Without mincing words, it was a day of acknowledgement of immesurable kingdom service at the Commendation Service organised by Christ Apostolic Church, Yaba Districts' Coordinating Council (DCC) headquarters, Lagos for late and retired/retiring Pastors who served as volunteers in the church.
The church, which started in a room-and-parlour apartment of late Pastor Oba S.A. Sole in 1940, gave posthumous awards to late and retired/retiring volunteer Pastors of the church at a service held on Sunday May 29, 2022 with their friends and families, well wishers in attendance.
The Superintendent of CAC Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare in his message titled "The Volunteers" with the text taken from Isaiah 6:8 & 1 Cor 9:17-19 said the service was set apart to celebrate heroes of faith, those who separated themselves to be useful for God free of charge.
He noted that in the 82years of CAC Yaba they have people who served at different points and they served meritoriously as volunteers without being given any financial rewards.
"When one of the fathers retired two years ago, I began to feel his vacancy and the Lord ministered to me that there is a need for them to be celebrated. I wrote a proposal to the church elders for the need to celebrate these fathers and they endorsed it. These people who we are celebrating served volunterily without collecting salaries. When they were alive they moved Yaba forward greatly and the church becomes great among CAC assemblies. Apart from those who have rested in peace, we appreciate those who are still alive. CAC Yaba has produced great icons in CAC and yet we are not tired. The life of these people are challenges to the younger generation," he said.
Pastor Oludare also appreciated and commended present minsters who are serving as volunteers, saying that they contribute their resources, and make donations as Pastors for the growth of the church without collecting salaries.
He further stressed: "one thing I want us to know as a church is that we are all called into the ministry. Somebody explained five ways of calling which are Damascus road type of call, progressive calling, calling by birth, calling of setting apart by the church and open door call. Whatever way one comes into the ministry, the calling of God is upon one's life. It is important we make the volunteers feel appreciated. We should show them that we love and value them for the work they are doing. When they were young and ordained, they were very vibrant than this. We need to show that we love and appreciate them. Many of them may make mistakes, we have to take a step to put them right. Many of them are in top offices, and may want to direct the Minister in Charge like the way they did in their offices, but the Minister in Charge must understand them and know how to put them right."
While quoting Ruth 2:12, the Clergyman said we need to be praying for our volunteers that God will reward them, adding that when a person volunteered to do the things of the Lord, it is expected that we reward them (2nd Sam 4:6).
Pastor Oludare charged those who are presently serving in the church of God not to relent, even when it seems they are not appreciated (Philippians 1:3), emphasising that God is their rewarder.
Citing Revelation chapter 22 verse 12, the Cleric noted that what was given to the awardees is human gift or reward, God's reward is the ultimate.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairperson, Planning Committee, Deaconess Shade Jacobs said it is not in dispute that the awardees have contributed greatly to the growth of Christ Apostolic Church Yaba (1Tim. 5:17)
She said: "I thank the Almighty God for His mercies and the grace given to us all to witness this occasion being the first time in the history of CAC Yaba that her Sons that have served as Pastors - Retired, Retiring and of blessed memory are being honoured."
Deaconess Jacobs stated that the first category of awards which is the Posthumous, is to appreciate the dedication and enduring legacies of their departed fathers who devoted their time, energy and resources to the development of CAC Yaba and the advancement of the gospel within the neighbourhood and beyond.
"For the Second category, (Retired/Retiring) these are men of God who have worked tirelessly in their various capacities for the progress and development of the Church including the work of the gospel. They are being honoured today to acknowledge and thank them for their contributions to the Church. In all, we are honouring 18 Pastors made up of 12 Posthumous Awards and Awards for six Retired/Retiring Pastors. As we know, there is no amount of cash or rewards that can quantify their services to the Church but what we are doing today is to show appreciation for all they have done for the Church. I want to seize this opportunity to thank the Superintendent, Board of Pastors and Elders for the confidence reposed in us the members of the organizing Committee," she said.
Below are names and brief profiles of the awardees:
LATE OBA S.A. SOLE
Late Pastor Oba S.A. Sole was born at ljebu Omu, Ogun State in 1905. He attended St. Gregory's College Obalende and Saint Andrews College Oyo. He got married to Mrs Alice Olushola Sole (nee Ebiran) of blessed memory.
While living at 36, Moleye Street, Yaba, Brother S. A Sole championed the coming together of some brethren of religious minds for prayers. He was a committed founding member of the fold hence the Church CAC Yaba started in his house in the year 1940. Due to increase in membership, the church moved to Mrs Akanje Macaulay's School at Akinwunmi Street, Alagomeji, which later transformed to Ladi-Lak School.
His ordination as a Pastor was conducted in the year 1941 by Apostle Joseph Ayodele Babalola ably assisted by Oba I.B. Alinyele, A. Ade Hanson, J.S.B. Odusana, D.O. Odubanjo and Evangelist D.O. Babajide all of blessed memory, thus making him the First Pastor of the Church.
Pastor S.A. Sole served diligently in the vineyard of God, he was an undisputable prayer warrior and a strong believer of the gospel of the Lord.
LATE PASTOR DOCTOR MOSES OLUSHOLA AOKO JP
Late Pastor M. Q. Aoko was born into a Christian home on the 14th of July, 1925 to Pa Joseph Ogunsina Aoko and Madam Dorcas Ajekigbe Aoko both of blessed memory.
Pastor M. O. Aoko attended Methodist School Otapete, llesha between 1936-1941, llesha Grammar School, 1942-1945. He got married to former Miss Victoria Abiodun Fajana in 1952 and lived together happily till her death on the 26th of December, 1972. He joined CAC Yaba in the 50s. He co-founded CAC Kaduna between 1950/1953. He was the Secretary General CAC, Northern Region Nigeria from 1950-1958.
He was the Sunday School Superintendent, Church Secretary and Choir Master of CAC Pastored Yaba from 1958 1970. He was a presiding Elder at Yaba from 1966-1970. He was ordained a Pastor in 1970 and Pastor CAC Yaba till 1988. He was the second Area Pastor Yaba from 1977-1988. He became the first District Superintendent of CAC Yaba from 1988-1993.
He was promoted to the position of the first Assistant General Superintendent Christ Apostolic Church in 1993, Secretary, Lagos District Coordinating Council 1993-1998, Chairman, Ijesha District Coordinating Council in 1999 2000. His love for CAC Yaba is unquantifiable till death.
LATE PASTOR ISAAC OLUWUNMI ALABI SIWOKU
Late Pastor I.O.A Siwoku was born on the 9th of March, 1926 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended Baptist Boys High School, Reagent. Polytechnic United Kingdom and the University of London.
He got married to Deaconess Florence Mosebolatan Siwoku on the 2nd of September, 1967. Late Pastor LOA Siwoku joined CAC Yaba in 1959. He was a member of Christ Army Band and Young Men Christian League of the Church.
He was at a time the Chairman of the Finance and Welfare Committee of the Church. He was ordained a Pastor in 1973 by Late Pastor ET Latunde and Late Evangelist D.O Babajide. He was a lover of music, a great preacher and a lover of peace. He was called to glory on the 31st of October, 2000.
LATE PASTOR CHRISTIAN OLADELE AWOLAJA
Late Pastor C.O. Awolaja was born on the 30th of April 1917. He attended Saint Saviours Primary School and Government College Ibadan.
He worked with the Lagos State Government for many years and at some point asked to be excused from service in 1978 in order to face the work of God squarely.
He served as the Chairman of CAC Hymn Book Committee and was ordained as a Pastor by the Late President of the Mission in person of Pastor E.T. Latunde in 1982.
He was the Choir Master and Organist at CAC Yaba for over Fifteen years.
LATE PASTOR DAVID ABIODUN COKER
Late Pastor D. A. Coker was born on the 22nd of December, 1935 in Abeokuta Ogun State. He had Diploma in Engineering at Hammersmith College London in 1964, Postgraduate in Civil Engineering, University of Strathdyde, Glasgow Scotland, 1967.
Postgraduate in Management, from Cranfield College, Bedford England in 1974. He got married to Late Deaconess Victoria Abosede Coker on the 30th September 1961 and was blessed with children and grandchildren.
He joined CAC Yaba in 1976 and was ordained a Pastor in 1989.
He was the President of Boys Brigade until his demise.
LATE PASTOR JOHN ILESANMI OLAJUGBATAN OLOGBENLA
Late Pastor J.I.O.Ologbenla was born on the 15th of November, 1919. at Efon Alaaye Ekiti State. He hailed from Ile-Ife, Osun State. He attended St.John Primary School, Efon Alaaye, Kings College London, UK. He was married to Mrs. Remi Ologbenla in 1958.
He joined CAC Yaba in 1947/1948 when it was called "Oko Briki".
He was a follower of Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola from his youth.
LATE PASTOR PROFESSOR SAMUEL OLORUNFEMI
Late Pastor S.O.Olorunfcmi was born on the 7th o April 1933 at Are Ekiti in Ekiti State. He attended Ekiti Parapo Grammar School Ido-Faboro, Ekiti, Wetsern Illinois University Macomb U.S.A. He joined CAC Yaba in the mid 1960s. He was a strong member of the Presbytery of CAC Yaba. He became the Secretary of the church in 1980 and served for twenty one years. He was a dedicated man and very useful in all aspects of the Church.
He got married to Deaconess Dorcas Olufunkc Olorunfemi in 1976 and were blessed with children. He was ordained a Pastor in 1995 by the Christ Apostolic Church Authority.
He was the Chairman of the Marriage Committee of the Church till 2009, Pastor S. O. Olorunfemi was a full flesh member of the Young Men Christian League.
He was also a Patron to a number of societies at various times. Some of which were YWCA, Igbekele Kristi Society and Oluso Agutan Rere. He was a strong and active member of CACMA at the District and National Levels for many years.
LATE PASTOR ABRAHAM ADERIBIGBE DUROJAIYE
Late Pastor A.A. Durojaiye was born on the 1st of January, 1934 at ljebu-Ife his home town in Ogun State. He attended CMS Primary School, Ijebu-Ife. He later enrolled at Life Theological Seminary and CAC Theological Seminary. He was ordained a Pastor in the year 1995 at CAC Seminary in Ile-Ife, Osun State. He was posted to CAC Oke Isegun, Ajegunle to begin his Pastoral Ministry.
Late Pastor Durojaiye joined CAC Yaba in the year 1962 and was a member of the defunct Light of the World Society before he was eventually elevated to the post of the Vice President of the Society. He started Pastoring in CAC Yaba in the year 1998.
He served as a member of the marriage committee of the church and also a member of The Young Men Christian League. He was later transferred to CAC Oke Ayo, Akoka as the First District Superintendent where he retired in the year 2015 and later continued worshipping at CAC Yaba.
Late Pastor Durojaiye was married to Mrs. Adetoun Solabomi Durojaiye and after her demise he remarried to Mrs. Esther Adeolu Obiyorni in the year 1998. He was blessed with children and grandchildren. He slept in the Lord after a brief illness on Saturday 14th March, 2020 and was buried on Friday 27th March, 2020.
LATE PASTOR JAMES OLADELE OLAJOYEGBE
Late Pastor James Oladele Olajoyegbe was born on the 11th of January, 1934 in llesha, Osun State, He attended CMS Grammar School, and later studied Building Technology in a Polytechnic at the United Kingdom.
He got married to his wife Mrs Mobolaji Akanke Olajoyegbe in 1960. He had been a member of CAC Yaba since he was born. He was a member of The Young Men Christian League and later became the President of the Society.
He was ordained a Pastor in 1995 and retired in 2009.
LATE PASTOR MICHEAL OLUKAYODE KOMAIYA
Late Pastor M. O. Komaiya was born on the 2nd of April, 1939 at Amutebu Area, Ojowo Quarters Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State. He started his educational career at St. James Primary School Atikori ljebu Igbo in 1947.
After his primary education, he got admission into St Mary's Secondary Modern School also in Ijebu Igbo where he passed out with Modern III School Certificate in 1957. He was a devoted Christian of the Anglican background in following his father's faith, but later crossed over to Christ Apostolic Church which happens to be the place of worship of his grandmother.
He was baptized in CAC Yaba Assembly in the 60's under Late Pastor Adegbenro and remained a full member till his death.
He got married to his beautiful wife Deaconess Fidelia Ajoke Komaiya (nee Ladega) in the year 1966 and had their union blessed with children and grandchildren. He was consecrated as an Elder in CAC Yaba in the year 1987 and later got ordained as a Pastor after his graduation from Epic Theological Seminary in 1995. He was a member of the Young Men Christian League.
LATE PASTOR MATTHEW OLUSEGUN AOKO
Late Pastor M. Olusegun Aoko was born on the 25th of April 1953 in Zaria, Kaduna State to Pastor Moses Olusola Aoko and Madam Abiodun Aoko both of blessed memory.
He was a native of Blesha town in Osun State. He attended Vaba Methodist School Yaba, Lagos from 1959 to 1966 and also Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School Ibadan from 1967 to 1971 respectively before proceeding to the United Kingdom for further studies.
He graduated from Willesden College of Technology London in 1979 with HND in Building Technology. Glasgow College of Building with Post Graduate Diploma in Construction Management.
He had his Masters Degree in Project Management from the University of Lagos. He also attended Aba Discipleship Bible School and was thereafter ordained a Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church. He was a very caring, loving and admirable father to the core. He was married to Mrs Sola Aoko and were blessed with children.
LATE PASTOR SAMUEL OLAGOKE IDOWU
Late Pastor Sam Idowu was born to a humble family of Late Abraham Idowu, a Layreader in Ebenezcr Church and Late Wuraola Idowu, Iya Ijo Ebenezer Anglican Church, Olorunda Aba Igbagbo Lagelu in the rusty hills of Ibadan, Oyo State on 17th October 1948.
He had his primary education in the now defunct Oke Ibadan and Lagelu Primary Schools. He proceeded to London for his 'A' Levels and graduated from Metropolitan University. He was awarded HCIMA in 1975 at the University of Surrey. He had his MBA at Cambridge.
He got married to Deaconess Olaide Idowu on the 13th of September 1973. He joined CAC Yaba in 1984 and was a member of the Christ Army Band. He was ordained as a Pastor by the CAC authority in the year 2003
PASTOR SOLOMON OLAJIDE ADEDIPE JP
Pastor S.O Adedipe was born at 162 Denton Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos on the 21st September 1945 into the family of Pa Joseph Ojo Adedipe and Madam Comfort Aina. He is the only child of his mother.
His early education started in Lagos from kindergarten at Yaba Model School, Olajuwwon Street, Surulere and later in 1953 at St. Pauls Catholic School, Ebute Metta before he left, relocating to a family friend's house in 1954. He returned to Lagos in 1958 and attended Islamic Model School, Itire Road Mushin. He later went to Ilesha Grammar School between 1962 and 1966. He obtained his HND Accounting at Yaba College of Technology. He began his working career in April 1967. He was born into CAC Oke Ibukun (then oko Biriki) Alagomeji Yaba and baptised by water at the age of 14. He was a Choir member and Assistant Secretary with Elder Olowoaro as Secretary. He was consecrated an Elder in 1989, ordained a Pastor in 1995. He is happily married to Deaconess Tinuola Olabisi Adedipe (Nee Owoaje) since 1972. He is blessed with children and grandchildren.
PASTOR ADEWALE OLABISI ADERIBIGBE
Pastor A. Q. Aderibigbe was born on 17th March 1941 at a small town in the Gold Coast (now called Ghana). He hails from Oyan in Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area of Osun State.
He had his Primary and Secondary education in Oyan before proceeding to the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1963. He had to relocate to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) to complete his first degree in English in 1967 because of the Civil war He obtained Bachelor of Law degree (Unilag) in 1989, M.Ed at the University of Manchester in 1990.
He got married to Deaconess Adeola Ibidunni Aderibigbe in the year 1972. He joined Christ Apostolic Church Yaba in 1980. He is a member of Young Men Christian League and later rose to the position of the Vice-Chairman and Chairman of the Society. He is one of the Patrons of the Church Choir and also Igbekele Society. He served as Coordinator of the English Assembly and also as Chairman, English Assembly Committee for several years. He was Secretary CAC Yaba Assembly, Secretary CAC Yaba Zone and Yaba DCC. He was Chairman CACMA CAC Yaba, Treasurer CACMA CAC Lagos DCC, Member, Board of Missions CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
He was ordained a Pastor in CAC in the year 2000. He is the immediate past Register of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
PASTOR EZEKIEL AKINLOLU LATUNDE
Pastor L A. Latunde was born on the 12th of May, 1946 at lle Ife, Osun State to the family of Late Pastor and Mrs Elijah Titus Latunde, past Third President of CAC.
He began his educational career at CAC primary School, Oke Isegun Moore lle-Ife between 1954 and 1959. He later proceeded to Christ's School Ado Ekiti from 1960 to 1964. He has his HSC at Olivet Baptist High School Oyo between 1966 and 1967 before gaining admission to the University of Ibadan from 1968 to 1971.
He got married to Deaconess Adeola M. Latunde in the year 1989. He joined CAC Yaba in 2000. He is a member of The Young Men Christian League.
He was ordained by the authority of Christ Apostolic Church in 2001 and retired in 2021.
PASTOR SAMUEL OLALEKAN OJO
Pastor Samuel Olalekan Ojo was born on 24th of April 1934 at Ibadan Oyo State. He hails from Gbedun Town in Oyo State. He attended Akinkemi Primary School and Christ Apostolic Church Primary School, Oniyanrin Ibadan.
He is happily married to Deaconess Beatrice Gbemisola Ojo and the marriage took place on 28th March 1970.
He joined CAC Yaba since 1964. He is a member of the Young Men Christian League, CACMA and the defunct Light of the World Society. He was one of the Church Elders before being elevated to the position of a Pastor in 2002.
PASTOR GABRIEL OLADELE OLUWASUYI
Pastor G.O. Oluwasuyi was born on 24th March 1931. He hails from Ipetu Ijesha in Osun State. He attended Christ Apostolic Church School from 1944 to 1951 where he obtained his first school leaving certificate.
After a while he came to Lagos to seek for livelihood. He got a job at the University of Lagos in 1974 and retired on 1st January, 1999. He joined the church in the year 1951. He got married to his wife Late Deaconess Alice Olayemi Oluwasuyi in 1952. The marriage is blessed with children and grandchildren.
Pastor Oluwasuyi popularly called Baba Adire is a member of Young Men Christian League.
He was a consecrated a Deacon, later an Elder and thereafter was ordained a Pastor on the 18th May, 2004 and retired in 2012.
PASTOR ALFRED OLUWAFEMI ADEKOYA
Pastor Alfred Oluwafemi Adekoya was born on the 27th of March, 1947 in Lagos State. He hails from ljebu-lgbo in Ogun State. He started his educational career from Ebenezer African Church, Ekotedo Ibadan, Oyo State from 1957-1961.
He later proceeded to Ago-Iwoye Secondary School, Ago Iwoye Ogun State from 1962-1966. He attended the school of survey in Oyo State from 1967-1971.
Pastor Alfred Adekoya got married on the 17th of May, 1973 and joined the church CAC Yaba that same year. He got baptized by immersion on the 17th October, 1987. He is a member of the Christ Army Band, where he rose to be the Treasurer of the Society.
He was consecrated as an Elder on the 20th of December, 1996 and got ordained as a Pastor on the 14th February, 2006.
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