By Ifunanya Ndigwe

Lagos, Nigeria – Apostle Life Uwandu, founder of The Church of New Jerusalem, celebrated his 75th birthday in style, surrounded by loved ones, friends, and well-wishers. The event was a testament to his impact and influence, with guests from diverse backgrounds.

Among the guests were the Vanguard Media Limited team, led by Crime Editor Mr Emma Nnadozie, including Labour Editor Mr Victor Ahiuma-Young, NUJ Chairman Mrs Chioma Obinna, Deputy Crime Editor Mrs Evelyn Usman, Senior Reporter Miss Ebele Urakpo, and reporters, Providence Ayanfeoluwa, and Ifunanya Ndigwe.

The Education Writers Association of Nigeria, EWAN, led by the Editor, Education Desk, Mr Oyediran Apata, also graced the occasion.

Family members, led by the celebrant’s younger brother, Mr David Uwandu, were also present, along with kinsmen, in-laws, relations, and his immediate family. Men of God from different denominations, ministers, and members of the Church of New Jerusalem joined in the celebration, including the chairman of the local organising committee for the birthday, Evangelist Leonard Okafor from the UK.

Apostle Uwandu, born on March 7, 1951, on Lagos Island, has lived a life of resilience and faith. Due to his mother’s illness, he was stopped from breastfeeding after just four days and survived on water and vegetable broth.

“I was fed on water and vegetable broth for days, a stark contrast to the nourishment a newborn needs,” Uwandu recalls. “But God had a plan, and I’ve lived to tell the story.”

Uwandu’s early years were marked by challenges. His parents, Davison and Juliana Nwagwu, welcomed him as their first child and only son, followed by three sisters. The pressure of being the only son tested his faith, but he believes God used it to shape his destiny.

Uwandu served in the Nigerian Civil War, lost touch with his Christian roots, but found his way back to faith in 1991 when he worshipped at the Christian Pentecostal Mission, CPM. He founded Endtime Intercessory Ministry, now known as The Church of New Jerusalem, in 1996.

Speaking about the ministry, the clergy noted that: “Everything about the ministry is directed by the Holy Ghost,” he says. “My primary focus is absolute and complete faith in God.”

Approaching 75, Uwandu feels blessed, breaking a family pattern of premature deaths. “Many in my lineage faced severe challenges or sudden reversals as they approached 70,” he notes. “But I believe my faith in God has broken that yoke.”

Uwandu credits his longevity to divine intervention. “My survival is a testament to the power of faith,” he says, smiling. “I’m grateful for the journey, from a fragile infant to a community leader.”

A devoted husband to Pastor Mrs Florence Uwandu. And a proud father of seven, though one is no longer with him, Uwandu’s children have excelled: one holds a PhD, two have master’s degrees, two are graduates, and one will soon graduate. His daughters, including award-winning journalist Elizabeth Osayande and social activist Esther Mordi-Uwandu, are shining examples of his legacy. “My children have been a blessing, and I’m proud of the people they’re becoming,” he says.

The celebration was a testament to Uwandu’s impact on his family, community, and beyond. As he enters this new chapter, he’s filled with gratitude and faith.