A Homecoming of Faith: EYN President Dedicates His Mother Church in Ghuma, Calls for Unity and Service

Ghuma, Borno State – May 2025

In an emotional and spiritually uplifting ceremony, the President of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN), Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, PhD, returned to his roots in Ghuma, Borno State, to dedicate the newly constructed EYN Local Church Council (LCC) Ghuma, his mother church. The event, which drew a large crowd of clergy, community leaders, and well-wishers, marked a historic and deeply symbolic milestone—not only for the church community in Ghuma, but for the entire denomination.

Led by Rev. Ayuba Shehu, the local pastor of LCC Ghuma, the dedication was a homecoming that blended personal history with divine purpose. For Rev. Mbaya, who now oversees the church’s national affairs, the return to the very place where his spiritual journey began was a moment of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment.

A Church Rooted in History and Growth

EYN LCC Ghuma was established in 1968, beginning with just 35 pioneering members. Since then, it has grown into a vital spiritual hub in the region and has been shepherded by 19 different leaders and resident pastors over the decades. Among those who have served the church is Rev. Yusuf C. Mbaya, father of the current EYN President, who once pastored the congregation and now continues to serve as the Church Adviser—adding a generational legacy to the momentous dedication.

In his address, Rev. Mbaya expressed deep appreciation to God and to the local church community for their faith and perseverance.

“This is not just a building. This church should stand as a place of peace, prayer, and unity,” he said.
“I urge you, my people, to live in peace, support one another, and let this church shine as a light in this community.”

The EYN President also reminded the congregation of their unique responsibility, sharing the broader vision for EYN’s future under his leadership. This includes plans to establish a university, radio station, and television network, with a firm commitment to transparency and accountability in all endeavors.

“From You Came a Leader”

The significance of the moment was further emphasized by Rev. James K. Musa, EYN’s General Secretary, who delivered a powerful scriptural reflection from Micah 1:2.

“From you came out a person who will lead EYN from the beginning. God has prepared him to lead the Church, and He has brought back peace through him,” he proclaimed. He encouraged the people of Ghuma to stand by their son and continue supporting him in prayer and loyalty.

This message was echoed in the sermon by the EYN Vice President, who stressed the sacredness of the church and the danger of working against it.

“Jesus Christ is the head of the church,” he said, “and anyone who touches the church wrongly is ultimately fighting against Him.”

Music, Unity, and Community Spirit

The atmosphere of the dedication was filled with songs of celebration, with stirring renditions from the Youth Band, Zumuntan Matan Ekklesiya (ZME), and the LCC choir.

The presence of traditional leaders, including the District Head of Bulingui, Baba Maina Usman Mustapha, added weight to the event. Baba Maina called for unity and urged the congregation to rise above religious and ethnic divisions:

“Let’s put religion aside and focus on peace. God is the head of all religions, and what unites us is far greater than what divides us.”

A Strong Show of Support from Headquarters

Rev. Mbaya was accompanied by a delegation from the EYN Headquarters, underscoring the significance of the occasion. Among those present were Rev. James K. Musa, EYN’s General Secretary, Bro. Ayuba U. Balami, Director of Finance & Economic Development, Rev. Evang. Musa Daniel Mbaya, Director of Evangelism & Church Growth, Mr. Yakubu Peter, Director of Integrated Community-Based Development Programme (ICBDP), Mrs. Hassana Habu, Director of Women Ministry. Their presence affirmed the collective pride of the church’s leadership in celebrating a moment where personal journey met institutional vision.

More Than a Building

The dedication of EYN LCC Ghuma is more than the opening of a new worship center; it is a reminder of the power of beginnings and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. For EYN and its members, Ghuma now holds a renewed place of honor—not just as the hometown of their leader, but as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and the strength of community.

As the ceremony closed with prayers and praise, the message was clear: the church in Ghuma is not just Rev. Mbaya’s origin—it is now a spiritual lighthouse for the entire denomination.

EYN Dedicates New Church Building in Michika- MBURSA JINATU

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