Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International (PICFI) Holds 2025 National Prayer Conference in Warri

 

By Wilson Macaulay

 WARRI

The Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International (PICFI) on Wednesday, October 1, kicked off its 2025 Annual National Prayer Conference at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State, under the compelling theme: “Occupy Till I Come” (Luke 19:13).

 The Spiritual Conference billed to run  through October 1–3,  brought together Christian professionals across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for a time of intercession, strategic engagement, and spiritual realignment — with a clear focus on advancing kingdom values within the industry and the nation at large.

In his stirring welcome address, Brother Shola Idowu, PICFI’s National President, expressed gratitude to God for a fruitful four-year leadership journey. He outlined the progression of annual spiritual themes that have shaped the fellowship’s direction: 2022 – Knowing God,  2023 – Living Sacrifice, 2024 – Men at the Gate and the current 2025  conference tagged ----Occupy Till I Come

According to Brother Shola ldowu, the various themes selected right from 2022 were not  just slogans but they were divine marching orders, reflecting on how each theme built upon the last to deepen spiritual responsibility and societal impact.

He highlighted key milestones under his tenure saying:

Oil production hit a six-month high of 1.71 million barrels per day (July 2025) — a 71% surge from 2022 levels, which he attributed to divine intervention in the industry.

Successful hosting of the first-ever Solemn Assembly for Captains of Industry in Lagos.

Expansion of operational structure with new national teams  in Bible study, counseling, music, medicals, ushering, and professional development.

However, he acknowledged that 

despite the  progress, Idowu emphasized that "there is still much land to occupy." He called on Christian professionals to remain spiritually vigilant and actively involved in transforming the systemic challenges still plaguing the oil and gas sector — including corruption, insecurity, and institutional inefficiencies.

Rev Larry Adeboye  Charged Participants

to Confront evil any Where they See it

Delivering a passionate message titled “My Role in Transforming Nigeria”as the Guest Speaker,  Brother Larry Adeboye drew a parallel from Numbers 25:1–13, juxtaposing  Israel’s moral collapse with the current state of Nigeria. He called on believers to emulate Phinehas, who took bold, righteous action to halt national judgment of plague .

Adeboye further challenged Christians to be visible moral reformers like Elijah, who did not just refuse idolatry but took a step further to confront  it openly. “Silence in the face of evil is complicity,” he warned, rebuking the passive posture of the so-called “7,000 prophets” who stayed quiet during national apostasy in the biblical time of Prophet Elijah.

“Nigeria at 65 years of independence does not need spectators in prayer — it needs active vessels of revival and reformation” he said.

Celebrating Nigeria @ 65 and Worship Moments

Sister Gift Roman from Port Harcourt Zone  presented a special 65th Independence Anniversary cake, cut by Brother Idowu and members of the Board of Trustees in celebration of the nation’s journey to true greatness.

Sister Waleola Adeyemo, a BoT member, led a powerful praise and worship session, drawing hearts into deeper communion with the Holy Spirit in a very ecclesiastical manner.

Sister Omosede Osafile, Zonal Coordinator for Warri/Benin/Ore zone, who also spoke assured participants  that the 2025 PICFI  Conference would catalyze both spiritual and societal transformation, beginning with individuals, extending into corporate and national sphere.

Conclusion: A Call to Occupy Until Jesus Come

As the conference draws to a close on Friday, October 3, PICFI has reaffirmed its role as a spiritual vanguard within Nigeria’s petroleum industry. The 2025 edition was not just a gathering — it was a strategic spiritual convocation, reigniting the call for believers to occupy their spheres with righteousness, positive influence, and righteous  boldness until Christ returns.

In an industry often associated with economic might and moral challenges, PICFI promises to continue   standing as a lighthouse — illuminating the path of integrity, transformation, and faith until Nigeria will become a truly egalitarian nation