Picture: Igwe Isseke, wife other members of the community and the crusaders
By Willie Rothmans
The ancient town of Isseke in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State has held a powerful non-denominational prayer crusade, with residents declaring the community reclaimed for Jesus Christ after years of insecurity, violence and division.
The prayer crusade, held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Field, Isseke, brought together men, women and children from the community, including indigenes at home and in the diaspora.
The event, described as a spiritual warfare for the healing, divine visitation, restitution, forgiveness, reconciliation and restoration of Isseke, was initiated by the traditional ruler of Isseke, HRH Engr. Emmanuel Chukwudi Nnabuife, JP (KSJI), Ezeoha II of Isseke, with the support of his cabinet.
The programme was financed through individual donations by members of the community to promote peace, unity and progress in Isseke.
During the service, residents poured out their hearts in prayers, confessed their sins, sought forgiveness and called for divine intervention in the affairs of the community.
They also prayed for the complete restoration of the land from the influence of hoodlums, miscreants and killers who, according to the organisers, had held the community hostage for about five years.
Clergymen from the Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal denominations participated actively in the service, which featured praise and worship, Holy Mass and fervent prayers.
Among the ministers who participated were Rev. Fr. Ernest-Mort Obidiegwu, Rev. Fr. A. Nwanaekezi, Pastor Ikenna Nwaka, Ven. Emmanuel Awaobi, Ven. Dr. Chugo Ogueze, Rev. David Ezeani, Pastor I.C. Iloakasi and Evangelist Richard Nwanze Igwilo, among others.
The ministers drew lessons from biblical passages including 2 Chronicles 7:14, Exodus 20:1-2, Jonah 3:10, Acts 2:1-4 and John 14:1-6, urging the people to put God first and embrace genuine repentance, peace and love.
At the end of the joint prayers, the people of Isseke spoke with one voice, declaring God’s saving power, healing, restoration and grace over the community.
The gathering also followed the first Mass Return held in Isseke on September 25, 2025, which helped to promote peace, love and unity and was organised by Isseke youths led by Comr. Chukwuebuka Ndujekwu.
Following the success of the 2026 prayer crusade, Igwe Nnabuife declared the non-denominational service an annual event and appointed a five-man committee from his cabinet to organise the 2027 edition. The committee is headed by Ichie Adolphus Agudozie.
Speaking with journalists after the programme, Sir Pharm. Felix Odidika (KSC) thanked God for His mercy and commended the ministers who participated in the service for preaching reconciliation, peace and love among the people.
Ichie Jonah Nwabuwa also expressed gratitude for God’s grace, stressing that God must remain first in everything the people do.
“God is first in everything we do. God’s time is the best,” he said.
Chief Jude Ugwudike thanked God for the return of peace and love in Isseke and appealed to Igwe Nnabuife and other community leaders to sustain the peace.
According to him, “the land is now cool and liveable” for the people of Isseke.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Ichie Dr. Lawrence Ogueze, expressed gratitude to God for what he described as a great work in the community.
He commended the ministers of God for leading the people in prayers for salvation, restoration and healing, adding: “The Almighty God has taken over the land.”
Those who attended the prayer crusade included the Isseke Councillor, Lady Nkechi Agbodike; President-General of Isseke, Hon. Comr. Obinna Victor Ekwegbalu; Ichie Tony Nwadiubu; Hon. Thaddeus Elukaoha; Hon. Ernest Nwanne; and other prominent leaders and stakeholders from the community.
Tags: Isseke, Ihiala, Anambra, Prayer Crusade, Community Peace
