By Oluwagbenga Bankole & Ayo Oni
From its humble beginning as a prayer meeting in the personal abode of the late Pa J. M. Adebowale in the late 1950s, Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Ayo, Mokola Districts’ Coordinating Council (DCC), Ibadan, on Sunday, November 30, 2025, celebrated its 60th anniversary thanksgiving service as the DCC Headquarters.
CAC Oke-Ayo, which now serves as the Headquarters of Mokola DCC and oversees four districts and 36 assemblies, has not only grown significantly over the years but has also produced several renowned ministers of God and distinguished personalities. Among them are the present Chaplain of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Pastor J. O. Oluwasanmi, the Registrar of the University of Ibadan, Pastor S. G. O. Saliu, and many others.
The 60th anniversary thanksgiving began with a one-week revival programme anchored by the Zonal Superintendent of Ogudu Zone, Pastor C. A. S. Daramola.
At the anniversary thanksgiving service, the Regional Superintendent of CAC Babalola Region, Pastor G. S. Dada, received a warm reception on his arrival. He was welcomed by the Royal Shepherds and received by the Superintendent of CAC Mokola DCC, Pastor Samson O. Gbuyiro.
The glamorous celebration, themed “God’s Faithfulness,” featured a powerful praise and worship session, an inspiring hymn rendition, recognition of guests, the presentation of the church’s history, and many other activities.
There was award presentation for those who have contributed immensely to the growth of the church over the years.
While ministering at the thanksgiving service, the Regional Superintendent of Babalola Region, Pastor G.S. Dada, called on Christians to reflect deeply on the true meaning of the “house of God,” noting that although churches continue to multiply across streets and cities, not all gatherings truly carry God’s presence.
Pastor Dada drew insights from Psalm 122, reminding worshippers of how the children of Israel left their daily activities to gather in Jerusalem for three key purposes: worship, sacrifice, and fellowship.
He stressed that any Christian gathering without the presence of God is “in vain,” explaining that the house of God must be a place of security, peace, justice and prosperity. According to him, believers should hunger for God’s presence, as His house provides a place to meet godly people, build friendships, support one another and actively participate in spiritual growth.
Pastor Dada recalled that just as God was present at the birth of the church on the Day of Pentecost, He was also present when CAC Oke-Ayo was established. He challenged the congregation to reflect on whether God’s presence still dwells among them today.
“God gathers us for a purpose—to be among us,” he said. “The real question is: Is God in your heart and in your life?”
He added that prophetic utterances flow from the house of God and reminded Christians that they are citizens of heaven, with their focus ultimately set on the heavenly Jerusalem.
As the church marks its 60th anniversary, Pastor Dada prayed that the celebration and worship will create a loving and spiritually conducive environment for everyone in attendance.
The major climax of the anniversary, after the message, was the thanksgiving session, highlighted by inspiring songs from gospel singer, Minister Yemi David.
Apart from the Regional Superintendent of Babalola Region, the programme had some distinguished guests in attendance which among is the Director of Youth Affairs, CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Peter Olanrewaju, Ph.D, CAC Assistant Music Director, Pastor Paul Bankole and many others.
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