SEVENTY years after it started with just seven worshippers, the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) will next Sunday roll out the drums to celebrate the milestone.

Formerly known as Evangelical Church of West Africa, the church, which has since spread to most parts of the country, started in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State on 7th April, 1946. The first ECWA church now boasts of 10,000 worshippers with over 28 branches planted.

According to the information sub-committee of the 70th anniversary: "Rev. C. P. Jensen and Elder J. A. Afolabi, who conceived the idea of starting ECWA in Ilorin met after a Sunday service at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Sabo - Oke Ilorin.

"The duo met on 31st March, 1946 and agreed to start an SIM Church the following Sunday. "They moved with faith and the church started in the residence of Rev. C. P. Jensen on 7th April, 1946.

"First ECWA Ilorin started with 7 worshippers on the first day of meeting - they were Rev. C. P. Jensen (host), Mrs. Helen Jensen and Elder J. A. Afolabi. Others are Mr. Thomas Akande, Mr. Elisha Omoteji, Mr. Joseph Adewumi (Joseph Cook) and Mr. Joseph Aboyeji (Boyeji Oloko).

Activities marking the celebration include an anniversary lecture by Professor Yusufu Turaki, on Friday, 8th April. Keynote address will be delivered by Dr. John Ndanusa Akanya (OON), former Director General Standards Organisation of Nigeria.