2025: Ebonyi Stakeholders Celebrate Journalist-Cleric, Rev. Okutu, at Dominion City Thanksgiving

Prominent stakeholders in Ebonyi State on Sunday poured encomiums on veteran journalist and cleric, Rev. Pastor Peter Chukwudi Okutu, in recognition of his dedication to advancing God’s work through Dominion City Church, Ugwuachara, in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

The accolades came during the church’s 2025 Annual Thanksgiving Service, which drew government officials, media practitioners, community leaders and worshippers from across the state. Speaking on behalf of the member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, Commissioner II in the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission, Monday Nwigbo, said Ogah has always maintained strong ties with journalists and would continue to support their programmes and initiatives. “I will always identify with whatever journalists are doing in Ebonyi State. They are the watchdog of the society. It is not easy to find a journalist who is also a pastor. Pastor Peter, you are doing well. Our mission is to complement the efforts of our dear Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, in every sector of the economy. This is the season of thanksgiving, and we are glad to be part of it today at Dominion City Ugwuachara,” he said. Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, said his presence at the thanksgiving was intentional, noting that he came to identify with one of Ebonyi’s finest. “I had visited many places, but I decided that I must be here to grace this occasion. This is my primary constituency, and I am identifying with one of our own, Pastor Peter Okutu,” Omebe stated. He added that the state government, under Governor Nwifuru, remains committed to supporting activities that honour God and uplift the people. “The Governor loves God and the people of God. Whatever the people of God are doing, this administration will always support it. I want to encourage Pastor Peter Okutu to keep up the good work and forge ahead in his ministry,” he said. Omebe further described Ebonyi journalists as one united and happy family, assuring them of the government’s continuous support and commitment to promoting objective journalism. Delivering his sermon from Psalm 100, Rev. Okutu, the pastor in charge of Dominion City Ugwuachara, emphasized the importance of gratitude and the need for believers to consistently acknowledge God's goodness. He highlighted the peace and security in Ebonyi State, noting that it enables residents to worship and go about their daily activities without fear. The cleric expressed deep gratitude to God for the successful service, noting that although he had spent barely a month in the Ugwuachara branch, he had already witnessed God’s mighty works. “God has done so much for us in this community. His hand is already in operation. I want to thank God for bringing today to pass after much planning and prayers,” he said. Rev. Okutu appreciated the Founder of Dominion City Worldwide, Rev. Dr. David Ogbueli, for the privilege to serve, and extended gratitude to his State Pastor, Rev. Christopher Aniamaka; his wife, Pastor Ify; and the Jurisdictional Pastor, Pastor Promise Izuogu, for their unwavering support. Assuring the congregation of greater exploits ahead, he declared that Dominion City Ugwuachara was on a path of expansion and deeper spiritual impact. “Let me prophesy that the Thanksgiving of 2026 will be greater than that of 2025,” he proclaimed. He also thanked the congregation, stakeholders and guests for honouring God alongside the church, pledging to sustain the momentum and elevate future thanksgiving services to even greater heights.