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| CACMA Chairman & Regional Superintendent of Odubanjo Region, Pastor Gideon O. Obiwale |
By Oluwagbenga Bankole
The Chairman of Christ Apostolic Church Men Association (CACMA), Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor G.O. Obiwale, has expressed concern over what he described as the growing absence of godly fatherhood in society, warning that the trend has contributed to confusion, broken identities and a generation starved of spiritual direction.
Addressing delegates at the opening of the 2026 National CACMA Conference held at the Ayo Babalola International Miracle Camp, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Obiwale said Nigeria urgently needs men who will rise to their responsibilities as fathers, mentors and spiritual leaders both at home and in the larger society.
“A generation has grown without guidance, affirmation and spiritual leadership,” he said. “This has created cycles of confusion and broken identity. We are here to restore godly fatherhood and raise a generation grounded in truth.”
The cleric, who delivered the welcome address at the conference, noted that the annual gathering was more than a routine church programme, describing it as a divine call for men to rediscover their purpose and return to God’s original design for manhood.
According to the Regional Superintendent of Odubanjo Region, today’s men are confronted by unprecedented pressures as societal values continue to redefine masculinity and diminish the virtues of responsibility, sacrifice and commitment.
“We live in a time when manhood is being redefined by culture and distorted by societal pressures,” Obiwale said. “The world presents conflicting expectations—strength without responsibility, passion without commitment and provision without sacrifice.”
He warned that many men are increasingly losing their sense of identity as they struggle to navigate competing messages from the culture around them.
“Men today are bombarded with messages that weaken their sense of purpose,” he said. “Like Adam in the garden, many are hiding from responsibility, truth and God. This conference is a call for men to rise and step out of hiding.”
Obiwale also identified spiritual complacency and passivity as major threats confronting men, saying many have allowed fear, discouragement and a sense of inadequacy to keep them from fulfilling their divine assignments.
Drawing from the biblical account of the ten spies, he urged participants to reject defeatist attitudes and embrace the confidence that comes from faith in God.
The CACMA Chairman further challenged the delegates to embrace what he described as God’s blueprint for godly men by becoming men of the Word, courage, integrity and mission.
Referencing biblical figures including Ezra, Joseph, David and Apostle Paul, he called on men to model lives rooted in Scripture, marked by character and committed to purpose.
He urged participants to actively engage in the conference proceedings, allowing the teachings of God’s Word, worship and prayer to transform their lives.
“As we proceed, I urge every participant: be actively engaged, let the Word transform you, let worship renew you and let prayer empower you,” he said.
Pastor Obiwale concluded his address on a note of hope and assurance, declaring that men who remain steadfast in God’s purpose would ultimately triumph over the challenges confronting them.
“Brethren, the army is here. The Commander has spoken. The victory is assured,” he declared.
