And Many Northern States
In Odo-Ere, Kogi State, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) continues to thrive as one of the most influential denominations in the Middle Belt and Northern Nigeria. At the heart of this movement is the District Church Council (DCC), which oversees the work of dozens of congregations across the region.
City People sat down with Reverend Ekundayo Theophillus, Secretary of ECWA DCC, to reflect on the church’s history, its unique mission, and why it remains deeply rooted in Kogi and beyond.
“We thank God,” Reverend Theophillus began, “that the DCC of ECWA here in Odo-Eri has been successful since its establishment in 2016. Today, we supervise 48 churches across the district, each dedicated to spreading the gospel and serving their communities.”
He fondly recalled the faith and generosity of members who have kept the ministry strong.
“I remember Mama, who has gone to be with the Lord. She was a powerful woman of faith from the Second ECWA Church in Igbaruku. Whatever she had, she gave to the church and to the ministers of God. People like her remind us why ECWA thrives — because it is built on sacrificial love and service.”
When asked what ECWA represents, Reverend Theophillus was emphatic:
“ECWA stands for evangelism. Our mission is simple — Winning All. We are called to preach Christ to unbelievers and bring them into the saving knowledge of Jesus. That is our work, and it is what has defined us from the very beginning.”
According to him, ECWA’s deep roots in Kogi go back to the early 1900s.
“It all started in Yagba in 1908 through the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM). From there, evangelism spread to surrounding communities and then further north. We remember people like Pa Adeniyi in Ogaland, who worked with the missionaries and carried the gospel to places like Patigi in Kwara and other parts of Kogi. Through their zeal, many unbelievers accepted Christ as their personal saviour, and the ECWA movement spread rapidly.”
This historical foundation, he explained, is why ECWA remains particularly prominent in Kogi, Kwara, and across northern Nigeria today.
What sets ECWA apart from other churches? Reverend Theophillus didn’t hesitate:
“We don’t preach heresies. We don’t preach money. We preach the Bible — the true gospel of salvation in Christ. Our approach is simple: house-to-house evangelism, meeting people where they are, telling them what Christ has done in our lives, and urging them to accept Him as personal saviour. That’s what makes ECWA different.”
Looking back, Reverend Theophillus sees God’s hand in ECWA’s growth.
“Over the years, we have seen countless people come to Christ through our preaching and lifestyle. The church continues to grow because our members share whatever they have with others, showing the love of Christ in practical ways. Evangelism is not just words — it’s our lives.”
From its humble beginnings in Yagba over a century ago to its strong presence across Kogi and Northern Nigeria today, ECWA’s legacy is one of faithfulness — to God, to Scripture, and to the mission of “Winning All.”
“We will continue to move closer to those who don’t know Christ, share with them, and ensure that they encounter the saving power of Jesus. That is our calling, and by God’s grace, that is what ECWA will keep doing,” explains Reverend Theophillus.
