General Overseer of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) and Convener of Change Makers International (CMI) Initiative, Pastor William Folunrosho Kumuyi arrived Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital on Wednesday, August 15, 2024 to launch the CMI Conference.

Upon arrival at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa in Ikwerre LGA of the State, Pastor Kumuyi briefed the Press, expressing the hope that the CMI Conference will drive positive transformation across individuals, families, and communities.

He elaborated that the vision behind the Change Makers International Initiative, emphasizing its aim to encourage positive change on an individual, family, and institutional level.

“We see that we can do better individually, as families, and as institutions. If we all strive for positive change in our various areas, there will be a transformation in the nation. It doesn’t take a mighty effort; little drops of water make a mighty ocean.”

Regarding the programme’s potential impact, Pastor Kumuyi expressed hope for a ripple effect, stressing that the initiative is non-religious, non-partisan, and non-denominational, with a focus on human betterment.

“We want to leave the community better than we met it. It will start with individual changes in attitude and mindset, leading to national and eventually global change,” he added.

“My light will shine, your light will shine, and once it shines, it will make us see more than we saw before. It’s a chain reaction that will start here and spread globally,” he said. Addressing societal concerns, Kumuyi stated that the initiative focuses on moving forward and fostering a new understanding and approach to addressing the nation’s challenges.

The Conference, which officially kicks off on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, has already been garnering widespread interest and participation from diverse sectors.

Upon arrival, Pastor Kumuyi received a warm welcome from a cross-section of religious leaders, traditional rulers, and media representatives, all expressing optimism about the initiative’s potential impact.

Welcoming the revered cleric to Rivers State Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ohna Apara Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, King Chike Worlu Wodo, who expressed high hopes of the outcome of the Conference.

Represented by the Kasimene Bangha Kingdom and Chairman, Conference of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, His Imperial Majesty, Mene Dr Suanu Timothy Yormaadam Baridam VIII, JP, the RSCTR Chairman said “on behalf of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, I and my colleagues welcome you to Rivers State. We believe that your coming will bring the expected change and peace deserved in the State”.

On his part, Chairman of the Rivers State Elders Council of Christian Ministers, Archbishop Ignatius Kattey stated that Pastor Kumuyi “introduced holiness to the church in Nigeria in the ’70s and ’80s”, noting that “we respect you for that”, expressing the hope that “this programme will bring a lot of change to the church and society”.

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the event, Archbishop Kattey acknowledged the presence of the leaders of the Muslim Community, saying “I can see some Muslims over here; thank you for bringing and uniting us together”.

Representative of the Muslim Community, Imam Usman Mohammed praised Pastor Kumuyi, saying, “I’m so happy to see you today because I usually see you on television. May Allah help us and give us peace in Nigeria,” underscoring the initiative’s potential to promote interfaith harmony.

Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Rivers State, Reverend Minaibi Dagogo-Jack described Pastor Kumuyi’s visit as timely, stating that “your coming to Rivers State is like a father coming to see his children. If there’s anything we need now, it is change. This visit will indeed bless us”.

State Overseer of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Andrew Osagie assured that the initiative would have widespread influence.

“The seed that is to be sown this weekend will create trees in every state and every nation. Our father has arrived, and we expect everyone to converge at Yakubu Gowon Stadium. This interdenominational and interreligious movement will bring change to the hearts of people and the family setup.”

The “Change Makers International Initiative” includes a series of events, such as a Global Women’s Conference on August 15 and 16, and a Global Men’s Fellowship on August 17 and 18. All events will be held at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Elekahia, Port Harcourt by 4pm, and are open to all, regardless of religious or political affiliation.

As the program begins, both Rivers State and the broader Nigerian community eagerly await the positive changes Pastor Kumuyi and the “Change Makers” Initiative are poised to bring.