By Ayilara Dare
Sunday, April 9th 2023 was a day of celebrating God's abundant grace with overwhelming joy as the District Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Peaceland District, Pastor F.A. Oke held his 70th birthday ceremony.
The platinum jubilee was held at Christ Apostolic Church, Peaceland District Headquarters, Lagos and it had in attendance the DCC Superintendent, Odi-Olowo DCC, Pastor D.O. Ogungbenjo, Pastor C.O. Oladapo, Pastor S.O. Ogundare, Dr. Chucks Obasi, families, friends and well wishers of the celebrant.
In an exclusive interview with CAC News, the celebrant said he never thought he would live after 40years because of the ugly circumstances that surrounded his life.
He however expressed his feeling of gratitude to God who spared his life, stating that he is indeed delighted and fulfilled.
Pastor Oke stated that; "life has taught me great lessons; that all things of life are mundane, that life is temporal; to stick to God who alone can proffer lasting solutions to all problems and to be hopeful in wants and patient in adversity."
Speaking about the contribution of his wife to his journey so far, Pastor Oke said her wife has been a responsible and dependable wife to him and his ministry.
He added that; "she stood by me in all spheres and was a strong support pillar all the while. She's my mentor, prophetess, counselor, teacher, prayer partner and my indicator."
One of the ministers under Peaceland District, Pastor C.O. Oladapo described Pastor Oke as an humble man to the core.
He said that he has never seen a humble and respectful person as Pastor Oke, who loves young ones and never discriminates anyone's suggestion.
The younger brother of the celebrant, Engr. Abiodun Oke said that Pastor Oke has been a father to him and his younger ones since the death of their father.
He stated that his (Pastor Oke) total love and care towards his siblings cannot be measured, praying that God will continue to strengthen him.
The DCC Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church Odi Olowo DCC, Lagos, Pastor Ogungbenjo while giving a short exhortation said it is very important to build home in Christ.
He noted that all the massive love, care and celebration that the celebrant received is because he yielded to God and grew in Christ, saying that the moment one knows and follows Christ, things become easier.
The Cleric said Pastor Oke looks younger that his age and everyone must learn from this, adding that believers should always be ready to wait upon the Lord because those that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.
He added that anyone who is yet to accept Christ into his or her life has a lot of benefits from God.
Pastor Oke's Biography
Pastor Festus (Fatai) Ayantayo Oke was born into the family of Mr. & Mrs. Michael Awolola Ajibi and Moshobalaje Ayanpate Esuu Oke on 3rd April 1953, in Onilu Are Ilu compound, Gegeje Quarters, Iwere'le, in the Northern part of Oyo State.
He finished his primary education at Emmanuel Baptist Day School in 1970, went to Ibadan in 1971, came back home in 1972, absconded to Lagos in 1972, where he planned to learn mechanic. Fate drew him back home in 1973 when he had an ailment which made him change his mind to pursue his secondary education which was endorsed by a yonger brother of his father, Mr. Joseph Awoniyi.
In 1984 he proceeded to Local Government Training School, Ikeja, for the stage 1 certificate in Local Government Administration. He attended the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University between 1996 - 1998.
He attended Christ Apostolic Church Theology Seminary. He attended several in service trainings in and outside Nigeria.
He was ordained as Pastor in C.A.C in 2002. He rose to the status of District Superintendent in 2013. He was one of the pioneer ministers of Unified Local Government Christian Fellowship with his base in Apapa Local Government and Eti - Osa Local Government respectively.
He retired from the active service after serving the mandatory 35 years in the service and continued with the service of God to humanity.
Pastor Oke is married to Hannah Abosede Omotayo Oke and blessed with gracious children.
Photo Speaks !
