By Sunday Adeyemi, Society Herald
One constant in human life is change. However, when it comes to the daily life and ministry of renowned Nigerian clergyman and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, Dr. Chris Okafor, one attribute remains unwavering—his deep and uncompromising devotion to prayer.
Dr. Okafor is a man whose life revolves entirely around prayer. He prays while living, eating, traveling, and ministering. Remarkably, except during church services or official engagements, he devotes an average of eight to ten hours daily to prayer. This disciplined prayer life forms the bedrock of his ministry and has been the guiding principle through which he overcomes challenges and continues to thrive. Indeed, he prays as though there is no tomorrow.
Those who associate closely with him understand that prayer is non-negotiable in his life. For members of Grace Nation worldwide, prayer is not merely encouraged—it is a way of life. Grace Nation citizens are known for their strong prayer culture, as prayer remains their primary spiritual weapon. As scripture affirms, prayer has the power to turn unexpected challenges into testimonies and breakthroughs.
Returning to the Set Man of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor is widely acknowledged as a dedicated prayer warrior. His lifestyle of prayer has been affirmed repeatedly by fellow men of God who have encountered him personally.
One of his closest covenant brothers recently shared a testimony during a flagship Grace Nation conference in Lagos.
He recounted traveling with Dr. Okafor to the United States for a major conference. On the morning of the event, after preparing to depart early, he knocked on Dr. Okafor’s door—only to discover that the Generational Prophet was still deeply engaged in prayer. When the door was eventually opened, Dr. Okafor explained that he was preparing spiritually ahead of the conference. The covenant brother described the experience as a clear demonstration of an uncommon prayer life.
Another testimony came from Pastor Wilfred, the South Africa branch pastor of Grace Nation. He described Dr. Okafor as a man who never compromises prayer regardless of circumstances. According to him, even while traveling, Dr. Okafor prioritizes prayer over rest. He narrated a particular experience in South Africa where Dr. Okafor was scheduled to minister at 9:00 a.m. The previous night, Pastor Wilfred left him early to allow him to rest. However, repeated calls went unanswered as Dr. Okafor had already commenced prayer.
The following morning, upon arriving to pick him up, Pastor Wilfred heard prayers from behind the door. After waiting for over an hour, he joined in the prayers. It was only after several more hours that Dr. Okafor opened the door—having not slept throughout the night. Such accounts underscore his unwavering commitment to prayer, earning him the reputation among his peers as a true prayer warrior.
Dr. Okafor’s prayer life has also resulted in numerous testimonies. Many attest that while praying, God speaks to him directly, providing divine direction and intervention. There have been accounts of miraculous breakthroughs through prayers conducted over the phone and even across distances.
In one instance, a woman who had been in labor for over three hours contacted Dr. Okafor, who prayed for her, and she delivered immediately.
In another testimony, a man who had been kidnapped for 80 days was released without ransom after Dr. Okafor prayed. Similarly, a young man who had been wrongly detained for nearly four years was freed the same day Dr. Okafor prayed concerning his case. The matter was reviewed, leading to his release and compensation for wrongful detention.
Beyond prayer, Dr. Chris Okafor’s life of philanthropy continues to leave an indelible mark on society. In Part One of this series, attention was drawn to his immense humanitarian efforts through the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation, particularly in supporting widows, providing scholarships for the less privileged, and transforming the host community of Grace Nation International Headquarters in Lagos.
In Part Two, focus will be placed on his contributions to youth talent discovery—especially in sports—artisan empowerment, support for victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and sustained monthly outreach to homes of the less privileged in Lagos.
Dr. Okafor’s philanthropic vision transcends human imagination. One of his core missions is to deliver people from the grip of darkness and empower them to become productive individuals within society. This vision is actively pursued through the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation, which operates both locally and internationally.
During the xenophobic crisis in South Africa, Dr. Okafor personally traveled to Johannesburg to console and encourage Nigerian victims. Through his foundation, millions of naira were donated to support medical treatment and rehabilitation—an act of compassion worthy of emulation.
The foundation has also invested significantly in youth development through Liberation City FC, discovering and nurturing football talents. To date, more than five players trained by the foundation are currently plying their trade with major football clubs abroad.
Artisan empowerment remains another major achievement. Over 2,000 artisans have been trained in various skills, including bead-making, barbing, hairdressing, tailoring, and beverage production. After training, beneficiaries are provided with start-up capital to establish their businesses.
Additionally, the foundation conducts monthly outreach to communities of physically challenged individuals in the Yaba area of Lagos State, providing food supplies and educational scholarships for their children, alongside spiritual support through prayer.
The list of impactful interventions by the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation is extensive and continually growing.
In Part Three of this series, we will examine the factors behind the sustained growth and resilience of Grace Nation and the Chris Okafor Humanity Foundation in the face of diverse challenges.
