The Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Uche has described the Lagos Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bishop Stephen Adegbite as one of the respected, trusted, and dedicated men of God in the vineyard of God with courage and capacity.
He remarked during his sermon at the 55th birthday thanksgiving/Eucharistic service and 35 years of service in God’s vineyard of Bishop Adegbite as Bishop of Metropolitan Diocese of Ikeja and the Chairman, Lagos State Chapter,
The event took place at the Methodist Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Opebi in the Ikeja area of Lagos State.
The cleric noted that the CAN chair has demonstrated courage in his lifetime. He said “It is good to have courage and capacity, if you have both, some will admire you and some will envy you. But courage without capacity will make people limit you.”
Former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ajumugobia, SAN with others.
God, our benefactor
Uche who emphasized the need for Nigerians to put their hope and trust in God during the sermon at the event said “God remains our perpetual benefactor and we remain His perpetual beneficiary. He is always there to bless us and we can’t do without Him.
“In everything, always acknowledge God as your benefactor and not a man or your talent. God is the giver of all that you have or possess. Notwithstanding any situation, don’t forget God. Anyone or nation that forgets and fails to acknowledge God will meet its Waterloo and fail in life”, he admonished.
He alluded to people who denied God in their lifetime and paid the price adding that people should not forget to thank and appreciate God in life for all His benefits and goodness.
“Don’t take God for granted. Always remember His goodness, benefits, and kindness without which no one can make it and be alive”, he said.
Dr. Uche chided those who for reasons best known to them refuse people to know their age because they do not celebrate or mark their birthday to thank God for the gift of life, he described them as ingrates.
“No matter the state of things or situation in your life, there must always be something to thank and appreciate God for and to show for His goodness.”
The celebrant and wife with Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi (Iya Adura).
God blessed you to bless others
The retired prelate charged people, “Always realize that whatever God did to you, is not only for you and your family alone, but for the benefit of others. And don’t live to undermine anyone at any point in time, but build and maintain relationships for future benefits”.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde described the celebrant as a true man of God who has proved his leadership ability with integrity and wisdom. He commended him for his vocal and unbiased stance on issues related to governance in Lagos state.
Cross section of ministers in attendance at the birthday event
Tinubu’s message
In her congratulatory message, The First Lady, Senator Olremi Tinubu, CON said, turning 55 is a testament to the wisdom, strength, and resilience the celebrant has gathered over the years.
Mrs Tinubu who was represented by Mrs Busola Kukoyi, said Adegbite’s position on the truth makes him stand out as a man of God. She expressed faith that “the journey ahead will be as remarkable and fulfilling with endowed lifetime divine health, joy, and peace in Jesus’ name, she prayed.”
In his remark, the celebrant, Bishop Stephen Adegbite expressed his profound gratitude to the almighty God for His special grace and love that has kept him standing over the years of his 55-year sojourn on earth.
He also thanked God for the great opportunity and privilege bestowed on him to serve in His vineyard as a priest. Adegbite appreciates those who spared their time to honor his invitation to celebrate God with him.
He encouraged the guests not to complain over any situation, but to continue thanking God at a given opportunity, because He is in control of every situation.
L-R Very Rev. Bukola Adebiyi(SA to Lagos State Governor on Christian Affairs), Mr. Tayo Ayinde (CoS to the State Governor, representing the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu), Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat (wife of the Lagos State Dep. Govnr. Representing, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu), the celebrant, Bishop Stephen Adegbite & wife with Mrs. Adesola Kosoko (GM, Lagos State Television & rep. Nigeria First Lady, Sen. (Mrs.) Oluremi Tinubu), Archbishop John Osa-Oni and other clergies at the 55th birthday Thanksgiving of Lagos State CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite at the Methodist Church, Opebi.
Dignitaries
Among the dignitaries at the service is the wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, representing the wife of the state governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, business mogul, Sir. Olu Okeowo and his wife, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Henry Ajumogobia, SAN.
Also at the event were former Chief Naval Officer of Nigeria, Rear Admiral Akin Aduwo, Rtd. Including, Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, the National Deputy Vice President of PFN, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, the National Vice President, PFN South West Zone, Archbishop John Osa-Oni, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi (Iya Adura), HE, Archbishop Designate, Isaac Idahosa, Rev. Sam Ogedengbe, traditional rulers and many others.
