The General Overseer of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Pastor (Dr.) Elijah Oludele Abina, recently celebrated his 90th birthday, marking not only a personal milestone but also a significant moment in Nigeria’s religious history. Widely regarded as the oldest serving General Overseer in Nigeria, Pastor Abina remains active and committed to spreading the gospel, decades after he first answered the call to ministry.
In a recent interview with SEYI SOKOYA, Pastor Abina reflected on his life, legacy, and unwavering devotion to the Christian faith.
Born into a humble family in Aradagun, near Badagry in Lagos State, Pastor Abina’s story is one of remarkable transformation. From his youthful days as a dancer and member of the Rising Star Orchestra band in 1950s Lagos, he experienced a spiritual rebirth that redirected his life entirely.
“I gave up the world when I met Jesus,” he said. “My transformation was total. From being part of a dance band to becoming a preacher, it has been a journey of grace.”
He was called into full-time ministry in October 1962 and became GOFAMINT’s General Overseer in January 1988. He attributed his longevity and sustained strength to divine grace, noting that his vitality at 90 is solely by the mercy of God.
Raised as the fifth of six children, he is now the only surviving member of his immediate family. Despite growing up in poverty, Pastor Abina was able to acquire an education, which he described as essential to his growth in ministry.
He also addressed GOFAMINT’s roots, explaining that the church began as a breakaway from the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) under the leadership of the late Pastor R.A. George. From its humble beginnings as a Bible study group in Iwaya, Lagos, GOFAMINT has now spread across the globe, with churches registered on every continent.
“We are currently present in five continents and have completed registration in South America. My desire is to see GOFAMINT established on every continent in my lifetime,” he said.
On the evolution of the church, Pastor Abina expressed concern over the rise of prosperity-focused teachings in modern Pentecostalism. He said today’s churches differ significantly from those of the 1960s and 1980s, when the emphasis was on salvation, holiness, and self-denial.
“When we started, it wasn’t about money or fame. It was about preaching the gospel. Now, many churches are focused on prosperity. But we also recognize that money is needed to support the spread of the gospel,” he noted.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Pastor Abina said he encountered challenges when he became General Overseer, but remained steadfast because he was convinced of God’s call on his life.
“I faced persecution and difficulties, but God stood by me. Leadership has never been easy, but with divine support and the right people, it’s been manageable.”
Despite personal tragedies, including the loss of his daughter, son-in-law, younger brother, and wife within a short span, Pastor Abina remains undeterred in his commitment to ministry.
“At 90, I feel fulfilled but not satisfied. I want to do more—more souls saved, more growth, more revival. That is my prayer.”
Pastor Abina emphasized the importance of living a disciplined life and shared his personal health practices, including regular exercise and healthy eating. “I watch what I eat and maintain physical discipline,” he said.
Though he avoids political commentary, Pastor Abina urged Christians to pray for the nation’s leaders and continue to pursue righteousness. “Righteousness exalts a nation,” he said. “We must keep praying for our leaders.”
As he looks to the future, Pastor Abina’s message remains clear: true Christianity is not a religion, but a way of life rooted in Christ. He hopes to leave behind a legacy of godliness, contentment, and unwavering commitment to the message of salvation.
“We must seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. Everything else will follow. That has been my life’s principle, and I pray others will embrace it too,” he said.
CHRISTIANITY NOT A RELIGION, ABINA
