Former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide Bishop David Oyedepo; and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Tuesday led a high-powered gathering of political, religious and traditional leaders in celebrating the 70th birthday of the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Francis Olubowale Wale Oke.

The thanksgiving service celebration, held at Cornerstone City, Ibadan, brought together dignitaries from across the country, including government officials, political leaders, church leaders and captains of industry, who paid glowing tributes to Oke for his decades of Christian ministry, leadership and contributions to society.

Oyedepo, who delivered the sermon at the event, charged Christians to make thanksgiving a lifestyle, declaring that gratitude to God was a pathway to greater grace, strength and divine preservation.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Engaging the Power of Thanksgiving for a Greater Tomorrow’, he said believers must recognise that life, health, peace and salvation were gifts from God and should continually give Him thanks.

Oyedepo stated that thanksgiving was not merely a religious ritual but a weapon for sustaining God’s blessings and moving believers from one level of grace to another.

Drawing from Psalms 92 and 103, the cleric declared that those who remained planted in God would flourish and experience renewed strength, fresh anointing and victory over their adversaries.

Oyedepo also warned against pride, urging believers to attribute their achievements to divine grace rather than personal ability.

“Grace brought you to this point. Grace will take you higher,” he declared.

Adding colour and spiritual depth to the service, 70 trumpeters from Ilorin gave a special musical rendition in honour of the celebrant, while renowned gospel ministers Dunsin Oyekan and Nathaniel Bassey led the congregation in powerful worship and songs of thanksgiving.

Also, Obasanjo, in his remarks, described the gathering as a family occasion and joined the congregation in giving thanks to God for Oke’s life.

Governor Makinde, in his goodwill message, said Oke’s prayers and support had been invaluable to his administration since he became governor in 2019.

He wished the Archbishop more impactful years in good health, while praying for fresh anointing upon his life and ministry.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also described the celebrant’s strength at 70 as evidence of God’s grace. He recalled meeting Oke as a young believer in Ibadan in 1988 and later reconnecting with him during his political career.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, described Oke as an illustrious son of Ibadan and one of the generals in God’s end-time army, citing his four decades of preaching, writing, broadcasting and Christian leadership.

The monarch also commended Oke’s role in the PFN and the educational institutions established by Sword of the Spirit Ministries, saying his ministry had positively impacted Ibadan and beyond.

Among other dignitaries at the celebration were representatives of the governors of Delta, Bayelsa and Enugu states; representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.

The list also comprised Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji; and political figures, including 2027 Oyo governorship aspirants Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Bimbo Adekanmbi.

Responding to the tributes, Oke expressed gratitude to God and the guests for honouring him, describing every breath as a gift from God.

He prayed for longer life, good health and greater strength for those who came to celebrate with him, while specially appreciating Obasanjo, Makinde, Aiyedatiwa, PFN leaders, church fathers and his wife, Reverend Victoria Oke, for their support and prayers over the years.

The thanksgiving service was followed by a superlative reception, which provided another opportunity for family members, friends, church leaders, political associates, traditional rulers and well-wishers to celebrate the life and ministry of the Archbishop.

At the reception, renowned gospel artiste Tope Alabi thrilled the gathering with a special musical ministration, further adding to the memorable celebration. (The Sun)

•Former President of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa