“Jesus arrested me under a mango tree 30 years ago” — Pastor Abel Uloko celebrates three decades in ministry

…Pays Tribute to late Sammoses Odiba Enenche

Renowned cleric, life coach and author, Pastor Abel Uloko, has reflected on his remarkable 30-year journey in Christian ministry, recalling how a life-changing encounter with God under a mango tree in Otukpo transformed the course of his life.

Uloko, who marked 30 years in active ministry on June 21, 2026, said his spiritual journey took a decisive turn on March 23, 1994, when he experienced what he described as a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit.

“Jesus arrested me finally through a private encounter with the Holy Spirit at my father’s plot of land in Oweto, Otukpo, under a mango tree. From then till today, I have not looked back by His grace and mercy,” he said.

According to him, although he had been actively involved in church activities before then, worldly distractions had weakened his zeal for God between 1992 and 1993.

The cleric recalled that he was baptised in March 1991 at Nocross Methodist Church, Otukpo, by the late Bishop S.M. Ogidi and immediately became involved in evangelism and youth ministry.
Reflecting on his early days of evangelism, Uloko said he joined his sister, now Pastor Mrs Deborah Oloche Adaji, in preaching the gospel across parts of Otukpo.

“We went on evangelism to Jamaica Street, Otukpo. We did not win a soul that day, but I believe a seed was planted,” he recalled.
He also recounted another evangelism outing with his brother, Emmanuel Uloko, to the Hamdala Market area, where they preached to traders and patrons at a popular drinking spot.

“We got a soul converted as he said the sinner’s prayer. At the time, I was not sure whether he did so under the influence of alcohol, but years later, I chose to believe it was a genuine conviction because others around him rejected the message while he accepted Christ,” he stated.

Following his 1994 spiritual encounter, Uloko said his commitment to ministry deepened significantly and God began opening doors for greater responsibilities.

“God began to do mighty works through me by His grace and mercy. Looking back over the years, I can only thank Him for His faithfulness,” he said.

His dedication soon earned him recognition within the church, leading to his appointment as head of the Prayer Band Ministry of Glory Chapel, Otukpo, in October 1995 by Rev. Sammoses Enenche.
He disclosed that due to intense opposition from his father over his commitment to ministry, he relocated to the church premises in January 1996, where he lived and continued his ministerial training under church leaders.

Uloko said he was further mentored by Pastor David James Christine Orngu Kanyi, whom he described as instrumental in his spiritual development and leadership training.

He recalled that after writing his final WAEC examination paper on June 19, 1996, he travelled to Lagos and was ordained into ministry the following day during the inaugural conference of Kings Glory Chapel Lagos.

According to him, Rev. Sammoses Enenche publicly called him forward during the conference, laid hands on him and commissioned him into ministry.

Reflecting on the milestone anniversary, Uloko expressed gratitude to God for sustaining him through three decades of active service.

“It has been 30 years since God has been using me in an official ministry capacity, and I am grateful for His grace and mercy that I have enjoyed. Thirty years later, I am better, stronger, wiser, still in Christ, still in ministry and still actively serving as a disciple of Christ,” he said.

The cleric also paid tribute to several individuals who influenced his spiritual growth during his formative years, particularly during his days in the Methodist Church.

“At this juncture, I want to appreciate brethren who were a real inspiration and motivation to me on this journey, especially during my Methodist Church days. Their encouragement and support played significant roles in my spiritual growth and development,” he added.

Uloko called on Christians to remain steadfast in their faith, stressing that God remains faithful to those who commit their lives to His service.