HISTORY OF ASSEMBLIES OF GOD, NIGERIA

Assemblies of God Nigeria traces its earliest beginning to the life and works of Augustus Ehurie Wogu who became born again in 1930. He thereafter returned to Umuahia where his preaching converted the likes of George Mnorom Alioha, Nathaniel Umechuruba, Marcus Asonye, Joseph Asonye, among others. These form the crop of the early fathers and leaders of the church.

Between the years 1931 and 1935 these group of young men and women soundly converted and living at Old Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, were reading various religious periodicals that told of many people in many lands who were receiving the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with speaking in tongues, according to Acts 2:4. They became convinced that the Pentecostal experience was for them too. Within a short while many of them were blessed with the Baptism in the Holy in 1934.

They established a number of churches. At that time they were not affiliated with any overseas Mission. After much prayer they requested the American Assemblies of God to send them a resident missionary.

In June, 1939, Rev. & Mrs. Williams Lloyd Shirer, a Missionary in what was then called Gold Coast (Ghana) was sent to meet the few Pastors and young men of “The Church of Jesus Christ.” They worked out an agreement of affiliation with the Assemblies of God in Springfield, Missouri, U.S.A. and the “Church of Jesus Christ” was officially renamed “Assemblies of God”. Early in July 1939, the Shirers returned to Tamele, Gold Coast (Ghana). Late in August, 1939, the affiliation agreement was officially sanctioned. Rev. Shirer’s recommendation to the American Assemblies of God resulted in Rev. and Mrs. Everrest L. Philips coming to Nigeria in February, 1940. Other Missionaries soon followed.From that beginning both the Nigerian Pastors and the overseas Missionaries found a great response to their preaching of the Gospel and church planting efforts. One of the first projects they embarked on was to establish a Bible School at Old Umuahia, Abia State, where the young pastors could receive training for the Ministry. Later, a Printing Press was established at Aba, Abia State, to provide printed materials for the young, growing and multiplying churches. That Printing Press is still operating and is producing huge amounts of literature not only for the Nigerian Assemblies of God but for other churches, too. And that one Bible School has grown to ten schools strategically located in the country.

LAGOS DISTRICT

The Lagos District came into existence in 1984 from the then Western District of the Assemblies of God, Nigeria with the late Rev. J.U. Omereonye of blessed memory as the Caretaker Chairman. During the first inaugural council of the District in 1985, the Rev. J.A. Emezi (retired) emerged as the first District Superintendent.

The election that brought that presbytery into office was later in the same year nullified and the presbytery dissolved by the Executive Committee of the National Church. A fresh election that took place in January, 1986 at Alakoto church brought Rev I.M. Mpamaugo rtd into office as the District Superintendent.

The newly created Lagos District had about 80 churches then in only six sections namely: Surulere, Apapa, Agboju-Amuwo, Ikeja, Eko and Ikorodu. Through the special grace of God, and the cooperation of the brethren, the work grew as more churches were planted. It is on record that at the time of the carving out of Apapa and Ikorodu administrative units in 1996, the District had then a total of 211 churches spread across 14 Sections and 5 groups. Apapa District left with 73 churches and Ikorodu with 44 churches. The Lagos District was left to continue with 94 churches within 6 sections and two groups namely: Surulere, Ikeja, Shomolu, Oshodi, Agege (now Akowonjo) and Ogba Sections while Sango and Ejigbo were groups.

The God of heaven, who at the inception of this district promised our founding fathers to be with us as we endeavour to obey Him and do his will, has never forsaken nor abandoned us along the way. He has continued to stand by us solidly. As a result, we have continued to grow and expand.

It is to the glory of God that we have witnessed the birth and inauguration of Sango District with 46 churches in three Sections on 23rd March 2009 and Lagos Mainland District with 53 churches in seven Sections on 24th March 2009 respectively. The New Lagos District was left again with 123 churches in 15 sections.

Rev Joseph Nkeonyeasoa George Okafor came into office as Lagos District Superintendent in March 2009. In less than nine months of the administration of Rev J.N.G Okafor, the Lagos District again increased to about 144 churches in 18 Sections. Towards the end of 2010, the administration of Rev J.N.G.Okafor carved out two other Sections namely Shasha and Okota out of the former Egbeda and Isolo Sections respectively.

Lagos District has continued on the path of growth and as at today (2022), the District of Excellence is made up of 28 sections. “Hithertho hath the Lord helped us…” (1 Samuel 7:12).

DISTRICTS BIRTHED BY LAGOS DISTRICT

1. Apapa District
2. Ikorodu District
3. Lagos Mainland District
4. Sango
5. Badagry
6. Lekki District
7. Lagos West