BLESSED MEMORY OF GOD’S GENERAL-PASTOR INALEGWU OMAKWU

Memories of a life well lived of the founder of Family Worship Centre Abuja. Pastor Ina as he was fondly called by his enthusiastic members, passed unto glory on 25^th February 2003 at a young age of 44.

Today 25^th February, 2024 marked the 21 years of his remembrance. Pastor Ina Omakwu was many things to many people, and his memory will always live in their hearts.  On the 11^th April 1993, Pastor Ina  and Pastor Sarah Omakwu laid the foundation of Family Worship Centre in Abuja, what has now become a global brand with a total number of 147 branches  of physical churches in Nigeria and millions of online followers worldwide.

Pastor Inalegwu Omakwu had humble beginnings in Kaduna where he grew up. He could have turned out like any other teenager but the stirrings of greatness began when he got born again. His love for God, love for people, audacious faith and charisma stood him out as a natural leader among the growing community of young believers in Kaduna then.

After a first degree in Microbiology from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria he knew he was called by God to win souls for God and demonstrate His transforming love to mankind. With meager resources but huge faith in God he headed out in 1984 to Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma where he had a Masters degree in Divinity. In America he married his heart throb, Pastor Sarah, and they raised a small family while schooling. After a second master’s degree in Communication from Regent University in Virginia he then returned to Nigeria to start the ministry God had placed in his heart. God directed them to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja where they started Family Worship Centre at Sheraton hotel with a congregation of 147 adults and 64 Children on the 11th April 1993.

His heart was to worship God, teach the word in simplicity and love God’s people unconditionally. With his wife he exemplified humility, practical love, care, excellence and a lifestyle of Christianity that was impactful and fun filled. As the church grew many who attended church encountered God, found purpose in life, served God joyfully and became established in church and the market place. He made sure the church took on the support of missionaries, widows and orphans across Northern Nigeria. In 1997 with the Christian Broadcasting Network, he spearheaded WORLD REACH NIGERIA which took the gospel to millions of people in northern Nigeria via radio, TV and film.

The ultra-modern church campus in Wuye, Abuja and the school, Royal Family Academy are some of his legacies. But his greatest legacy is the people he mentored and nurtured to carry the vision of loving Christ above all.

May his soul continue to rest with the Lord Amen!