Apart from the fact that Rivers state is one of the states that is blessed with vast petroleum resources, it is also a reservoir of good people who have the fear of God at heart and uses all in their capacity to bless their fellow man. One of such good people from Rivers state is Kennedy Ogidie.
Born in the early seventies to a family of five, he is the first born among four siblings in a family of three boys and two girls. Like the story of the majority of great men of this world; growing up was not all that easy for little Kennedy. He lost his dad in 1979 to the cold hands of death and since then, he has being saddled with the sole responsibility of acting as a father to his siblings and an husband to his ever caring mother.
Through mother’s care and self-efforts, Ogidie Kennedy managed to see himself through the university as he graduated in Management from the prestigious Rivers State University of Science and Technology.
As a Christian who knew God early in life, one needs not to preach to him to do the work of God whenever the time comes. As a matter of fact, he has being so instrumental to the growth of his local parish – Celestial Church of Christ, Apete Parish two, Port Harcourt. And today, we can authoritatively say that he is a worthy ambassador of the body of Christ and a good representative of Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide.
Ogidie is happily married and blessed with wonderful kids.
CITATION OF ASSISTANT VENERABLE SUPERIOR EVANGELIST A. A. ALADESEYE
When talking about Leadership with speedy progress and divine advancement, you need not to go far before citing an example. Assistant Venerable Superior Evangelist Abraham Aladeseye is a rare Builder, a Convener, a Leader and one of the best examples of a motivator in the whole of Celestial Church of Christ worldwide. As a matter of fact, with God by his side, Aladeseye can practically do the impossible; he can even build houses in the sea!
Born over sixty years ago in the ancient town of Owo, Ondo State, Baba Abraham Aladeseye started making exploits in the state at an early stage of his life. He started his priesthood ministry as a shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ in Ijero ekiti, in the old Ondo state. He rose to the position of District Evangelist and later became the state Evangelist of the newly founded Ekiti state at quick succession.
At his transfer to Osun state, he headed all the Celestial Parishes in the state of the Living Spring before Provinces era came and he was made the Provincial head with the headquarters at Osogbo parish one. And just like a bush fire burning with the whole of its power in the harmattan, Baba A. A. Aladeseye continued to move with utmost vigour until he was made the state Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Osun state.
At the moment, he is presently the Shepherd in charge of Celestial Church of Christ, International Headquarters, ketu, Lagos. He has always being a good friend of this local parish and there is almost nothing we do in this Church that he will not be part of.
Abraham Aladeseye is blessed with a lot of children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF ASIWAJU KOLA OYASOLA OYADEJI
It is often said that a Prophet is not respected in his town but this is not the story of the Asiwaju of Ada land. Chief Kola Oyadeji was born 72years ago to the Christian family of Pa. Abraham Oladimeji Oyadeji and Madam Dorcas Olatoun Oyadeji of Ile Baale Agbe, Ada, Osun state. Although, he was faced with some challenges that kept him out of School for a long time but by the special grace of God, he was able to pursue his academic career to the level of attaining General Certificate in Examination which is otherwise known as GCE.
Afterwards, Chief Oyadeji worked briefly at the federal ministry of defence for a few years before venturing into business in 1970. To the glory of God, business has being wonderful for Baba Oyadeji as he is well celebrated in the comity of business men and women. At the moment, he is the Chairman and Managing Director of:
Kom Nigeria Limited
Morky investment Limited
Bowofola Nigeria Limited
Kom Yetty Hotels Limited
All situated in Abuja.
It is on record and well celebrated by many that Chief is socially connected to all levels of government but he is not a politician. As at the time he was awarded the chieftaincy title of the Asiwaju of Ada some years ago, Chief has being a recipient of twenty three chieftaincy titles and numerous awards from various notable cities in Yoruba land and outside Nigeria since 1981.
Chief Kola Oyasola Oyadeji is a father to many children and grandchildren. This church will never forget his incessant financial and physical contributions especially towards the growth of our satellite parish in Ada, Osun state.
CITATION OF ASSISTANT SUPERIOR EVANGELIST ADEMOLA SADIPE JP.
Ladies and gentlemen, it may be surprising for you to know that his man standing before you is as old as Celestial Church of Christ worldwide. He was born on 24th December, 1947 at Ikire, Osun state. He attended Holy cross Catholic school and St.Augustine Catholic School Ikire before proceeding to St.Peter's College Abeokuta where he finally graduated in 1966.
Afterwards, he joined the then Barclays bank DCO Apapa ,Lagos in 1967 where he rose to become an 'A' signatory before travelling to the United Kingdom in January 1977 for further studies. Upon his return, he spent many years in the banking industry before being made the commissioner of Finance and Economic Planning in the then OYO state by the military governor of the state Col. Sasaenia Oresanya. He later moved to Osun state to work with Military Governor Col. Leo Ajiborisa to become the first commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning,Commerce, Industry and tourism.
He went back to the bank in 1992 and retired in 1993.
He established Jades and Finance as the chairman. He attended University of Lagos between 1993 and 1999 to read law and he attended the Nigerian Law School and called to bar as an Advocate and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He established his Law firm of Ademola Sadipe &Co in 2003 and has been there till date.
Apart from obtaining Masters Degree in Banking and Finance from the University of Ibadan, Doctor Sadipe is a
- Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers (Nigeria & UK)
-Fellow Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (UK) (FCCA)
- Member, Institute of Management (MNIM)
- Member Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK) (SCArborough. Land)
- Associate Chartered Institute of Taxation (ACIT)
-Member representing NBA at the Council of Legal Education in Nigeria.
-Member , PASTOR in Council (PIC).
-Member, International Management Committee(IMC).
-Member , Council of CCC Seminary.
-Member ,CCC Academy of Music Governing Council.
-Head of Legal Department of UNITED ALADURA CHURCHES of Nigeria
Married to MC(Dr) Janet Omipe and blessed with children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF ASSISTANT SUPERIOR EVANGELIST OMOJOLA
“Evan” as he is often called by Church members and admirers is one of the fulcrums on which the vehicle of Apete church is moving. He is mostly admired by many Church administrators both inside and outside the fold of Celestial church because he represents discipline, vigour, vitality, power and energy like that of a youth.
Assistant Superior Evangelist Olatunde Olawale Andrew Omojola was born five decades ago into the family of Prince Benjamin Omojola Olotola in Oja-Oji Compound, Ikogosi Ekiti. He had his elementary education in the late sixties and completed his post primary education in 1981. He was not privileged to attend any tertiary institution but enrolled for professional Examinations in his chosen Career and this enabled him to work effectively in the banking industry for over a decade. To the glory of God, Evangelist Omojola rose to the enviable position of branch Accountant before retiring voluntarily in 1995 into full time ministry.
“Evan” as he is fondly called by admirers joined the fold of Celestial Church of Christ at Ekiti about four decades ago. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, he joined “Cele Apete” in 1995 and has so far being instrumental to a lot of successful programmes. Presently, he is the head of administration, Record Keeper, Finance Officer, Head of personnel, leader of group four and coordinator of evangelism programmes.
Tunde Omojola is a respectable teacher of the word, admirable preacher, theologian, book writer, public speaker and articulate Revivalist. He is married to Prophetess Toyin Omojola and their marriage is blessed with godly children and peace of mind.
CITATION OF BARISTER ADEKUNLE OLUMUYIWA ISHOLA
Barrister Kunle Ishola is the eldest son of the highly respectable former executive governor of Oyo state, late Chief kolapo Olawuyi Ishola. He was born on 20th February, 1961 in Pade Village where his mother, Late Mrs. Olabisi Ishola was teaching at the Local Authority Primary School.
Mr. Kunle attended the Polytechnic Staff School, Ibadan between 1968 and 1973 after which he attended Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan. England was the next stop for the young and vibrant Adekunle; he had his Law degree at the University of Buckingham before proceeding to the United States of America for his Master’s Degree which he obtained at the University of Miami Florida. Mr. Olumuyiwa was called to bar in Nigeria in 1985 after attending the mandatory Law School Programme for one year.
After practicing with partners for some years, Barrister established his own personal Chamber, Kunle Ishola and co in 1992 and he has since being a principal partner there till date. He later delved into Politics and was once made Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development at a time. At another time, he was made the acting commissioner for Lands, Housing and Survey.
Just like his dad, it must be noted that Barister Kunle Ishola was helpful and is still contributing successfully to the growth of this Church. He is happily married to his lovely wife Bola Ishola, a Computer Analyst, Educator and Businesswoman. Both of them are Elders worshipping at the New Covenant Church, Nigeria and the marriage is blessed with Godly issue.
CITATION OF BARISTER SANYAOLU SAMSON AKINYELE
By dint of grace, Barrister Akinyele became a Celestian in 1979 at Celestial Church of Christ Agugu which later metamorphosed into Onipepeye parish, Ibadan, Oyo state.
After obtaining his waec Certificate in 1978, little Samson went to Olivet Heights, Oyo for Higher School Certificate in 1980 and thereafter gained admission in 1981 for direct entry into University of Ibadan to study Political Science. He graduated with 2nd Class Upper Division in Political Science in 1984. However, God directed him to go back to the university to study Law through the spiritual advice of renowned Prophet Maforikan. He completed his LLB Law Programme in 1989, proceeded to the Law school, call to bar in 1990 before jetting out to United Kingdom in search of golden fleece.
On his return, he worked with Agbaje & Agbaje and later with Afe Babalola Chambers before establishing Rabboni Chambers in 1998 which he maintains till date.
Barister Sanyaolu who was earlier perturbed by the unparalled courage and equanimity exhibited by Prophet E. O. Adewale to establish Celestial Church of Christ, Apete in a dungeon and caricature area of Apete is now convinced that the only thing that is needed for one to be successful in life is the evidence of the hand of God.
Barrister Sanyaolu Samson Akinyele is a devoted friend of Celestial Church of Christ, Apete who is a successful Legal Practitioner is also a great leader in the Church as a whole and he is happily married and blessed with children.
CITATION OF DOCTOR OLUBUNMI AJAYI
Doctor Olubunmi, an indigene of Iree was born at Ibadan on the 9th of December 1948. He had his primary education at Ibadan before proceeding to Baptist High School in Iree for his secondary education. Afterwards, he has been to University of Ibadan, Federal School of Survey, Oyo; University of Sydney in Australia and British American University for his Bsc, Diploma, Masters and Doctorate Degrees respectively.
He has worked as a teacher, Civil Servant and lately as a proprietor of his own private company. He is a fellow, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and he has held various important positions for this highly respected Institution. For instance, he is the chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Lagos State chapter; National Secretary of this Institution and National President. At a time, Doctor Ajayi was the Secretary General and later the president, Association of all Professional Bodies in Nigeria.
Doctor Bunmi Ajayi has served in various politically appointed committees at the local, state and federal levels in Nigeria. Apart from being an author, this wonderful scholar is a recipient of over sixty awards and writer of more than one hundred conference papers. He is presently a member of the steering committee Vision 20-2020; executive member of the Nigerian Baptist Convention; chairman of Ronik Polytechnic Governing board and the chairman of the board of the Baptist College of Theology at Oyo.
He is happily married with a wonderful wife and blessed with children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF DR. FEYISAYO SOYEWO: PHD, FCIB, FNIM, FinstD, FCCM, MFR
Doctor Feyisayo Soyewo, the number one Insurance broker in Africa was born close to seventy years ago to the family of Pa Jacob and Juliana Soyewo from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state. He had his primary and post primary education in Ago-Iwoye before proceeding to the University of Lagos to study Business Administration.
Although it was his childhood dream to become a Medical Doctor or Pharmacist but he later stumbled into Insurance and according to him, he has no regret so far. Doctor Oyewo received several specialist trainings in insurance and management both in Nigeria and overseas. He started his insurance Career in 1975 at the then Guardian Royal Exchange Assurance Company Ltd and he has remained a relevant figure in Nigerian Insurance affairs for over forty years now.
He is a past president of The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers and just recently re-elected as the chairman of African Insurance Brokers Association. He is a Fellow of many Institutes in Nigeria and abroad. He recently bagged an honorary Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the Emmanuel University, North Carolina, USA.
So far, Doctor Feyisayo has being a blessing to the Christian fold and this parish in particular. To say that Doctor Soyewo is a national figure is an understatement, he is indeed an international figure of unquestionable integrity; little wonder why the federal Government entrusted on him the prestigious award of MFR in 2011.
Doctor Feyisayo Soyewo is happily married and blessed with children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF ENGINEER GABRIEL OLUWOLE ADIGUN
If travelling were to be a course of study in the University, then the man standing before you would have attained Doctorate degree in travelling! Starting from his schooling days to his years of practice as a Structural Engineer, Engineer Adigun has actively Schooled and executed projects in more than twenty cities in Nigeria and Overseas.
He was born more than six decades ago to the family of late Pa. Abraham Adigun Omiseni of Akinbamidede’s compound, Iresi, Osun state. He completed his primary Education at Osupa Baptist Day School, Ogbomoso before attending Catholic Secondary School, Ile-Ife. After graduation from Baptist Teacher’s Training College, Ede, he worked briefly as a teacher at Abeokuta before moving to United Kingdom to study Civil Engineering in 1963.
So far, he is an Associate member of the Institution of Structural Engineers, United Kingdom; Fellow, Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers; Fellow, Faculty of Buildings, United Kingdom; Member, Nigerian Society of Engineers; Registered Member, Council for the Registration of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN) and Member Association of Consulting Engineers, Nigeria.
He has successfully consulted for hundreds of Building Projects in Nigeria and United Kingdom. This Church will always remember him for his contributions towards the execution of almost all of our building projects which he often consult for us freely without taking a dime.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we hereby present to you Engineer Gabriel Oluwole Adigun, a successful Engineer, devoted Worshipper and good friend of Celestial Church of Christ, Apete, Ibadan.
CITATION OF EVANGELIST FESTUS OLANREWAJU KOLAWOLE
Evangelist Festus Kolawole, an indigene of Ekiti state was born about sixty years ago at Lagada Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
After obtaining his primary school leaving certificate from L. A. Primary School Ladada Ijebu Igbo in 1971, he is a lover of education as proven by the several tutelage he has been under, to mention but a few, the list includes:
1. Hope Grammar School Odinjo Ibadan
2. Methodist Modern Secondary School Elekuro Ibadan
3. Government Technical College Owo Ondo State
4. Sell Training School Warri Delta State
5. Petroleum Training Institute Warri Delta State
6. University of Benin
7. Texas State Technical College Weco Texas USA
8. Path Post Graduate Technology, Singapore
Apart from working briefly in the banking sector and at the University of Ibadan, Evangelist Olanrewaju have an indepth experience with Oil and Gas sector in Nigeria while working with; Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, Warri, Delta State, Akintecs Technical Services Warri, Delta State, Gulf oil, (Now Chevron)/Lighthouse Petroleum Ltd, Warri, Delta State, Pan ocean Oil Corporation Warri, Delta State, Mobil Producing Nigeria Eket Akwa Ibom State, ExxonMobil (Esso) Lagos and Combined Systems International Ltd.
A man of such great versatility is scarce and rather inspiring to all youths of this generation. He is happily married with children.
CITATION OF MOST SUPERIOR EVANGELIST JACOB DEJI NUNAYON
Baba Jacob Deji Nunayon was born in the ancient town of Ajase, Benin Republic in 1942. He spent the early part of his life in the Republic of Benin before moving to Nigeria. As a devoted Christian, baba joined the Celestial fold about six decades ago and was instrumental to the spread of the church in Nigeria. It must be noted that baba is a highly sought after prophet in Celestial Church of Christ.
He was part of the foundational members of Celestial Church of Christ, Yemetu parish about fifty one years ago where he remained an ardent worshipper until he was called by God to establish the Celestial Church of Christ, Oke Ado international cathedral, Ibadan. Since then, the story has never been the same.
Baba Nunayon is a renowned Prophet, Church Planter and administrator who has being active in ministry for more than forty years now and still counting. It is not easy to doubt the calling of God upon his life as he is surrounded with a lot of testimonies to authenticate the hand of God over his life. By the special grace of God, his influence is well felt in different countries of the world to include; Nigeria, Benin Republic, Canada, United Kingdom and United States of America only to mention a few.
Currently, he is the head of Celestial Church of Christ, Oyo southwest Province and he is blessed with biological and spiritual children around the world.
The historical town of ijebu Ode stood still on the night of 15th March 1962 as the family of Alhaji Rabiu Olorunfunmi and Mrs. Sarah Modupe-Ore Aduke Adekoya welcome the arrival of their new baby girl Adesola. Over the years, this little “wonder” has grown to become the bold and beautiful mother Celestial Adesola Abosede Adewale.
Little Adesola attended Christ Church Primary School, Porogun before proceeding to Adeola Odutola Comprehensive High School, Ijebu Ode. Since her graduation in Secretariat studies in the Higher Institution of Learning, she has worked in various capacities as a Secretary at some Local government Secretariats in Ogun state before retiring voluntarily from the Federal Civil Service in 1997 at Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan to join her husband in full time ministry.
The immense contributions of “Madam Adesola” to the ministry of her husband since inception in 1990 are well celebrated in most corners of Celestial Church of Christ and worthy of emulation in Christendom at large. Our mother in the Lord has being - and still remain - the head of Celestial Women Council, Apete branch; Circuit “C” Association of shepherds’ wives, Women Bible Prayer Fellowship, Apete parish only to mention a few.
Mother celestial Adesola Abosede Adewale is happily married to Superior Evangelist (Dr.) Emmanuel Oluwole JP., the shepherd in charge of Celestial Church of Christ Apete, Ibadan and her marriage is blessed with wonderful children.
CITATION OF MOTHER CELESTIAL ADEBOLA SODEINDE
Mama Sodeinde as she is fondly called in the Celestial Circle worldwide was born on the 19th day of December 1930 to the family of Late Chief Stephen Babalola Kuku from the royal dynasty of Fidipote in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state.
She attended St. Mary’s Covenant School; Broad Street, Lagos in 1934 and later went to St Agne’s Teachers Training College for her Grade 2 Certificate in 1947. She also attended the Northern Polytechnic, London to study Catering and Dietics before doing her Industrial Training at the London School of Economics, United Kingdom. She is a Fellow of the Hotel Catering and Institutional Management, London and also a Fellow member of Royal Society of Health in Nutrition.
Mama joined the Celestial fold in 1970 and she is presently a member of the Pastor in Council, Chairperson of the International Management Committee, Second Chairperson, Celestial Women Council and Mama Galilee of the yearly Celestial Family Day. Apart from holding these various key positions in the Church, she is well known for her vibrancy, outspokenness, motivational and indefatigable ability which has made her to be highly influential among the old and young.
Mother Celestial Prophetess Roseline Adebola Sodeinde is a recipient of numerous awards both in and outside the fold of Celestial Church of Christ. She is married to the late Mr. Simeon Peter Olalekan Sodeinde of blessed memory and the marriage is blessed with lovely children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF MOTHER CELESTIAL FOLASHADE AKINLABI
Mother Celestial Folashade Akinlabi was born in Ibadan some decades of years ago, the largest city in Africa. She had her primary and post primary education in the same city under the tutor of her highly influential parents.
Madam Folashade is a business woman of international repute. Her main concentration is in the Textile industry where she has built a niche for herself internationally. She is widely regarded in the clothing business in almost all the continents of the world.
Apart from being a key player in the Nigerian Textile industry, “Fatshad” as she is commonly called is also known to be an unrepentant Philantropist who has taken the attitude of giving as her main hubby. In conjunction with her husband, Alhaji Fatai Akinlabi, their family always organise a yearly event where, over thirty orphanage homes in Oyo state will bring forth their wards together in a big party!
As a Christian, Mother Celestial Akinlabi joined the Celestial Church fold around thirty years ago in Ibadan and she is presently a member of the Celestial Church of Christ, Apete parish.
She is happily married and blessed with children.
CITATION OF MOTHER CELESTIAL ROSELINE ATU
Mother Celestial Atu is one of the few powerful women who call the shots in the affairs of this country. Her name is notable in various circles as a successful businesswoman, ardent Worshipper and generous Philanthropist. However, she did not just get to this position by error; she is a replication of hard work, planning, doggedness and steadfastness.
She was born about six decades ago in Edo state and happily married to the Atu family in the same Edo state. She is the Vice Chairman and Chief executive Officer of Sharon Properties Limited Abuja, Managing Director of ZIGLASSES and Director of some other notable companies with national and international influence.
She has been and -still is- highly influential to the growth of Celestial Church of Christ, Apete Ibadan especially during the time when the church was facing some challenges in the area of transportation. The Lord used her to procure a befitting Evangelism bus for the church
She is arguably one of the greatest women of her generation and this is the reason why we are celebrating her today!
CITATION OF MOTHER CELESTIAL (PROPHETESS) IDOWU SALIMONU JP.
The story of this great church may not be complete without mentioning the family of Salimonu. Mama Salimonu is of course the enviable wife of Late Professor Salimonu of the University College Hospital, Ibadan who was highly instrumental to the establishment of this church. Mama was born more than seven decades ago to a Muslim family in Owu-Ijebu which is situated in the present day Ogun state. After her primary and post primary Education in Ijebu land, she joined University College Hospital and qualified as a Nurse Officer 1966. She later proceeded to England immediately where she qualified as a state certified Midwife in 1967.
Since then, she has worked efficiently as a Nursing Officer in various countries of the world to include; Canada, Britain and Saudi Arabia before retiring some years ago at the University College Hospital, Ibadan in Nigeria.
Since she joined the fold of Celestial Church of Christ in 1969, she has being a shining example to many women in and outside the fold. This is evident in her various godly achievements which has made many people to prefer her as speaker at various seminars and conferences. She is the author of the book: “Qualities of a Virtuous Woman” and a recipient of numerous Merit awards in the Celestial fold and outside.
To the glory of God, Prophetess Salimonu is blessed with numerous biological and Spiritual Children.
CITATION OF MR. JULIUS ENIOLABI ADEWOLA ADEYEYE
Baba Adeyeye was born to a Methodist Christian family of late Pa Abraham Adeyeye at Ilesha in 1944. He attended Methodist Primary School and United Anglican Methodist Secondary Modern School all in Ilesha before proceeding to Teachers’ Training College, Ifaki Ekiti; Wesley College, Ibadan; University of Lagos, Akoka and Strathclyde University Glasgow, United Kingdom.
After bagging his Master’s degree in Development Economics in 1976, Mr. J. E. A. Adeyeye became the toast of many companies and organisation in Nigeria. Record has it that he worked with the government at various levels as a teacher, Planning officer and Lecturer at about Higher Institutions in Nigeria. Indeed, he was the pioneer Head of Department of Economics, Oyo state (now Osun state) College of Education, Ilesha. He was also the foundational head of Department of Computer Science and Director of Computer Service Centre of the same Institution.
Although he is an accredited Lay Preacher of Methodist Church worldwide but he has been a worshipper at Celestial Church Christ and he was indeed influential and supportive in the creation of Celestial Church of Christ, Apete parish, Ibadan. In recognition of his notable and eviable contributions to the growth of this parish, Baba Adeyeye was awarded the position of the distinguished membership of this church during her 10th year anniversary in year 2000.
He is richly blessed with several children.
CITATION OF MRS. MORINADE AKINFENWA
She attended Saint Davids primary school, Kudeti Ibadan before proceeding to the historical Ladigbolu Grammar School also at Ibadan. Due to her insatiable love for education and her parents readiness to see her through, Alhaja, as she is fondly called by customers bagged a Higher School Certificate (HSC).
Before going into full time business, Mama Akinfenwa bagged a Certificate in Accountancy which helped her to practice in the same field for a couple of years. At last, Mama found her love in business and started trading in Shoes and all forms of clothing. This business has made her so prominent in the city of Ibadan and in most reputable textile trading stores in the world.
As a friend of the parish, she has being supportive to this ministry since 1993. She is happily married to Engineer Bode Akinfenwa from Abeokuta and they are blessed with children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF PA. GABRIEL TITILAYO OGUNJINMI OGUNTUNDE
Chief Oguntunde, the baba Ijo of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Ada was born to the family of Pa. Samuel Ayinde Oguntunde of Ile Inurin in Ada, Osun State on the 8th of August 1927. As a young man, he was one of the few people privileged to go to School in his own days. Baba started his primary School Education in 1938 at St. Andrews’ Primary School, Ada and finished it in 1947 at St. Philips’ Primary School, Otan Aiyegbaju.
Pa Oguntunde who is incidentally related to the shepherd of this great parish was adopted by his uncle and introduced to textile trading in 1948. After three years of training, his uncle gladly left him to start a family as he got married in 1951.
To baba, marriage was a blessing in disguise and this actually opened the door of breakthrough for him. He started plank business immediately after marriage in Ilesha and this business almost took him to all the nooks and crannies of the country.
Baba was not just a successful Plank businessman; he was a builder and planter of notable Sawmills in the north central and south-western part of this country. Some of the Sawmill industries that baba individually built and managed until his retirement can be found in Ile-Oluji, Ibadan, Ado – Ekiti, Bokani, Iyamoye, Mopa and Kontagora only to mention a few. After fifty eight years of sojourn outside the home town, baba retired back at home in 2005.
Since inception of this parish, baba has being acting fully in the role of a father which he has being doing perfectly well. Baba Oguntunde is blessed with numerous children and grandchildren.
CITATION OF EVANGELIST SAMSON ADEKANMBI (SAMMY PEE)
Samson Oluwapelumi Ayoola Adekanmbi, also known as Sammy Pee was born to the family of highly respectable Celestial Clergy, late Most Senior Evangelist Moses Obasa Adekanmbi about four decades ago. He spent most of his early childhood days with his father in the vineyard while attending Command Children School and Oba Akinbiyi High School, all situated in Ibadan. He started his music career at Celestial Church of Christ, Army barracks road parish, Ibadan and later made it more professional by pursuing a career in that field in the higher Institution of learning at Roberta Musical Instrument Organisation and The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
Sammy P as he is mostly referred to by fans and admirers created a musical band in 1988 which was known as “Unity Singers”. He became the Choir master of Celestial Church of Christ, Mokola Parish in 1993 and successfully ruled for twelve years producing five albums in the process. He changed the name of his band to Sammy P and his Gifted Voices in 1995 and so far, they have being able to wax up to twelve albums to the glory of God. It must be noted that his musical talent has given him the rare privilege to tour the big cities of the world singing all the way to entertain and bless people.
His late Daddy, Baba Moses Obasa Adekanmbi was like a father to the Shepherd of this Church and the parish at large. We are all witnesses to his contributions which is highly felt amidst us till now.
Sammy P is happily married and blessed with children.
CITATION OF SPECIAL VENERABLE MOST SENIOR EVANGELIST MICHAEL OLUWOLE SHODUNKE
Born on 23rd December, 1940 at Modakeke, Osun State to the family of Late Pa. Amos Laosebikan Shodunke and Mama Esther Adepate Shodunke (nee Awujoola) Mr. Michael Oluwole Shodunke is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Secretary and presently the Executive Chairman of Choice gate Funds and Investments Company Ltd, Lagos.
He had his Secondary School education at Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti before going to North-Western Polytechnic, London United Kingdom (now University of North London) to study accountancy and graduated in 1967 as a qualified Accountant. At the moment, baba Shodunke is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants, United Kingdom; Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Associate Member of Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators.
Evangelist Shodunke has worked with West African Examination Council, Nigerian Bank for Commerce and Industry and West African Distillers Limited where he rose to the position of Managing Director before setting up his own company, Choice Gate Funds and Investments Company Limited, in 1993.
Baba Shodunke is one of the pillars of this great parish and he has being contributing immensely to the growth of this church so far. He is a member of Pastor-In-Council, the highest ruling body in Celestial Church of Christ, Worldwide and the former Secretary of the Council. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Celestial Investments and Trust Ltd the only commercial venture owned by the church and holds other positions of responsibility in the church.
He is married and blessed with children and grandchildren
CITATION OF SPECIAL VENERABLE MOST SENIOR EVANGELIST SAMUEL DARAMOLA
Baba Daramola was born about nine decades ago in the ancient town of Ilupeju Ekiti. He was opportune to join the Nigerian Army at a very young age and he rose to the position of Brigadier General before retiring in the early eighties.
Before his retirement, Baba served his fatherland meritoriously. At a time, he was the acting governor of the old Western Region, a portion of the Nigerian entity that contains about fifteen states now!
Brigadier Daramola joined Celestial fold in Kaduna in the old Northern region of Nigeria. He was later made the Parochial Chairman of Celestial Church of Christ, Oke Ado parish. During his time at Oke Ado, Baba lend a helping hand to the establishment of this parish as it remains on record that he is one of the five pillars of Celestial Church, Apete, Ibadan.
He is a member of the Pastor in Council and a life patron of many parishes.
CITATION OF SPECIAL VEN. MOST SENIOR EVANG. OLUWOLE ADETIRAN
Baba oluwole Adetiran hails from Igbajo and was born about sixty seven years ago in the Baptist Medical centre, Iree; all in the then in the old western region of Nigeria. He started his elementary education at the Baptist Day School Igbajo before moving to Ibadan where he became a street musician and also joined the church choir at First Baptist Church, Idi-Ikan. He later joined The Celestial Church of Christ at Army Barracks road parish, Mokola in the early 70s.
Again, his musical talent showed him off at the Baptist Teacher Training College where he was made a chapel prefect and the choir director. He later gained admission into the University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he graduated in Music and was posted to serve in the mandatory NYSC Scheme in The polytechnic Ibadan. Nigeria is indeed blessed to have someone like Wole Adetiran who composed the widely accepted NYSC anthem which is still being used till today.
For the record, Doctor Wole Adetiran established the first department of music technology in Nigeria and headed it for eleven years. He was also the first lecturer in music department to become a senior principal lecturer in musicology at The Polytechnic, Ibadan; the first lecturer from the department of music to become a dean of about eight departments and the first – and still the only - music director of Celestial Church of Christ worldwide. It must be noted that Evangelist Wole Adetiran is a recipient of MON, a highly respectable national award from the federal government of Nigeria.
Special Venerable Most Senior Evangelist (Dr.)Oluwole Adetiran is happily married and blessed with children.
CITATION OF REVERNED PASTOR EMMANUEL MOBIYINA FRIDAY OSHOFFA
The appearance of our Pastor often reminds one of the vibrating days of Pastor Founder Samuel Bilewu Joseph Oshoffa. Pastor Mobiyina need no introduction; from here to America, Europe, Asia and indeed all over the world, the story remain the same as it is widely accepted by many that this enigmatic Leader of purpose always carry with him the aura of God’s presence, integrity and uncompromising influence.
Born as Emmanuel Oshoffa in 1948 at Benin Republic, he went to University in Paris, France, gaining a bachelor degree in animal biological science in 1976 and a masters’ degree in 1977.
In 1997, he was appointed the head of Celestial Church of Christ in France and he later succeeded Late Reverend Pastor Philip Hunsu Ajose as Pastor and Spiritual Head of Celestial Church of Christ, Worldwide.
As a Parish, we are highly honoured to have the support of our father in the Lord in the execution and fruition of all our projects. Since his inception as Pastor, this Church has being growing in leaps and bounds. At first, it was the dedication of our modern Cathedral in 2007 and now the dedication of an ultramodern School amidst other completed Projects like a befitting Hospital, Shopping Complex and Guest House; Pastor E.M.F is indeed connected with us and we are proud to be his children.
It is in this vain that we want to honour the father of Achievers, the Preacher of the word and the Patriarch of our time.
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