Mariam Akinloye
The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, played host to important dignitaries as it celebrated its 2024 Adult Harvest which is an annual event.
The Cathedral Provost delivered the sermon at the harvest which was themed, ‘Harvest of Joy’.
The honour of the Harvest Family of the year 2024, was conferred on the Awojobi Family of Ikorodu, which donated handsome sum of money during the special service.
The Rt. Hon. Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa and former Governorship candidate, Lagos State, Chief Owolabi Salis, chaired the occasion.
While HRM Oba Kabir Shotobi, the Ayangbure of Ikorodu and HRM Oba (Dr.) Sulaimon Adeshina Raji, the Oniba Ekun of Iba Kingdom, were the Royal Fathers of the Day, Olori Adesola Kosoko, the General Manager, Lagos Television, and Madam Alice Taiwo Bada, retired Deputy Director, Ministry of Education Lagos State, were the Royal Mother and Mother of the Day, respectively.
Other dignitaries (Distinguished Guest of Honour) that either graced the occasion or sent representatives were: Hon. Wasiu Adeshina, Chairman, Ikorodu LG, Sir David Sunmoni, Pro – Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council, LASU, Engr. Kayode Anibaba, former President, Oriwu Club and retired Permanent Secretary.
Others were: Arf. Adebayo Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Office of Works, Esv. (Barr) Wasiu Olayinka, Director, Land Regularisation, Lands Bureau, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, Special Adviser on Agriculture to the Governor of Lagos State and Esv. (Mrs) Yetunde Olusegun, Director, Land Services, Lands Bureau among others.
Members of the Prosper Clique Club and Egbe Gbgeniyi of Ikorodu, were the Glamorous Guests of Honour.
The Rt. Rev’d. Hezekiah Adedokun Adeleke Adetoro, Bishop Lagos West Diocese, speaking with our reporter after the service, said that the theme for this year’s harvest was necessary, because of the unrest around the world.
“We all are aware of what is happening around the world. There is no peace and we believe that it is only God that can give us peace. That is why this year’s harvest is tagged, ‘The Harvest of Peace’. When you have peace, you have joy in the country and all over the world.
“We need peace and when there is peace, everyone will have joy. It is only in Christ , you can find joy. So, that was what motivated the theme this year”, the Bishop said.
He called for love among the people for there to be peace.
“My charge to everybody is that we should let love reign and also live together in love. When we trust one another, then there would be peace. The bible says love your neighbor as yourself. When there is love , there will be peace and when there is peace , there will be joy”, he added.
Engr Babatunde Sunny Oshin, the Catheral Warden, also speaking, said that the annual celebration is being used to promote the Church.
“Harvest is a yearly program that we use to celebrate and promote the Church. It is also for the growth and betterment of the Church. That is why we do harvest and it is a tradition. The church is always happy whenever we celebrate harvest.
“This year’s harvest is very glamorous. It is very good and we are very happy. The congregation are very happy”, he said.
Chairman, 2024 Harvest Committee of the Church, Prince Adekunle Eniola Bada, also speaking, said that:
“It is a yearly program. This year’s theme is, ‘Harvest of Peace and Joy’. That is to let you know that for this year, we are praying for every member of the family of the Church, that peace and joy will abide with them throughout the year and beyond .
“It has been a great day. Although, before today, there were challenges, but to God be the glory, we have been able to overcome them. Thank God, the program came out to be a successful one so far, so good.
“As the year goes on, members of the Church should be expecting more joyous and peaceful experiences”, he said.
