District Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Ikeja, Lagos Rev Ayomide Abraham has said death should be the least thing a Christian should be afraid of if truly such Christian has been saved and washed in the blood of Jesus.
He made the assertion on Thursday July 3 while admonishing the congregation at the burial service of one of the pastors of the Foursquare Church, Pastor Ola Akano.
The event which took place at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Afobaje, Ota, Ogun State attracted top Foursquare church pastors from across the south west. Many family and friends also graced the occasion.
Abraham who spoke on the topic, ‘our eternal destination’ said being afraid of death is an indication that one does not have a relationship with Christ adding that a true child of God does not fear death.
According to him, believers are made righteous in Christ which gives them access to the presence of God after their time here on earth. He urged those who are yet to know Christ to accept him so they could have assurance of eternal life.
On late Pastor Akano, he said, ‘The burden I had was only lifted this morning. There are circumstances in life you wish does not happen.
‘But because of maturity in Christ you find a way of coping. It is like we are in a season where those who are good are being called home.
”Pastor Akano was a man who made great impact. He spent his life in the service of God and humanity. He was a unifier. When you approached him, the problem in your heart will melt.’
He expressed assurance that the late Pastor is in a better place. ‘Our times are in the hands of God. We can’t dictate to God. There is a better home ahead. A well lived life is an impactful life. That is the life our pastor lived.’ He said.
Addressing the congregation he said, ‘The reality of life is that when you are not up to 50 you don’t think of death. But as you age certain things begin to dawn on you.
‘The truth is that Jesus is the gateway to heaven. He is coming back again. The older we become the more we see the futility of life . The only compensation we have is eternal life.’
Abour Pastor Akano
Pastor Ola Akano, 68 died on May 26 2025. He was born a Muslim but became born again at the Latter Rain Assembly now known as Citadel Global Community Church in 1992.
He joined Foursquare Church in 1993. Since then he has been very active rising to become a pastor and served in many capacities in the church.
He was pioneer pastor of Foursquare Gospel Church Ayede, Ifo before his transition.
An indigene of Iwo, Osun State, Akano was lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic , Ilaro, Manager, Grant Advertising. He had also lectured at the Lagos State University.
He was at some point Marketing Manager of Tantalizers and NnFems International Limited.
Akano studied Marketing at the University of Nigeria Nsukka and also had an MBA from Obafemi Awolowo University.
Tributes
His wife, a retired school principal, Mrs Adefolake Akano described him as a loyal, dependable and trustworthy partner. ‘There is no deceit in you, you always stood for the truth’ she wrote.
In a joint tribute by his children and grandchildren, they described him as an exceptional human being who had uncommon wisdom. ‘He taught us to think deeply, love fully and laugh often. He was a man of unwavering faith.’ They wrote in the tribute.
His neighbours and friends all described him as a man who had a large heart and made great impact in the Dominion Estate at The Bells Area Ogun State where he lived till his passing.
One of his old associates Aleburu Gideon wrote on Facebook. ‘This one hits differently oooo ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ Baba Akano… The best room mate I had during my post graduate days.
‘Pastor Ola Akano. It was God who made our paths cross, I thank God I had the privilege of hosting you and then later officially, when I was graduating, you were my room mate…. Ha! O ja mi lara je… There are fathers and there are fathers. You are a Father! You were anointed… You had authority! You were a prayer machine.
“I can boldly say that Foursquare Gospel Church was blessed to have you as one of their pastors. Ha! This void created can NEVER be filled oooo… To find out that you attended the same secondary school as my dad. You were my second Daddy.
You believed in me,.You believed in my calling, you believed in my ministry… Gosh!!!. So you won’t attend my wedding and that of my sister who you loved so much…. ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
I’m glad you served the Lord till your last breathe.’
