The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has rejected a ₦30 million cash donation from the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasir Idris, during a high-profile church crusade held in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The donation was announced on stage at the “Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade,” a major spiritual gathering organised by Dunamis Church, which drew thousands of worshippers.
The governor was represented at the event by the Kebbi State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, who conveyed the governor’s goodwill and made the donation public.
According to Aliero, Governor Idris had not only approved the ₦30 million contribution to support the crusade, but had also ensured that the amount was brought in cash and would be handed over immediately to the event’s organising committee.
“Our Governor, His Excellency, Dr Nasir Idris, who is the only Comrade Governor in the country, has graciously approved the donation of ₦30 million to this crusade,” Aliero said.
“As you all know, whenever His Excellency makes a commitment, he follows it up with action. So, we are here with the cash to hand over to the committee.”
But shortly after Aliero’s announcement, Pastor Enenche mounted the stage and respectfully but firmly declined the offer.
The senior pastor addressed the crowd, saying that such donations should be redirected towards social welfare efforts.
“If there is an orphanage, or anything similar, please at your discretion, apply this amount of money to it,” Enenche said. “No, it will not be received. We will not take it.”
He stressed that the church does not accept money sourced from public coffers and that it is important to draw a clear line between church resources and government funds.
“We are one of those who strongly believe that government money should be used strictly for government projects, while church money should be for church purposes. The Glory Dome in Abuja, as massive as it is, was not built with a single kobo of government money, every bit of it was from the faithful,” he stated.
Enenche added that maintaining this separation allows the church to preserve its moral and prophetic voice in society.
According to him, accepting such funds might compromise the church’s independence and its ability to speak the truth without fear or favour.
He advised that if the governor still wished to support religious causes, the money could be given through government-approved religious institutions, such as the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board or the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), where there would be oversight and transparency.
“This is so that we as the church can retain our dignity and say what needs to be said when necessary. It helps us remain bold, unbought, and unshaken,” he explained.
In his reaction, Commissioner Aliero expressed admiration for Enenche’s principled stand, acknowledging the pastor’s sincerity and commitment to his spiritual mission.
“They declined the donation because of everything he is doing, he is doing for the sake of God. We appreciate that, and we thank him for what he is doing in Kebbi State,” Aliero said.
The event continued with prayers, healing sessions, and worship, as thousands gathered to hear Pastor Enenche speak and to seek spiritual renewal.
