Dr Paul Enenche, the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, made headlines after refusing a ₦30 million donation presented by the Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, during a major crusade held in the state.
The event, known as the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade, brought together a large crowd for worship, prayers, and spiritual revival. In the middle of the program, the Kebbi State Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, stepped forward to announce a surprise gesture on behalf of Governor Idris.
According to Aliero, “Our Governor, His Excellency Dr Nasir Idris, a faithful Governor and also a Comrade Governor, who you all know is the only Comrade Governor in this country. He has therefore graciously approved the donation of the sum of 30 million naira to this gathering. That is to the organising committee. His Excellency has approved the donation of a sum of 30 million naira to the organising committee, which you know that whenever His Excellency makes a donation, he doesn’t leave without bringing that donation in cash. So before I leave this stage, I want to present that sum of 30 million naira in cash.”
However, what followed surprised many in the crowd. Dr Enenche stepped up and declined the donation. He asked that the money be used instead for helping the needy or directed to orphanages and other charitable efforts.
He stated clearly, “If there is anything like orphanage, if there is anything like that, at your discretion, please apply this amount of money to it. No. It will not be received.”
Later, the pastor shared more about his reason for turning down the cash. He noted that public funds should only be used for public projects and not mixed with church activities. Enenche said that his church, even with its large Glory Dome, had not used any government money for its construction.
“We are one of those who believe that government money should be used for government projects and government things should be used for government things; and church money should be used for church things, not mixed together,” he noted.
He further suggested that if any donation was to be made to support faith-based efforts, it should be sent through official Christian bodies like the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board or the Christian Association of Nigeria.
“This is so that we can retain our dignity as a body of Christ; retain our dignity as a church, and say what we need to say when we need to say it. And be able to say what we need to say when we need to say it,” he added.
After the pastor’s decision, Commissioner Aliero also responded respectfully. He noted that the rejection came from a place of sincerity and devotion.
“They don’t accept it because whatever he is doing, he is doing it for the sake of God. We really appreciate and we really thank him for what he is doing in our state,” Aliero said.
