Pastor Paul Enenche, senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, made headlines on June 19, 2025, when he publicly declined a ₦30 million cash donation during a crusade in Kebbi State, urging the funds instead to support charitable institutions like orphanages.
During the Kebbi Healing and Deliverance Crusade, Kebbi’s Commissioner for Social Duties, Zayyanu Umar Aliero, publicly presented the governor’s ₦30 million donation in cash on behalf of Governor Nasir Idris
. The substantial gesture was meant to support the event’s organising committee. However, Enenche, visibly surprised, immediately refused the funds.
“Please apply this amount to orphanages and legitimate charities. We will not accept it,” the pastor said, emphasizing his belief that government money should remain within public institutions, while church resources should be drawn from the congregation
Enenche later explained his stance in a follow-up statement, declaring: “Government money should be used for government things, and church money should be used for church things. That is what maintains the dignity of the body of Christ”
. He further suggested the funds be channelled through government-approved religious bodies such as the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board or the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The governor’s team supported his decision. Commissioner Aliero described it as an example of integrity and a reminder that the gesture was appreciated, even if not accepted
. The moment has since sparked widespread applause across social media for Enenche’s commitment to financial transparency and church independence.
The dramatic exchange reflects broader debates in Nigeria about the boundaries between state funding and religious organisations, especially amid concerns over governance, influence, and financial propriety. Enenche’s decision reinforces a growing insistence on clear accountability lines in public and religious finances.
