Kunle Adelabu
Prominent elders and youths of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu, were, on Sunday, honoured with Excellence and Role Model Awards for their roles in the development of the church.
The award event was part of the commemorative activities lined up for the celebration marking the 120 years of the existence of the church founded in 1904 in Ikorodu, following its founding fathers protest and exit from the CMS Church.
The special service commemorating The African Church Bethel Cathedral’s 120 years anniversary and Community Hymn Singing, took place at the Church auditorium at Aga junction, Ikorodu.
The celebration was themed, ‘Amazing Grace of God’.
Honoured for their evangelicalism contributions to the Church, were: The Rt. Revd. H.A. Adetoro, Bishop , Lagos West Diocese, The Rt. Revd. Akin Ajayi, FCE, The Rt. Revd. Ologun Adebayo and The Ven. Adewale Oluwoga.
Among those honoured with the Excellence awards were: Prince Adebayo Afolabi Ogunleye, Baba Ijo The African Church Bethel Church, Ikorodu and former Vice Lay President, Lagos West Diocese of the Church; Chief (Mrs) Abike Olajumoke Laleye, Iya Ijo, Olukotun Emmanuel Olawale Adelabu, an Evangelist and former Cathedral and Building Secretary; Prince Rotimi Ogunleye, former Cathedral Warden, Engr. Afolabi Dixon, the Majeoba of the Church; Prince Lanre Ighodalo, a former Cathedral Warden and Engr. Sunday Babatunde Oshin, Cathedral Warden.
Mrs Victoria Ajoke Adetoro, JP, wife of the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese; Mrs Helen Talabi, JP, Trustee of the Church were honoured with Meritorous awards for their contributions to the development of the Women’s League.
In his sermon, The Most Rev’d. Julius Oladotun Ogunseye, Arch – Bishop of Lagos Province, remembered and commended the founders of the Church, for their sacrifices and dedication to Christ, and the development of the church.
While warning against creation of division and enmity within the church because of positions, the preacher called on the congregation to live godly and Christlike life, adding that good attitude is important in showing examples at home, work place and church.
He called for unity, commitment and love for the church to continue to progress.
In his paper, the guest lecturer, The Ven. Dr. Oluwasegun Oladosu, JP, Provost, Arch – Cathedral Bethel, Lagos, traced the history of Christianity from the period of reformation and counter reformation that led to the disintegration of the Catholic Church and formation of protestant churches led by Martin Luther King, Calvin and others.
He narrated how The African Church was formed in 1901, and also led to the formation of the church in Ikorodu, which is celebrating its 120 years.
According to him, “The Church was formed to give Africans sense of belonging in the organization of the church, independence and to also have a say in the happenings”
He emphasized that the founders did not establish the church to promote secret cult or immorality.
Dr Oladosu stated that the founders were committed and dedicated to the church and that they donated their properties and used their resources for the development of the church.
He added that the founders also established schools all over the country, in the name of the African Church.
The guest speaker also revealed that the chief founder of the church, Chief J.K Cooker, promoted the cultivation of cocoa in Nigeria, by sharing the seeds among farmers and promoting agricultural development.
In addition, Dr Oladosu also stated that the church bearing African in its name is a pride of the African continent and participated fully in the independence fight that eventually culminated into independence for Nigeria.
He lamented the attitude of the present generations for selling the legacies of the church bestowed on them by the founders.
He charged the congregation to retrace their steps and develop a sense of commitment and dedication like the founding fathers, to explore the values of the church in further contributions to the society.
He emphasized that The African Church is the number one church in Africa, and urged its congregation to rededicate themselves to its development.
Among other excellence awardees were Elder Olushola Akinwunmi, Evang. Mrs Omobola Ilubanwo, JP, Medical Adviser, ACBC, Engr. Olukayode Anibaba, Elder Michael Liyele, Chief (Engr.) Folorunsho Akinrinade and Olola Olusegun Iluyombo.
Prominent figures honoured with Role Model Awards were Bro. Olukoga Abiodun Iluyombo, Head of the Children/Youth Section of the ACBC; Bro. Olugbolahan Ogunkoya, ACYA Chairman; Ms. Kehinde Adelabu, former Vestry Secretary; Mrs Adenike Bilewu, Head, Children/Youth Section of ACBC; Mr Olumide Adelabu, Choir Master/Organist and Dr. Olukayode Abiodun Bilewu, Assistant CM/Organist, Mrs Inumidun Kuti, Church worker, Mrs Abiola Kalejaiye, Mrs Adeola Alagbe Adegushen, Head of Traffic Management.
Distinguished Church Families’ Awards were presented to Samuel Okeowo Odofin, Chief Jacob Awojoni Firanmolu, Chief Jeremiah and John Aina, Chief Joseph Idowu Anibaba, Prince Emmanuel Adekoya Ogunleye, Chief Ezekiel Oshodeinde Dada, Pa Jacob Adebayo Oduolowu, Chief Amos Olabinjo Oshin and Chief Moses Oletunbo families.
Late Snr. A.B.G. Adeyinka Olawale Oyejola, Late Dr. Oluyombo Awojobi, Late Samuel A. Apanisile, Late Taiwo Abayomi Fakunmoju, Late Amos Olabinjo Oshin, Late Olusola Onagboyega Ilubanwo, Mathew Ishola Eniayewun Esumade and late E.O.O. Rotinwa, were honoured with post humous awards.
During the special service, there was also a farewell session for the outgoing Arch – Bishop of Lagos Province, His Grace, The Most Rev’d. Julius Oladotun Ogunseye.
Music at the special service was conducted by Mr Adelabu Olumide, Organist/Choir Master of the Church.
Eminent guests at the service were Otunba Fajimi, Provincial Vice Lay President, The African Church and Odofin Obayan, former Vice Lay President, Lagos West Diocese.
