…marks 60th birthday

By Nnasom David

The Founder and Senior Pastor of Hilltop International Christian Centre, Rev. Dr. Chris Oarhe, marked his 60th birthday with a public lecture examining the role of faith institutions in national development. 

The lecture, themed “The Role of the Church in Nation Building,” took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at J’s Signature Hotel and attracted leaders from academia, governance, diplomacy, business, and the church.

Key speakers included political economist Prof. Pat Utomi, economist Prof. Osita Ogbu, former Nigerian Ambassador Joe Keshi, management scholar Prof. Edwinah Amah, international development expert Prof. Franklin Nnaemeka Ngwu, distinguished academic Prof. Francis Egbokhare, and former Minister of Information Mr. Frank Nweke Jr. Other attendees were Pastor George Izunwa of Gateway International Church, maritime industry leader Capt. Greg Ogbeifun, Pastor Chris Ugoh of Kings Assembly, Bishop Idah Peterside of Christ Ambassadors Church, and Bishop Odunayo of Victory Chapel Churches Worldwide.

Speakers shared insights on leadership, governance, and the ways in which the Church can foster a value-driven society capable of sustaining national development. Discussions focused on integrity, responsible leadership, and active citizen participation as pillars for nation building.

During the lecture, Rev. Chris Oarhe urged young Nigerians to heed the counsel and wisdom of elders while challenging older generations to mentor the youth in cultivating responsible, future-ready leaders. One attendee described the event as “a meeting with nation builders and people of high intellectual capacity, discussing the nation’s future.”

Rev. Oarhe also announced his intention to make the lecture an annual event, creating a sustained platform for dialogue on leadership, faith, and national development. Beyond his pastoral duties, he leads the Hilltop Leadership Institute, working with leadership experts to equip individuals for impactful service and meaningful contributions to nation building.

The 60th birthday lecture served not only as a milestone celebration but also as a call to collective responsibility, urging all generations to ensure that faith, leadership, and service work together for the common good.