Glitz, glamour as First Baptist Church Ilorin marks 85th anniversary

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The 4,000 church auditorium was filled to capacity with overflow of members, visitors and well wishers who had come from far and near to celebrate the 85th year anniversary of the church.

The church members clad in Aso-ebi (uniform) with predominant gold and black colours were in high spirits, jubilant with hearts full of thanksgiving.

On Saturday, the D-Day, the church played host to dignitaries such as the President, Nigeria Baptist Convention, Revered Dr Isreal Akanji, Conference President Revered Dr Victor Dada, Association Moderator Revered Dr Olu Ayano, Alaroje of Ogbomoso, Oba Oyedola Osuolale, Iyalode of Ogbomosoland High Chief Mrs Oluwayemisi Ogundare, who represented the Soun of Ogbomosoland.

Representative of the state government and other invited guests were in attendance to grace the event.

In his sermon, the President, Nigeria Baptist Convention, Revered Dr Isreal Akanji preached on Church being the image of God.

With texts from Luke 16:19-31 and the Acts of Apostle 12:5-19, he said the images of God are many, adding that the church is called the people of God.

Dr Akanji noted that God is the owner of Church, likening church (members) to a vineyard, body of Christ building, flock, sheep in the pasture, friends of Jesus, bride of Christ and labourers.

Akanji who doubles as President Baptist Alliance Africa also described the Church as athletes, soldiers, farmers, travelers, as well as strangers in the world but citizens of heaven.

He said as the church celebrates it’s 85th year, it is important to remind the members the aforementioned.

The president went down memory lane, listing past Reverends of the church in the last 85 years up till the current church pastor, Revered Dr ‘Yinka Ololade.

The cleric who could not contain his joy as the church celebrate 85 years, emphasized that the church should be a house of many, a place of power and miracle.

He used the occasion to convey greetings of the convention to the church and prayed the church will continue to wax stronger and the gate of hell shall not prevail over it.

In his message the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari charged the Youths to stop engaging in yahoo-yahoo, prostitution and ritual killings which may compound the challenges being experienced in the country.

The Emir made the appeal while speaking at the event. Represented by Oba Oluwagbemiga Oloyede, Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, he said that though the country is presently facing some challenges, including economic hardship, but the Christians and Muslims should engage in fervent prayers to God to intervene in the affairs of the country so that the economic prosperity which the country enjoyed previously will return in earnest.

The traditional ruler praised the unity and peaceful co-existence between the Christians and the Muslim Community in the state, adding that the two religious bodies lived to the acronyms of the state of Harmony attributed to Kwara state.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari said, “Traditional rulers are enjoying your prayers which you offered to God and your cooperation with the Muslims in the state. The unity between the Christians and the Muslims should continue. Christian religion is peaceful and the adhents should follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

“The unity between the Christians and the Muslims should continue, it is the peaceful co-existence of the people of this state that makes Kwara state to be the state of Harmony.

“Though the country is hard, we should continue to pray for the progress and development of Nigeria. The Youth should desist from engaging in unholy behavior such as yahoo-yahoo, ritual killings and prostitution. All these are capable of contributing to the challenges of the country”, he counselled.

The event featured brochure launch and an N85 million fundraising for the development of the church. There were also special rendition from the combined choir of the the church, thanksgiving session and cutting of the anniversary cake, wth lots of merriment renting the air.

The week-long program was concluded with a thanksgiving service on Sunday.