By Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has felicitated the World Head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, who attained the age of 80.
Abiodun, in statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, on Wednesday, who referred to Pastor Adeboye as “my father in the Lord,” said his new age did not only excite him and his family, but the entire people of Ogun State, appreciating God for His grace to the man of God to attain the 80 years on earth.
He hailed Baba Adeboye for his invaluable commitment to a united, hate-free, rancor-free, equitable and secular Nigeria, where religion, nay freedom of worship, can be both a right and desideratum for National rebirth.
The Governor further described him as a living moral conscience of the nation and an inimitable academic whose contributions to the body of knowledge as a renowned Mathematics scholar and the University system leaves behind a legacy that many can only dream about.
“Clearly you are a living testimony of the awesomeness of God and our dear nation and State have benefitted immensely from your wealth of experience and selfless services in both your spiritual and secular lives and living.
“Personally, I have been exceptionally blessed as a spiritual son whose closeness to you has added value to me, my family and journey through and beyond business and politics. Your divine calling, unction, ministration and counsel have lighted our paths in this country and humanity has been transformed by your servant leadership and exemplary conduct.
“I attest to your invaluable commitment to a united, hate-free, rancor-free, equitable and secular Nigeria, where religion, nay freedom of worship, can be both a right and desideratum for National rebirth. Beyond your spirituality, you are a living moral conscience of the nation an inimitable academic whose contributions to the body of knowledge as a renown mathematics scholar and the University system leaves behind a legacy that many can only dream about. In a firmament beclouded by mediocrity, charlatans and prosperity prophecies, you have distinguished yourself as a self-effacing preacher of peace and God-sent redeemer for souls into the kingdom of God.
“From the pulpits, you churn out messages of hope that are not only trans-generational but wholesomely intuitive and sermons that are appropriate for soul winning and human development and that have, indeed birthed renaissance in all ramifications. Your ideas and doctrines stand out beyond the surfeit of distractions. You live what you preach. They are substances of unvarnished and timeless gospel applicable across generations, races and social strata.
“Attaining the advanced age of 80 years, no doubt, is the manifestation of the grace, mercy and benevolence of Almighty God over your life. From your humble beginning in your little village of Ifewara in Osun State, you have through grace and providence impacted the world as an academic, leader and above all servant of the most High God. I join all family members, the body of Christ, spiritual children, associates, friends and all well-wishers in thanking Almighty God for sparing the life of our Daddy-in-the-Lord, even, well above the biblical three scores and ten.
“Despite your position of privilege, you remain deeply and unpretentiously respectful, not just to other people’s faiths and beliefs, but to those in authority and everyone, even to your subordinates and spiritual children. Yet, you are courageous enough to speak truth to power. No doubt everyone whose paths cross yours will have a unique story to tell of Daddy G.O’s warmth, compassion, friendliness, and his open displays of affection for others.
“The country will remain grateful to you for the generations of preachers — men and women of faith that you have mentored and for several others that have passed through your leadership. Indeed, the kingdom of heaven is delighted that you have expressed your talents in the most explicit and profitable manner under the guidance of the Almighty God”, Abiodun was quoted to have said in the statement.
The Governor, however, prayed God will preserve the cleric for many more years, in good health and sound mind, “So that you remain a treasure of wise counsel and inspiration as our Administration marches on its Building Our Future Together Agenda.”