Kunle Adelabu
-Ogunleye, Okunowo, Oshin, Anibaba, Dixon others now grand patrons
Former President of the prestigious Oriwu Club and former Chairman of the Ikorodu Division Resource Development Group (IDRDG), Prince Sunday Olabode Ogunleye, former Lay President of The African Church, Revd. (Chief) Ebenezer Olubukola Okunowo and former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State and also a former President of the Oriwu Club, Engr. Olukayode Anibaba, were among eminent members of The African Church Lagos West Missionary Diocese (LWMD) that were honoured with the Grand Patrons of the Diocese on Saturday, August 21, 2021.
They were honoured during the celebration of the 6th Founder’s Thanksgiving & Investiture ceremony held at the The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Aga, Ikorodu, the seat of the Bishop and the headquarters of the LWMD.
Others that were honoured as grand patrons and grand patronesses were Engr. Afolabi Dixon, Chief O.O. Ilubanwo, Chief Amos Olatunde Oshin, Engr. Sete Aiyede, Chief (Mrs) Obayomi Balogun, Mrs Abosede Abisuga Lambo, Chief (Mrs) E.R. Beckley and Pastor (Mrs) Kehinde Okunowo.
Also, Omodayo Olomo, Esq., Chief Ebenezer Akiode, Chief Olumuyiwa Ayodeji Adesigbin, High Chief J.O. Ajisafe, Prince M.O. Sobowale, Chief Samson Olutunde Olanipekun, Hon. Alfred Sunday Sawyer, Mr M.O. Liyele were conferred with the honour of patrons of the LWMD while Chief (Mrs) Abosede Bishopton, JP., Chief (Mrs) Adenike Thomas, Evang. (Mrs) Oluwafunmilayo Ajayi, Mrs Remi Soetan, Esq., Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Idowu, Evang. Omobola Ilubanwo, Chief (Mrs) Oluwatoyin Okunowo Lajumoke and Evang. (Yeye) Julie Obayan were honoured as patronesses.
Those honoured with Excellence awards were Prince Adebayo Ogunleye, Elder Timothy A.G. Okeowo, JP., Major Akinwale Olufowora Rtd., Chief Sunday Olusi, Prince Adesina Haastrup, Mrs Yetunde A. Dawodu, SABG. Yinka Oyejola, Bro. Taiwo Fakunmoju, Prince Lanre Ighodalo, Elder. S.A Apanisile, Elder O.A. Olukoga, Elder Olusola A. Abiodun, Chief (Mrs) Bolanle Omolayo Abiodun, JP., Elder Anthony O. Leduwe, Bro. Femi Sowemimo, Elder Sunny Ekunkubor, Prince Adekunle Ogunleye and Elder (Sis) Oluremilekun Thomas.
Six late members of the Diocese were also honoured with the posthumous award.
The Vice Lay President of the LWMD, Odofin A.B.G Obayan, presented the honorees to the Bishop of the LWMD for their investitures.
“We have examined and are sure that it is the will of God and that of the whole Diocese to install them into this exalted position”, Odofin Obayan said.
The Rt. Rev. Hezekiah A. Adetoro, JP., the Bishop of the LWMD, in his sermon, thanked guests that attended the service and charged honorees to be ready to rededicate themselves to God’s work.
“I appreciate everyone who grace today’s event. God will honour you too”, Bishop Adetoro prayed.
Reading from the Book of 1st Chronicle, Bishop Adetoro charged honorees to always work for the progress of the Church.
“if our goal is to enter the kingdom of God, there are two things that we must do.
“These requirements are our faith in God and our work for God. It is not going to be that rosy or easy, but we need the faith in the Lord”, he charged.
“Also, we have to work for the projection of His gospel because faith without work is nothing”, he added.
He charged the honoraries to always give to God willingly and seek the prosperity of His house like David”, the Bishop said citing Psalm 122.
“Today, you have been called to work for God generously. We are here today to raise funds for our Diocese to be a full – fledged Diocese and it is a task that God has selected you to be those that will fulfill His promises”, he said to the hononaries.
Bishop Adetoro also assured the honorees that there will be a reward for their work for the Church.
Elder Timothy A. G. Okeowo JP, the Chairman of the 6th Anniversary Committee of the LWMD, speaking with THE IMPACT, described the event as historic and thanked the Bishop, other members of the clergy honoraries and the entire membership of the LWMD for their support.
“August 21, 2021, will go down in history of the LWMD as one that showed that, with unity of purpose, we can achieve much”, he said.
“The rain tormented, turnout initially was disappointing but at the end, we give glory to God for His benevolence.
“On behalf of the Lord Bishop, whose name depicted tranquility and upliftment, the other Diocesan Officers, and my team on the Fundraising and Development Committee, I wish to extend our appreciation to our honoraries and the entire membership of the Church of God for the success of the event held yesterday.
“Though modest, we must give thanks to the Almighty God for His grace.
“Kudos to the Ministers, Choir, ushers and indeed, the Rt. Revd & Mrs H. A. Adetoro for the wonderful sermon and superb music ministry.
“Notification was short, entertainment was relatively below per. Yet, you all gave your best.
“We, as a team, are a vessel in the hands of the Lord. We can’t be perfect.
“We solicit for your kind understanding in whatever areas we must have erred. To err is human, to forgive is divine”, he pleaded.
While soliciting for redemption of pledges, the Chairman of the anniversary committee also assured that money realised will be used in achieving necessary projects that must be in place for the LWMD to achieve full – fledged diocesan status.
“We promise to update you on the progress made and to deploy the income generated for the purpose it is meant for”, he pledged.
“The attainment of a full – fledged Diocese is our dream.
“Completing the edifice started 11 years ago is our focus. We solicit for the kind redemption of pledges and appeal to those yet to make donations to please do so.
“No one is fit for the heavenly kingdom who looks back after setting his or her hand on the plough. Thank you so much and may the heaven’s light continue to be our guide, amen”, he again prayed.
