The Kebbi State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed that a N30 million gift from the state government initially offered during a two-day evangelical crusade by Pastor Paul Enenche has been redirected to fence a Christian cemetery in Birnin Kebbi.
In a statement signed by the State CAN secretary, Williams Adamu and circulated to journalists, the Christian body clarified that contrary to rumours circulating online, the general overseer of Dunamis International Gospel Centre did not reject the donation out of hostility or controversy, but in accordance with his personal ethics.
“The gift of N30m from the State Government was in support of the 2 days statewide Kebbi State Healing and Deliverance Crusade in Birnin Kebbi organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in collaboration with the State Chapter of CAN,” the statement clarified.
It noted that Pastor Enenche specifically requested that the donation not be handed over to him personally.
“The State CAN also wishes to inform the general public that it is the personal ethic of Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche not to receive gifts wherever he goes for his evangelical functions or philanthropic activities,” it read.
Instead, the respected cleric advised that the funds be used at the discretion of the Christian leadership in the state.
“Therefore, the clergyman advised that the gift be used at the discretion of the State CAN leadership for CAN developmental projects in the state,” the statement added.
CAN confirmed that the money has now been channelled towards the perimeter fencing of a Christian cemetery in the state capital, a parcel of land recently approved by Governor Nasir Idris.
“With this, the State CAN wishes to also inform that the monetary gift has been redirected to the parameter fencing of the Christian cemetery approved by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris,” the group announced.
Expressing gratitude, the Association commended the governor for supporting the Christian community.
“We want to use this medium to thank the Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu), for the approval of the Christian Cemetery in the State Capital and for releasing the State Stadium for the 2 days crusade, and the banquet hall of the Presidential Lodge for the ministers’ meeting and distribution of palliatives to students and women,” it added.
The Association highlighted that Governor Idris remains the first leader in Kebbi State’s history to approve land for a Christian burial site.
Pastor Paul Enenche, a trained medical doctor turned full-time evangelist, is widely known for his large-scale crusades and uncompromising principles regarding financial ethics. His Dunamis church headquarters in Abuja, the Glory Dome, is one of the largest church auditoriums in Africa.
Governor Nasir Idris, who assumed office in May 2023, has publicly promised inclusive governance for all religious and ethnic groups in the state.
