Osogbo Union Baptist Church to honour Adeleke, others at 70th anniversary

The Union Baptist Church, Odi-Olowo, Osogbo, has announced plans to confer a Distinguished Leadership Award on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary celebration.

The church said the week-long celebration, scheduled to hold from July 5 to July 12, will also feature a free medical outreach, humanitarian support for vulnerable groups, the dedication of a new church building and the launch of a N70 million fundraising campaign to support kingdom projects.

Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo on Sunday, Rev. Sunday Adeoye, the Senior Pastor of the Church, said the awards are aimed at recognising individuals who have made remarkable contributions to society and humanity.

He said the celebration, themed “Celebration of God’s Goodness,” would also feature posthumous awards for deserving late members as well as special recognition awards for outstanding church members, including a volunteer who has served the church without pay and the church’s longest-serving secretary who has worked faithfully for nearly 30 years.

He said, “There is a woman that normally comes here to sweep without collecting a kobo. She has been recognised and will be given the award. Another one is our longest-serving secretary that has been working for the church for close to 30 years without blemish.

“So we thought it fit that instead of giving awards to people to collect money. Why can’t we appreciate those people that are working underneath that people don’t even recognise? There is a man on the wheelchair that the committee also recommended. In fact, instead of begging for alms in town, he decided to engage in sports, and he has collected many medals for this state.

“The founding fathers of the church, we have our 95-year-old father, High Chief Sheriki from Ekiti, who started this church at No. 103 Fagbewesa Street in the parlour and has transformed it to what it is today. The church has decided to appreciate the governor of the state for his works so far.”

Adeoye said the number 70 symbolises completeness, divine order and the fulfilment of God’s purposes, adding that the church adopted the theme “Celebration of God’s Goodness” because God had been good to the church in terms of human and physical resources.

He added that through the power of the Holy Spirit and good leadership, the church had established many other Baptist churches in Osogbo and its environs.

The cleric urged Nigerians to embrace love, unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that religious institutions have a responsibility to complement government efforts by caring for the vulnerable and promoting values that strengthen the nation.

“Our God is love; loving each other is a must because we have one Father. With cooperation between members and leaders, we will continue to win together,” he said.

Other expected guests at the anniversary celebration include the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji; the President of the Osun Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Olubunmi Obalade; and other church leaders and dignitaries.