ECWA Declares Zero Tolerance on Fraud Amid Economic Crisis, says Financial Accountability is a Spiritual Obligation

… Church pushes for whistleblowing to curb embezzlement and procurement fraud

By Danjuma Auta

The Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, has declared financial accountability a spiritual obligation and vowed zero tolerance for fraud, as it battles economic disruptions and rising public scrutiny of religious institutions.

The declaration was made on Wednesday at the 7th ECWA Internal Stakeholders Consultative Forum held at ECWA 2, Elimegba, Ilorin, Kwara State.

Declaring the forum open, ECWA President, Rev. Dr. Job Ayuba Bagat, said the theme for this year, “Examining Church Fraud, Financial Stewardship, and Whistleblowing Mechanisms in a Disruptive Economy”, was chosen for its urgency.

“As stewards of God’s resources, we must recognize that financial accountability is not merely an administrative responsibility but a spiritual obligation,” Rev. Dr. Bagat stated.

He charged leaders to adopt both practical and biblical approaches to financial leadership, to reinforce internal accountability, and to establish effective reporting channels to protect resources entrusted to the Church.

In his keynote address, ECWA General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Ayuba Asheshe, said the Church has historically served as a moral compass but is not immune to financial misconduct.

He listed embezzlement, procurement fraud, unauthorized expenditures, and abuse of financial authority as threats that damage reputations, erode congregational trust, and weaken missionary credibility.

Dr. Asheshe welcomed participants from the South West and Patigi regions, but expressed regret over the absence of representatives from the South East. He assured the church would improve inclusion going forward.

“One of the most powerful tools for combating fraud is an effective whistleblowing mechanism,” he said, advocating for safe and confidential channels for members to report irregularities before they become scandals.

Guest Speaker, Elder Barnabas Achaka, FCA, and former Auditor General of Plateau State, lectured on “Financial Leadership in a Volatile Economy.”

He said leaders must understand the financial implications of their decisions to ensure profitability and sustainability.

He called for rigorous record-keeping and adherence to modern accounting theories to mitigate financial risks.

Also speaking, ECWA Director of Audit, Dr. Ibrahim Maren Makut, addressed “The Impact of Fraud and Whistleblowing in a Disruptive Economy.”

He warned that rapid digitalization, globalization, and evolving financial models have led to substantial losses for organizations, including ECWA, through theft, fraudulent transactions, and regulatory penalties.

Dr. Makut urged stakeholders to adapt to contemporary challenges and build an ethical culture to curb financial malpractice.

The forum also featured a revival worship service with the theme, “Keep Your Spiritual Favour.”

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