Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has celebrated the Presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries and President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Dr Francis Wale Oke, on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The governor said Archbishop Oke’s prayers and support for his administration have counted greatly and have been instrumental to the progress being recorded in Oyo State.
Makinde stated this on Tuesday at the 70th Birthday Celebration and Thanksgiving Service held at Cornerstone City, Kilometre 24, Ibadan-Lagos Expressway.
He commended Archbishop Oke for being a patriotic Nigerian and a religious leader committed to community and national development, noting that he has spent decades making an immeasurable impact on humanity.
He said: “Since I became governor, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke has been constant in praying for us and supporting us. Baba, your prayers for this administration have remained unwavering. We want to sincerely thank you for your support.
“I would like to say on this platinum anniversary of your birthday that we wish you the very best. I can only say that the years ahead will be even more impactful than the years that have gone by.”
In his remarks, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, congratulated the celebrant on attaining the milestone age of 70. He described the occasion as one of thanksgiving and urged everyone present to appreciate God for Archbishop Oke’s life and ministry.
“This is a thanksgiving service, and you have every reason to give thanks to God,” Obasanjo said.
In his response, Archbishop Oke expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and appreciated former President Obasanjo, Governor Makinde and all the guests for honouring him. He reaffirmed his commitment to the work of God and to praying for Nigeria and its leaders.
Earlier in his sermon, the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, described the existence of man as a gift from God. He said people must always offer genuine thanksgiving to God in order to preserve and sustain their blessings.
He added that those who fail to give sincere thanks to God would not be able to fully access the fullness of His goodness in their lives.
The event featured praise and worship sessions, as well as special prayers for the celebrant, the church, Oyo State and Nigeria.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; former Military Governor of Oyo State, Major General Oladayo Popoola (Rtd); former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who was represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; and the wife of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala.
Others present were the Governorship Candidate of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi; the Oyo State Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Adenike Fashina, mni; commissioners, political leaders, traditional rulers, clerics and members of the Christian community from across the country.
