No nation can build lasting civilisation without God – Pastor Paul Enenche

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has emphasised the importance of spiritual values in nation-building, declaring that no nation can build a lasting civilisation without God, integrity and a moral foundation capable of sustaining its institutions.

Enenche made the declaration through Apostle Michael Orokpo of Encounter Jesus Ministry International (EJMI), who represented him at the maiden Idoma Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Speaking on the theme, “Resetting Our Spiritual Compass Over the Idoma Nation,” Enenche called for spiritual renewal, righteousness and unity, urging the Idoma people and Nigerians at large to complement their human potential with values that promote responsible leadership and sustainable development. Blueprint reports

The ceremony, held at the Peach Vine Event Centre, Wuye, formed part of activities marking the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration. It brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, academics, professionals and cultural icons to celebrate distinguished sons and daughters of Idoma land.

Enenche was among the prominent personalities inducted into the Hall of Fame, alongside Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; legal luminary, Chief Godwin Obla, SAN; Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Arc. Sonny Echono; and former Senate President, Senator David Mark.

Others honoured included legendary musician Dr Bongos Ikwue, music star Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba; former Minister of Information, the late Chief Wantaregh Paul Unongo; former Deputy Governor of Benue State, Dr Sam Ode; and former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr James Abu Obe.

Why civilisation needs God

Enenche said lasting civilisation required more than intellectual capacity, economic resources and technical expertise, stressing that these advantages must be guided by sound moral and spiritual values.

He noted that Nigeria and the Idoma nation had considerable human resources, including professionals, intellectuals and experienced leaders, whose capabilities could contribute significantly to development if deployed with integrity and a sense of responsibility.

“Before the devil came on the scene, civilisations would have been built only by man’s cooperation with God and, of course, utilising the potentials that God has given to man,” he said.

Drawing from the biblical account of creation, the preacher highlighted the importance of divine order and humanity’s responsibility to use God-given abilities to build and sustain society.

He argued that education, innovation, productivity and professional competence remained indispensable to progress but could not, on their own, guarantee the survival of institutions where ethical standards and accountability were lacking.

According to him, spiritual renewal should translate into practical conduct that strengthens institutions, promotes responsible leadership and advances the common good.

He urged the Idoma people to embrace values that would enable them to harness their collective potential and build a society capable of sustaining prosperity across generations.

Nigeria needs healing across sectors

Citing 2 Chronicles 7:14, Enenche called for humility, prayer and repentance, describing them as important elements in the pursuit of national renewal.

“We are in a time when we require healing across every sector of our great nation,” he said, adding that some of the challenges confronting Nigeria required divine intervention.

He stressed that the responsibility for rebuilding society should not rest solely on pastors and other religious leaders, noting that people in positions of authority across different sectors also had a duty to promote moral discipline and responsible conduct.

Government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers, parents and other influential members of society, he said, must recognise the impact of their decisions on the welfare of citizens and the strength of public institutions.

“Positions of leadership are sceptres,” he said, emphasising that leadership came with the responsibility to use one’s influence for the benefit of others.

He urged those entrusted with authority to recognise that their actions could either strengthen public confidence and institutional effectiveness or undermine them.

For Nigeria and the Idoma nation, he maintained, genuine renewal would require a collective commitment to values that encourage accountability, peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.

Integrity, righteousness key to strong institutions

Enenche identified truth, righteousness and integrity as essential foundations for building enduring institutions and achieving national prosperity.

He argued that institutions could struggle to fulfil their purposes when those managing them lacked the discipline and character required to discharge their responsibilities faithfully.

He therefore urged Nigerians to cultivate a culture of conscientious service in which people performed their duties diligently, irrespective of whether they were being supervised.

“So that when you are given a job without supervision, you get it done. So that when you are entrusted with authority, without supervision, you do it to the best of your ability,” he said.

The preacher challenged young people to understand that character was as important as professional qualifications in achieving lasting success and contributing meaningfully to society.

He said the values associated with a relationship with God should be reflected in everyday decisions, particularly in public service, business and other areas where trust and accountability were essential.

He maintained that righteousness should go beyond religious declarations to influence individual behaviour, institutional practices and the exercise of authority.

Identity, purpose and prosperity

Addressing the aspirations of the Idoma people, Enenche identified identity, direction, purpose and prosperity as important considerations in rebuilding the community.

He urged the people not to allow poverty, oppression or difficult circumstances to define their collective identity or restrict their aspirations.

Citing 1 Peter 2:9, he encouraged the Idoma people to develop a positive understanding of their identity, saying this should inspire dignity, discipline and confidence in their capacity to contribute to national development.

He also stressed the importance of having a clear sense of purpose, noting that individuals and communities needed direction to make meaningful decisions and pursue shared goals.

On prosperity, Enenche acknowledged the importance of hard work and diligence while emphasising the place of divine help in the pursuit of success.

He described blessing as empowerment to prosper and urged the Idoma nation to develop the capacity, discipline and determination required to translate its human resources into tangible achievements.

He called on the people to combine their talents, education and experience with productive engagement and a commitment to collective advancement.

Idoma nation must overcome division

Enenche warned that internal divisions, jealousy and rivalry could weaken the collective strength of the Idoma people and obstruct their progress.

He called for greater unity among individuals, groups and leaders, urging them to build relationships around shared values, common aspirations and mutual respect.

Drawing from the biblical principle that a house divided against itself cannot stand, he said cooperation was essential to strengthening the community and protecting its dignity.

He maintained that the Idoma people could achieve more by working together than by allowing avoidable disagreements and competing interests to undermine their common aspirations.

He also encouraged younger people to learn from accomplished leaders and veterans while bringing their own ideas, skills and energy to the task of community development.

According to him, a shared commitment to God and sound values could provide a foundation for overcoming divisions and pursuing a common vision for the future.

Wike advocates performance-based leadership

The call for spiritual and moral renewal at the ceremony coincided with an appeal by Wike for a stronger emphasis on competence, accountability and measurable results in public leadership.

Delivering the keynote address, the FCT minister said the history of the Idoma people should not be told solely through grievances or demands for recognition but should also reflect their contributions to Nigeria’s development.

He commended the establishment of the Hall of Fame, describing it as an institution that should preserve the community’s heritage while setting standards for future generations.

Wike said the initiative should celebrate individuals whose lives exemplified service, integrity, scholarship, innovation, enterprise, cultural preservation and sacrifice.

He also urged political leaders to move away from politics driven primarily by ethnic identity, religious affiliation and competition for positions, arguing that governance should be judged by its impact on citizens.

“Representation matters, but representation cannot be the destination; it must be a pathway to public value and competent service delivery in politics,” he said.

He challenged aspiring political leaders, particularly those seeking to govern Benue State, to explain what they intended to offer the people rather than focus on arguments about ethnic majority or minority status.

Wike said political power should be measured by its ability to create employment, provide functional schools, improve healthcare, construct roads, ensure security and expand economic opportunities.

He urged leaders to treat Nigeria’s diversity as an asset for national development rather than a source of division.

Hall of Fame to preserve Idoma heritage

The founder and Executive Director of the Idoma Hall of Fame, Engr. Agaba Ikwue, said the initiative was established to document, preserve and celebrate the achievements of distinguished sons and daughters of Idoma land for present and future generations.

He explained that the institution would provide a platform for cultural preservation, historical research and education while inspiring younger people through the accomplishments of recognised personalities.

The inductees represented diverse fields, including governance, law, academia, religion, medicine, military service, journalism, sports, entertainment and traditional culture.

Women recognised at the ceremony included Alice Alache Akla Adepe, Miss Nigeria 1963; Dr Grace Ooja Ogwuche, identified as the first female federal minister from Idoma land; former federal lawmaker Ada Mark-Ogbole; Dr Mary Ada Ogbe; Justice Patricia Ajuma Mahmoud; Rev. Sister Anne Abah; and the late actress Ada Ameh.

The Hall of Fame also recognised traditional rulers and cultural pioneers whose contributions helped preserve the history and identity of the Idoma Kingdom.

The Advisory Board is chaired by retired Justice Ejembi Eko, while Chief Paul Harris Ogbole, SAN, chaired the Central Planning Committee for the maiden induction.

Organised in collaboration with Ochetoha K’Idoma, the ceremony formed part of the Idoma Centenary Plus celebration.

Enenche’s message underscored the need for the Idoma nation and Nigeria to combine their human potential with spiritual conviction, integrity, unity and responsible leadership in building a civilisation capable of delivering lasting progress.