Accolades as Friends Honour Bayelsa State Pioneer PFN Chairman
On May 18, 2025, a historic celebration was held at the Kingdom Grace Mission Inc. Oxbow Lake, Swali-Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Clergymen under the platform of ‘Friends of Rev. Dr. Festus Igana’ came together to celebrate his remarkable legacy and cherished marriage.
The event, filled with warm moments, including food, fun, and thoughtful gifts, highlighted the deep affection and respect for the pioneer Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Bayelsa State, Rev. Dr. Festus Igana, revered as ‘Ancestor’ and ‘The Oracle’, among pentecostals and his beautiful wife.
The May 18, 2025, event marked a milestone in tribute to Rev. Dr. Festus Igana’s trailblazing leadership as pioneer chairman of PFN in Bayelsa State and his enduring impact, commitment, diligence, perseverance in faith and righteousness, which earned him the esteemed titles of ‘Ancestor’ and ‘The Oracle.’
Born on October 1st, 1960, to Pa and Ma Festus Igana at Otuo Compound, Unyeada in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Rev Dr. Igana’s Christian journey exemplifies hard work and perseverance. Starting his career in a seismic company, he rose through the ranks to become a foreman by 1975, showcasing his industrious spirit.
Rev. Dr. Igana’s spiritual journey actually began with his born-again experience in the Greater Evangelism Church, followed by his subsequent Bible School training in 1977. His inaugural mission (1977-1980) in Bayelsa State yielded remarkable fruit, with numerous branch establishments of the Greater Evangelism Church. Subsequent missionary assignments took him to various Rivers State communities, including Abonnema, Bonny, Isiopko, Elele, and Eleme, to further expand the church’s reach.
In 1986, Rev. Dr. Igana joined the Church of God Mission, serving in Rumueme, Bori, and Marine Base in Rivers State. His dedication earned him a promotion to become a Provincial Evangelist in 1994, leading to his appointment as the first National Presbyter of the Church after being posted to Bayelsa State following the state creation in 1996.
Rev. Dr. Igana was later conferred with a Doctor of Christian Education Degree by a University in New York, Albany, USA. After departing the Church of God Mission, he founded the Living Evangelical Ministries, headquartered in Yenagoa.
Rev. Dr. Igana, a stalwart advocate for righteousness, is affectionately known as ‘Ancestor’ among Pentecostals in Bayelsa State while his close friends call him ‘The Oracle’. The gathering of esteemed clergymen at Kingdom Grace Mission Inc in Yenagoa to celebrate and appraise his remarkable contributions.
Rev. Festus Igana’s lasting impact and practical Christian living have won the hearts of many, who gathered under the ‘Friends of Rev Festus Igana’ platform to honour him and his beloved wife.
The host, Apostle Dr. Kiyaramo G. Timiebi, in his opening address, stated that the gathering was to honour the pioneer State Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Bayelsa, Reverend Festus Igana, whom he described as an exemplary Christian leader.
He commended Rev. Igana for his remarkable self-discipline and maturity during a tumultuous period in his marriage. Despite having every reason to stray, Rev. Igana remained steadfast, eschewing infidelity. Moreover, even when faced with the challenges of separation and legal proceedings initiated by his former wife, he opted to pursue reconciliation through all available means, rather than accepting divorce.
“Rev. Festus Igana’s unwavering commitment to defending the truth he preaches is a testament to his strong character, making him a deserving recipient of this honour. His uncompromising stance during his tenure as the inaugural PFN Chairman of Bayelsa State demonstrates his integrity and qualifies him to mentor and inspire upcoming pastors in the fellowship,” Apostle Kiyaramo maintained.
Rev. Washington Agala, in his tribute, described Rev. Festus Igana as a long-time ally and friend since the 1990s, noting that despite having opportunities for personal gain while serving in various ministries, he had never seen him compromise his integrity or exhibit corrupt behaviour.
Pastor Engr. Cornelius Timighe eulogized Rev. Festus Igana, stating that he has been deeply inspired by his lifestyle and commitment to Christian service. He noted that Rev. Igana’s years of dedicated service and maturity make him a stalwart figure in the faith community.
Rev. Million noted that as the first PFN Chairman of Bayelsa State, it would have been fitting for the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, to organize a tribute event in his honor. However, he commended the organizers for taking the initiative to recognize and celebrate Rev. Festus Igana’s remarkable leadership.
In his remarks, Apst. David Peculiar highlighted the value of honoring leaders who inspire others through their lifestyle and service. He commended the initiative to celebrate Rev. Festus Igana, noting that such recognition can motivate others to follow in his footsteps.
In his response, Rev. Festus Igana expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, humbled by the honor bestowed upon him. He was particularly touched that a group of friends had come together to celebrate him, describing the gesture as a source of immense joy. He cherished the recognition and valued the thoughtful gift, stating that it meant more to him than any material wealth.
The celebration featured joyful feasting, exciting games with prizes, and heartfelt gift-giving, showcasing the love and appreciation from his friends.
