Prominent stakeholders in Ebonyi State on Sunday poured encomiums on veteran journalist and cleric, Rev Pastor Peter Chukwudi Okutu, for his dedication to promoting God’s work through the Dominion City Church, Ugwuachara, in Ebonyi Local Government Area.
The commendations came during the church’s 2025 Annual Thanksgiving Service, which drew government officials, media practitioners, community leaders and worshippers from across the state.
Representing the member for Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, Comrade Chinedu Ogah, Commissioner II in the Ebonyi State Local Government Service Commission, Monday Nwigbo, said Ogah has always identified 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," Ogah's representative said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Ikeuwa Omebe, said his presence at the thanksgiving was deliberate, noting that he came to identify with one of Ebonyi’s own.
“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 affirmed.
He added: "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.”
Omebe further described Ebonyi journalists as one united, happy family and reassured them of the state government’s commitment to their welfare and to promoting objective journalism.
During his sermon drawn from Psalm 100, the pastor in charge of Dominion City Ugwuachara, Rev. Peter Okutu, emphasized the importance of gratitude and the need for believers to continually acknowledge God’s goodness.
He highlighted the peace and security in Ebonyi State, noting that it enables residents to worship and pursue their livelihoods unhindered.
He expressed deep gratitude to God for the success of the service, noting that he had spent barely a month in the Ugwuachara branch yet had already witnessed God’s mighty hand at work.
“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 thanked the Founder of Dominion City Worldwide, Rev. Dr. David Ogbueli, for the opportunity to serve, while also appreciating his State Pastor, Rev. Christopher Aniamaka, his wife, Pastor Ify, and the jurisdictional pastor, Pastor Promise Izuogu, for their support and guidance.
He assured members that Dominion City Ugwuachara is on the path of expansion and greater spiritual impact.
“Let me prophesy that the Thanksgiving of 2026 will be greater than that of 2025,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the cleric expressed heartfelt appreciation to the congregation and all stakeholders for honouring God alongside the church.
He pledged to sustain the momentum and elevate subsequent thanksgiving services to even greater heights.
