The Diocese of Ibadan, Anglican Communion, has honoured 26 members for their contributions to the development and growth of the diocese as well as impacting positively on humanity in diverse ways.
The bishop of the diocese, Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph Akinfenwa, said this during the 2023 Honours and Awards Service, at St. Anne’s Church, Molete, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday.
Those honoured at the event include: Most Reverend (Dr) M. O. Akinfenwa; Venerable Adewale Sanda; Venerable Timothy Kolawole Jaiyeoba; Engineer Olusola Theophilus Ayeni; Mr Batholomew Femi Ajayi, Mrs Stella Olufunmilayo La.dipo; Mrs Bernice Ojuolape Oni; Professor (Mrs) Oluremi Keshinro; Dr Olumyiwa Adebola Roberts; Mrs Kikelomo Bamgboye; Mrs Alice Opoola Olaore; Mrs Mary Ebunoluwa Ajele; Mrs Agnes Oluwatoyin Fabowale; Dr Victor Olusegun Sotiloye; Evangelist Rufus Aderemi Iyanda; Victoria Adebimpe Awe.
The bishop averred that the event allows members of the diocese to offer praises to God as it marked the 20th anniversary of the commencement of the award ceremony in the diocese and commended the awardees for distinguishing themselves in the service of God and humanity.
“It is an annual historical event to appreciate God in the lives of those who contributed meaningfully to the growth and development of evangelism,” he said.
We need more encouragement at this period in the country for those who work for Christ. It is therefore, incumbent on us to commend those who are committed to the spreading of the gospel of Christ,” he said.
While saying that the economic pressures on Nigerians are too much, the bishop urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of God and humanity so as to make the nation habitable for all and sundry.
“The honour of man-to-man is nothing apart from the eternal honour. The honour of man is good. The honour of the church is better but the honour of God is the best,” he said.“
The objective of the award of today is to advance the gospel of Christ to reach the unreached and preach the gospel. This is the time we will know those who are committed to the gospel of Christ because inflation and other economic crisis are springing up daily in the country,” he added.
