By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Indigenous Gospel Ministers’ Forum (CRSIGM) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustained intercessory prayers for Cross River State and Nigeria, formally dedicating the year 2026 to God in thanksgiving and glory.
The declaration was made by the CRSIGM State Chairman, Evangelist Stephen Atukanre, during the 3rd State Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service held in Calabar on Saturday, 20 December 2025. The event attracted gospel ministers, worshippers and invited guests from various Christian denominations.
Evangelist Atukanre explained that the choice of venue for the thanksgiving service was guided by divine instruction rather than convenience, stressing that obedience to God often transcends human reasoning.
According to him, although the forum had the resources to hire major public halls, the decision to follow divine direction was deliberate, adding that genuine spiritual impact flows from obedience.
“When God wants to move, you may not understand it. You simply obey,” he said.
Drawing from his experience at the Morris Cerullo School of Ministry in 1999, Atukanre shared a testimony of a minister whose commitment to winning one soul daily led to widespread evangelistic impact in India. He used the illustration to encourage believers not to despise their current circumstances.
He attributed the relative peace currently enjoyed in Cross River State to sustained prayers and consistent gospel outreach. The CRSIGM chairman cited a past evangelistic crusade in Bakassi, after which security conditions reportedly improved alongside infrastructural developments.
Atukanre disclosed that the forum plans to intensify prayer and evangelistic activities in 2026, with outreaches scheduled across all local government areas of the state.
“Peace is spreading because prayer is working,” he declared.
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He further stressed that God works through committed individuals rather than large numbers or titles, noting that spiritual responsibility requires personal sacrifice and consistency.
The CRSIGM chairman reaffirmed the forum’s prayers for Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s administration and Cross Riverians in positions of authority, while also raising concerns over security threats, alleged persecution of Christians, unemployment challenges and environmental pollution in parts of Calabar.
“Governance is about people, their welfare and security. Development only makes sense when lives are protected,” he said.
Guest speaker, Reverend Daniel Ushie, urged unity within the Christian community and described thanksgiving as a continuous lifestyle rather than a one-day event. He noted that gratitude, even in difficult moments, can provoke divine intervention.
Referencing the biblical account of Jonah, Rev. Ushie encouraged ministers and believers to remain faithful to their calling, emphasising that God rewards obedience and faithfulness above appearances or numbers.
The thanksgiving service featured praise, worship and prayers for Cross River State, Nigeria and national leaders. It culminated in the formal dedication of the year 2026 to God in glory.
“We have come to thank God, and He will not put us to shame,” Evangelist Atukanre concluded.
“Cross River State and Nigeria are in God’s hands.”
