The Christ the King Anglican Church in Ajegunle Apapa.Lagios was agog on Saturday April 5 as family and friends gathered to celebrate Mrs Victoria Odussole-Sanni who clocked 70 on March 31.
Mrs Odusole-Sanni retired as director of training at the Ifelodun Local Government Development Area in Lagos several years ago and has since been a committed member of the CKC doing humanitarian services and impacting the society.
Many old and current members of the 80-year old church travelled from far and near to celebrate the septuagenarian.
She was described by many as a woman with an infectious smile who radiated love among members of the church..
Plucked from fire
Preaching at the occasion, the Vicar of the Church The Ven..Joseph Feyisetan described her as an embodiment of patience and perseverance..
While noting that the celebrant had passed through many challenges in life yet she remains standing, he said, ‘We are celebrating what could best be described as a branch plucked out of fire.
“God spoke of Joshua the high priest of being plucked out of fire. Our mother too can be described as having passed through fire going by her experiences in life
She grew up in Ajegunle and passed through many things in life. If I allow her to give testimony we will not leave here today.’
The Anglican priest said further that the commitment of the celebrant to service in God’s vineyard has been her staying power.
‘I have studied her and I see her commitment over the years. She has remained in the church despite the long distance she has to travel to come to church. I can say that we are celebrating a true Anglican in whom there is no guile.’
He then urged the celebrant to hold unto etermal life.. ‘Continue to fight the good fight of faith and hold unto eternal life, look unto Jesus..Things will keep changing but don’t lose your focus. Look at the cross and be comforted.’
Many shared testimonial of how the celebrant impacted their lives.. His younger brother, Mr. Korede Odusole recalled how she has played the motherly role in the family and how she has been a great inspiration to all the people around her..
In a chat with Church Times Venerable Folarin Shobo who was also at the event described the celebrant as an outstanding human being who carriers the burden of people on her head.
‘She is one personality that plays the role of mother hen in the lives of people around her. She always wants to make sure you’re fine. She is simply outstanding. She is a woman with a heart of gold’
Recalling how he met her about 25 years ago when he was posted to serve as a priest in the CKC, Shobo said, ‘i believe God purposely took me to that church to meet the family. Her mother and I were quite close and by extension I am close to all the children including the celebrant aunty Iyabo. She is a truly great woman. I am in want of words to describe her personality.’
Ven Shobo said further that Mrs Odusole-Sanni is a lover of God and a devoted member of the CKC. ‘Can you imagine that she has been attending just one church that is the CKC all her life. The church will be 80 years and she is 70 years.
‘She travels several kilometres to church every Sunday. She is so passionate about the CKC that she finds it difficult to worship in any other place. I must commend her for that.’
The celebrant who was full of praise and appreciation to God said her survival despite the challenges of life could only have been made possible by God.
She thanked all those who came for the event while also praying that the Lord will perfect all that concerns them.
The occasion was graced by many top personalities including a royal father and priests in the Anglican church.