In a move that has sparked widespread debate and earned praise across social media, Dr. Paul Enenche, Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, firmly rejected a ₦30 million donation presented on behalf of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, during a church crusade in the state.
The incident occurred at the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade, a high-profile spiritual event organized by the church. The donation was announced by Kebbi State Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, who took the stage to declare that the governor had approved the sum specifically for the crusade’s organizing committee.
Aliero told the gathering, “Our Governor, His Excellency Dr. Nasir Idris, has graciously approved ₦30 million in cash for the organizing committee. He always ensures his donations are delivered directly and in full.”
However, Pastor Enenche, in a rare public gesture of rejection, took the microphone and declined the money. Instead, he recommended that the funds be channeled into charitable causes that benefit vulnerable citizens such as orphans, widows, or less privileged members of society.
“If there’s an orphanage or something similar, please direct this money there. We will not accept it,” Enenche stated emphatically, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
Speaking further on the matter, Enenche clarified that the principles of the Dunamis church prohibit the acceptance of public funds for religious events. He emphasized that government money should serve government purposes, while church activities must remain privately funded to preserve independence and moral authority.
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“We believe strongly that the church must be accountable before God and society. From the land acquisition to the completion of the Glory Dome, everything has been done without a single kobo of government support,” the pastor explained.
He reiterated that the church’s mission is sustained by the faith of its members and “supernatural provisions,” not political patronage. To avoid any form of compromise or undue influence, Enenche advised that donations like the governor’s be routed through recognized religious agencies such as the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board or the Christian Association of Nigeria.
“This helps us maintain our voice and integrity, so we can speak truth to power when necessary. We are here to serve God and humanity, not political interests,” he added.
In a gracious response, Commissioner Aliero acknowledged the pastor’s position, stating, “They don’t accept the donation because he’s doing this for God. We thank him for his honesty and for all his contributions to Kebbi State.”
Pastor Enenche’s refusal has since gone viral, with many Nigerians commending his bold stance as a rare act of integrity and a challenge to the growing intersection between faith and politics in the country. The development has reignited national conversations around transparency, ethical leadership, and the independence of religious institutions.