By Gbenga Davies
The 120 years existence of The African Church was widely celebrated, honourarary officers and distinguished members of the Church were awarded at the church headquarters on Broad Street Lagos Island.
The founders day celebration started with unification service which the Church reunited after some months of crisis.
During the unification service the preacher His Eminence John Olurunfemi Cardinal Onaiyeakan,Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja commended the leadership of the church to end the crisis and celebrate unity and love.
He went further by saying that reconciliation and peace are the precious gift of the Holy spirit.
The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo who was ably represented by Pastor Yomi Kasali hailed the African Church for resolving the crisis that polarised the church and its 120th
anniversary.
Osinbajo encouraged the leaders of the Church for peaceful coexistence and love for this will bring togetherness in the country.
The guest lecturer, Rt.Rev Mattew Kukah Diocesan Archbishop Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church while speaking on the title The Role of the Church in the face of insecurity in the Nation,highlighted 4ways by which the Church can tackle insecurity in the nation.
He said the role of Christains to tackle insecurity is for Christains to make solidarity visit their priority,to visit their Christian brothers in the States that are faced with insecurity.
During the service the Church celebrated the birthday of the Lay President of the Church Eng. Babatunde Odufuwa and some leaders of the Church with cutting of cake.
The unification service of The African Church attracted Christian leaders across denominations, among whom were The Catholic Archbishop (Emeritus) of Abuja, Nigeria, His Eminence, John Olorunfemi Cardinal Onaiyekan, the President, Christian Council of Nigeria, Most Rev Fubara Benebo; and Most Rev. Matthew Kukah,Chairman Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission Pastor Yomi Kasali who represented the Vice President Of the federal Republic of Nigeria Professor Yemi Osinbajo.
The service then moved to the 120 Years Founders Day Anniversary Thanksgiving Service/investiture of honorary officers and presentation of awards where dignitaries,friends and well wishers of the church came to celebrate allover the country.
In the service Oba Dr.Adedapo Tejuosho was given the grand Patron of the Church and the lay president Emeritus of the African Church The Revd Olubunkunola Okunowo as Patron and distinguished members of the church which they all took the Oath in the presence of the congregation in the church.
Awards were also given to some members of the church who has contributed immensely to the growth of the church.
In his sermon the Primate of the Church His Eminence Dr,Emmanuel Udofia speaking on the theme Firmly Rooted Aiming Higher,he said the what will make the African Church grow is the love of Christ.
The Chairman planning Committee of the anniversary who is also the deputy Lay President of the Church Barrister Debo Oduguwa while speaking to journalist said the way forward for the Christians with the present situation of the country is to work in solidarity and love one another.
The Lay President of the Church Engineer Babatunde Odufuwa appreciated God for the Church now speaks in one voice with the efforts of his royal Majesty Oba Adedapo Tejuosho because of his passion for the unity of the church.
One the Patron of the Church Revd. Olubunkunola Okunowo also appreciated God for the Church to see 120 years and still waxing stronger,he said he will continue to work in promoting the Church and making the Church where its supposed to be.
The cutting of the anniversary cake formed the highpoint of the event.
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