Rev. Pastor Ikechukwu Samuel Aniagor, the incumbent Vicar in charge of the Igando District of Christ Holy Church International, is indeed one man whose profile is rising very high. Having won the coveted African Leaders of Integrity Merit Award in June this year, he followed that up with an auspicious honour from the Nigeria Naval Command (NAVTRAC), Apapa , Lagos.
In this interview, he spoke to KENNETH DURU, on so many issues including the 2023 elections, welfare of Christians in Nigeria, and the politics of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
Excerpts:
What is your assessment of the political situation of the country, in view of the forthcoming general election in 2023?
I feel that things will turn around for good this time because the youths and Nigerians are better informed now and everyone is awake to face the present political reality.
Do you have hope for a possible advancement of the nation beyond 2023?
Yes, I have hope that a new Nigeria is possible come 2023. Let’s encourage every adult citizen to get their PVC and vote for the right candidate come 2023.
Who is Rev. Pastor Ikechukwu Samuel Aniogor?
Rev. Pastor Ikechukwu Samuel Aniogor is a child of God who is committed to ministerial work as God’s servant. My father is also a Reverend in Christ Holy Church International. I was born into a family of ten, seven girls and three boys. Our first son came after six girls before me, then two more – a girl and the last born, a boy.
What inspired you to become an ordained minister?
Actually, my father was the first to get the revelation that I would become a Reverend in future. initially I had wanted to become an Engineer as a profession before God called me into ministry. Although, Christ Holy Church International doesn’t allow part time pastoring. Those who are called must be willing to go into full time ministry except in the recent time.
How has it been, running the Affairs of your church?
It has not been easy but God has been helpful to us.
What do you have to say concerning young people who are aspiring to go into pastorship?
Most youths coming into ministry these days lack patience. They want to attain the same height as their General Overseer as soon as they come into the ministry. They fail to realize that one needs to grow gradually in ministry over time, just as it is in the circular business world where an apprentice will have to understudy his master for some years before he will be able to trade well. The same principle is applicable in the ministry as one has to undergo a process before attaining certain height.
What does it take to become a pastor of the Christ Holy Church International?
Firstly, you must have a call after which you will undergo an interview section thereafter you will enrol in our Seminary training school, where ministers of God are trained. Those who are trained here are usually those who came out successful in their interview. After the training the person will be posted according to his or her area of calling.
How can one know his or her area of calling?
This could be known through personal revelation. It can also be revealed to other ministers. Although, every child of God is called which is the Universal call. But we still have specific call which is gotten through revelation. Some people have intent desire to serve God which is also acceptable but the person must be trained first.
Is there any educational qualification that an individual must attain before he or she can be ordained?
At the moment there is no educational requirement but the individual must be called by God.
How long does it take to attain the position of a Reverend in Christ Holy Church International?
It takes many years as there is hierarchy in the ministry, for one to move from one level to another, it may take about two years and above. For instance a person who is a pastor in our church today cannot join people in holy matrimony until the person becomes a Reverend. I came into ministry in 2001 and was ordained Reverend in 2021.
How did you survive in those period when you served the church in the most volatile areas in Adamawa State, Benue State and later the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, which were the flash point and epicenter of the Boko Haram crisis and other forms of religious crisis?
It was a tough one but God has been faithful. Christ Holy Church International is situated all over the 36 states in Nigeria, including Borno Adamawa, Yobe and Plateau where we have our headquarter in the Northern region. There are other ministers posted to some of our branches in more volatile areas in the north. But our testimony is that none of our churches or pastors has been affected. We always try to maintain good relationship with indigenous people of those areas.
What would you consider as your greatest achievement as a Christian clergyman?
My greatest achievement is seeing many souls being converted and people turning a new live, after listening to my preaching. As a religious minister, you do not single out one or two things that you have done, or start measuring your achievements. Your work is to be evaluated on God who sent you on the assignment.
Do you think the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has lived up to expectation in its obligation of protecting the interest of Christians in the country?
The impact of CAN is felt more in the northern Nigeria because they have given voice to the voiceless christians in the North. I had experienced this when I was made the financial secretary of CAN Youth Wing in Adamawa State.
The case of Leah Sharibu and the remaining Chibok School girls who are still in captivity have made most critics to question the integrity of CAN. What is your take on that?
CAN is the political integral of the Christian faithfuls. It is the umbrella body of christians in Nigeria. They can only agitate but it’s the duty of government to handle security challenges facing the country. CAN has done one million march in Abuja and they have been fasting and praying too. To the best of my knowledge, CAN has done so much in terms of agitation and calling the government to be proactive about these particular cases that you mentioned. CAN is not allowed to carry arms or weapons to chase after terrorists. God will surely have an answer to terrorism in the country, He will soon answer our prayer.
Christ Holy Church International came into global reconning recently when it’s General Superintendent, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Daniel Okoh emerged as the president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, what should Nigerians expect from Rev. Okoh’s leadership?
Mark my word! The tenure of His Grace most Rev. Daniel C. Okoh will bring more blessings to the nation. I am not saying this because he is the head of my church. Rather my belief in him is based on his antecedents, what he has done in the past. He is truly an anointed servant of the most high God.
There is high expectations that he will lead well as a man who has the fear of God and integrity, following his exceptional performance as the vice president of CAN for two different administrations, firstly the administration of Rev. Onaikan and that of Rev. Olusajiafo respectively. He is also well educated.
How do you strike a balance between your activities as a pastor and responsibilities on the home front?
One cannot be good outside and be bad at home. I do create time for my family despite my ministerial assignment and I take good care of my home because the family is the smallest unit of the larger society, which must be given adequate attention before the larger society.
What is your final message to christians and the Nation at large?
We as a nation must come together to make the right decision that will change things for the betterment of our great country. Let’s vote the best candidates that will help us achieve our national goals.
