By Yanju Uwala
The Provost of The Apostolic Church Nigeria LAWNA Theological Seminary Ayegbaju, Ilesa, Pastor Gabriel Alakuko has urged students of the school to work towards getting more wisdom and knowledge if they want to be instruments of value in the hands of God.
He made the call at the 34th Convocation Ceremony’s thanksgiving service of the seminary which took place at the Chapel of Excellence, Ayegbaju, Ilesa, Osun State.
A new registrar for the institution in the person of Pastor Julius Kolawole Ojoawo was also officially presented to the school at the Thanksgiving service. He is the 5th Substantive Registrar of the Institution.
In his sermon with the topic; ‘Getting Wisdom’ and text taken from Job 28:12-28, Pastor Alakuko, said the fear of the Lord is wisdom adding that “the wisdom from above is first pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
He said it is one thing to have understanding and another thing to have wisdom. “Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge correctly. The success one makes in life is tied to one’s ability to make use of knowledge in the right way. Knowledge builds one’s understanding. It takes wisdom to use what one understands.”
While making reference to Job, he said the fear of the Lord is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.
He emphasised that “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding”.
The New Registrar
Pastor Alakuko then urged the new registrar, Pastor Ojoawo to be fervent, and consistent and also uphold the statues and doctrines of his duties as the new Registrar.
In his response, Pastor Ojoawo expressed joy that God has fulfilled His promises in his life. “I am very happy this morning, not just because I was made or confirmed as the new Registrar, but because God has made to pass what he has promised for me and it has come to pass.”
HE acknowledged the past and present fathers in the Seminary and promised not to “fail God, the entire management members, and the Students at large.”
NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Meanwhile, the Visitor to the seminary Pastor Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh, had inaugurated the new Board of Governors of the institution.
The inauguration was done as part of the activities to mark the 34th Convocation Ceremony of the seminary held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the Pastor (Dr) Gabriel Oladele Olutola International Conference Centre, Ayegbaju, Ilesa.
In his address to the new members of the Board, Pastor (Dr) Uyeh while reading from the book of 1 Corinthians 3:9-10, urged them to be strong and work for the Lord.
He said ‘’you are called to be co-workers with God to think and to work for this seminary. You will not be tired. We want you to take up the work seriously as Paul was telling Timothy, the same thing I am charging you, be strong and work for the lord. The Lord will empower you.’’
Uyeh who is also the LAWNA Territorial Chairman, also urged the board of the seminary to work as a team and shun all forms of confusion.
He said ‘’As we inaugurate the board today, I want you to stand very well and to work for God. You are called to discuss and plan together for this institution. And I know that God who has been helping us will continue to help you.
‘’I charge you to be conscious of the work you are called to do. You are not here to criticize or cause confusion but to plan together for the progress of the institution”.
The new Board Chairman, Elder Olufemi Esan, PhD, in his acceptance speech, called for collaboration among the Board members in order to take the seminary to an enviable height.
Dr Esan, also assured the leadership of the Church of the effort of the Board to generate substantial funds for the seminary through their individual and corporate connections for sponsorship and scholarship of the students. He promised to facilitate the procurement of hardware and software materials for the use of the students.
The board chairman expressed his gratitude to the LAWNA Chairman and the members of the Executive Council of the Church for their commitment to the provision of sound theological education.
Members of the board of trustees being prayed for
Members of the Board
Among the members of the newly inaugurated are; Elder Dr. Olufemi Esan as Chairman, Pastor (Dr) Lawrence Olusesan Oladele as member, Pastor (Dr) Paul F. Usman as member, Pastor Gabriel Olugbenga Ayotunde Alakuko, PhD- Provost, Pastor Nicolas Whesin- Deputy Provost, P/Elder Matthew Haastrup PhD – Member, Elder Kayode Olusemire – Member, Deaconess Bisi Olowo- Member and Pastor Julius O. Ojoawo- Registrar/ Secretary
