benefits, genuine love is reflected in what individuals give to others and their contributions to the common good.
He maintained that impact was more important than income, explaining that although people could earn a living through what they received, their lasting contributions to society would be measured by what they gave back.
“Nobody has ever been buried with their money. Nobody has ever been buried with their resources. Nobody has ever been buried with their cars or their houses. Our impact is more important than our income,” he said.
Enenche further emphasised the importance of posterity, noting that future generations would remember individuals for the problems they solved, those they failed to address and those they created.
He, however, reminded leaders and individuals that beyond their earthly achievements, everyone would ultimately account for their stewardship before God.
Citing Hebrews 9:27, he stressed that death and divine judgment were inevitable, irrespective of an individual’s position, influence or social status.
He listed pastors, church members, politicians, governors, presidents, senators and other public office holders among those who would stand before God to account for how they utilised the opportunities and resources entrusted to them.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Senator representing the FCT, Ireti Kingibe, commended Enenche for his contributions to societal development and called on other religious organisations to emulate Dunamis by investing in projects that directly benefit their host communities.
The commissioning attracted several dignitaries, including lawmakers, senior FCT officials, security personnel and representatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
