UACC Celebrates 60th Anniversary, As Rev James Owoyemi Marks 5-Years in Office, Outlines Future Vision ​

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By DAPO OLAWUNI

The United Apostolic Church of Christ (UACC) is celebrating its 60th year of existence, even as the General Overseer and President, Rev Dr James Bayo Owoyemi marks his 5th year in the saddle as the spiritual leader of the church.

Speaking at a press conference held at the UACC General Headquarters in Ajegunle Lagos on Saturday 16th, August 2025, Rev Owoyemi highlighted the church’s divine origins, recent achievements, and ambitious future plans.

Reverend Dr. Owoyemi recounted the church’s origins, stating that the UACC was established in February 1965 by 16 ministers who were divinely inspired. According to Owoyemi, after a three-day marathon fast, the Holy Spirit gave them the name United Apostolic Church of Christ, emphasizing that no one person could claim to be the founder of the church.
According to him, the UACC has grown significantly from its humble beginnings with 16 men to over 5,000 members today.

Reverend Dr. Owoyemi is the fourth president of the UACC, succeeding his predecessors: Late Archbishop Solomon Awoniyi, Archbishop J.P. Owoji and Archbishop M.A. Fayemi.

He noted that he was appointed as the official successor by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration before the demise of Archbishop M.E. Fayemi, and he was consecrated on November 28, 2020. This November will mark his fifth anniversary in office.
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Reverend Dr. Owoyemi detailed a series of achievements during his tenure, attributing the progress to divine guidance and the cooperation of the church’s leadership.
He revealed that the church, which was predominantly in the southwestern part of Nigeria, has now spread to other regions of the country.

Notably, UACC has acquired its own property in Abuja where church services is now being held. Also, for global outreach, a branch of the UACC has been established in the United Kingdom. To facilitate further international expansion, a Directorate of International Affairs has been inaugurated with the vision of moving into other continents, including Georgia.

He disclosed that new departments and initiatives were also introduced under his watch, including a dedicated media department to effectively communicate the church’s activities.

Rev Owoyemi also disclosed that Student fellowships have been established in various Nigerian tertiary institutions to mentor and provide spiritual and emotional support to students.
Speaking, he said “the purpose of establishing Student Fellowship is to move closer to these children. Because there are some of things that they are passing through that they may not be able to tell their parents. So, among them, we have leaders that are closer to them so that they bring to us even some of the things that they themselves could not solve, they would bring to us and be the turning point, we take it up from there.”

The goal according to him, is to provide a spiritual parental care and help students with academic and personal challenges, including a focus on mental health.
He said the church has also transitioned from a women’s week to an annual Women’s Conference, which has been successful in positively impacting lives and strengthening marriages. A foundation has also been established to care for the less privileged, widows, and orphans. It is named after the first UACC president, Archbishop Solomon Awoniyi.
Apart from this, he added that a medical team has been established to provide support during conventions and to members and non-members.
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When asked about challenges, Reverend Dr. Owoyemi emphasized the strong cooperation he has received from the church’s executives and members of the Supreme Executive Council. He noted a lack of internal opposition, stating that this unity has been instrumental in moving the church’s vision forward.

“There has not been any challenges within the church, you know, in some organizations like this, we have people that will be fighting themselves. But within us, for the past five years, there has not been anything like that. So, what I have been enjoying is the cooperation from the church, and they supported my vision.” he stated

Reverend Dr. Owoyemi outlined several major projects for the future, including plans to establish a university named after its first president of the UACC.
According to him, the university will be part of a larger project called the “United City,” which will be built on a proposed 500-hectare campground.

The city will also include hospitals and various other infrastructure to serve UACC members and the broader Christian community.  The church is also developing a system to gather data on students facing financial issues to provide financial assistance and prevent them from engaging in social vices like prostitution or internet fraud. This initiative is aimed at complementing government efforts like student loans.

Reverend Dr. Owoyemi reaffirmed the UACC’s core mission to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ, populate the Kingdom of God, and help the needy.
He expressed gratitude for the journey so far and his belief that the future holds great promise for the church.