Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 02/Oct 17:08

PICFI Holds 2025 National Prayer Conference in Warri

The Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International (PICFI) has commenced its 2025 Annual National Prayer Conference in Warri, Delta State, with a charge to Christian professionals in the oil and gas sector to “occupy till Christ comes.”The three-day spiritual convocation, which opened on Wednesday, October 1, at the PTI Conference Centre, Effurun, is running under the theme “Occupy Till I Come” (Luke 19:13). It has drawn professionals from across Nigeria’s petroleum industry for a time of intercession, strategic reflection, and kingdom-driven engagement.In his welcome address, PICFI National President, Brother Shola Idowu, thanked God for a fruitful four-year leadership tenure, outlining how the fellowship’s annual themes had progressively deepened spiritual and social impact: “Knowing God” (2022), “Living Sacrifice” (2023), “Men at the Gate” (2024), and the current theme, “Occupy Till I Come.”According to him, the themes were not mere slogans but divine instructions shaping PICFI’s mandate. He listed some of the milestones achieved under his leadership, including the industry’s oil production peak of 1.71 million barrels per day in July 2025, which he described as a divine turnaround; the successful hosting of the first Solemn Assembly for Captains of Industry in Lagos; and the expansion of national operational teams in Bible study, counselling, music, medicals, ushering, and professional development.But he admitted there was still work to be done, urging members to stay spiritually alert and actively address the challenges confronting the sector. Idowu said corruption, insecurity, and institutional inefficiencies continue to hold back progress, stressing that “there is still much land to occupy.”Guest Speaker, Rev. Larry Adeboye, in a message titled “My Role in Transforming Nigeria”, drew lessons from Numbers 25:1–13 to highlight the parallels between Israel’s moral collapse and Nigeria’s present condition.He called on Christians to emulate Phinehas, who took decisive action to avert national judgment, and challenged believers to be fearless reformers in the mould of Prophet Elijah.“Silence in the face of evil is complicity,” he declared, warning against the passivity of Christians in the face of national decline.He added: “Nigeria at 65 years of independence does not need spectators in prayer — it needs active vessels of revival and reformation.”The conference also featured special moments marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. Sister Gift Roman from the Port Harcourt Zone presented a commemorative cake, which was cut by Brother Idowu alongside members of the Board of Trustees.There were also powerful worship sessions led by Sister Waleola Adeyemo, a BoT member, while Sister Omosede Osafile, Zonal Coordinator for Warri/Benin/Ore, said the gathering would inspire spiritual renewal with far-reaching effects on society and the nation.The 2025 conference, which ends on Friday, October 3, has reaffirmed PICFI’s place as a moral and spiritual voice in the petroleum industry. Organisers say it is more than a gathering — it is a strategic convocation calling Christians to uphold integrity, positive influence, and righteous boldness until Christ returns.