Kunle Adelabu
-We are focusing on youths, Church development – new Cathedral Warden, Secretary
The African Bethel Cathedral Church (ABCC), Ikorodu, the seat of the Bishop, Lagos West Missionary Diocese (LWMD), on Sunday, September 6, 2021, sworn – in new Cathedral Officers that will steer the ship of the Church for the next two years.
The swearing – in ceremony was held during the special Sunday service presided over by the The Rt. Revd. Hezekiah Adeleke Adetoro, Bishop, Lagos West Missionary Diocese.
Appeal fund of N2milion was also raised for the ABCC Choir Musical Instrument.
Newly elected Trustees that were sworn – in were Elder T.A.G. Okeowo, JP, Elder A.O. Oshin and Elder Taiwo Fakunmoju.
Engr. Sunday Adesanya Oshin, who was elected as the Cathedral Warden last month, led the new management team of the Church.
Other elected members of the management team are Bro. Adekunle Eniola Bada (Provost Warden), Bro. Oluwaseun Awosanya (Verger), Elder Sotunminu Adekunle Oludemi (Treasurer), Sis. Aderoju Sobowale (Financial), Sis. Adeyinka Majekodun, Jp (Publicity Secretary), Bro. Abiodun A. Osho (Vestry Secretary) and Sis. Rachael Temitope Bada (Assistant Vestry Secretary), Bro. Olukayode Bilewu (Auditor), Bro. Abayomi Anibaba (Auditor), Barr. Oajide Akinola Abiodun (Legal Adviser), Evang. (Mrs) Omobola O. Ilubanwo (Medical Officer), Prince Adesoji A. Alagbe (Assistant Secretary, Cathedral Council) and Oluwaseyi A. Adelabu (Secretary, Cathedra Council).
Bishop Adetoro, in his sermon, charged the new officers of the Cathedral Church to work for God and ensure that work continue to progress in the Church.
He also charged the congregation to give maximum support to the new officers.
Meanwhile, the Cathedral Warden, Engr. Sunday Oshin, who is the youngest Cathedral Warden ever in the history of the Church, speaking with THE IMPACT about his agenda for the Cathedral, assured that the Church, which is the headquarters of the LWMD, will attain full status as a Diocese by next year.
“I am very happy to be elected as the Cathedral/Peoples Warden of the African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu. At first, many thought that it would not be possible because we have never had someone of my age occupying the position but with God and the support of the people, I was elected and today, l am officially assuming office alongside other newly elected officers.
“In all The African Bethel Cathedral Churches in Nigeria and Overseas, I will also be the youngest Cathedral/Peoples Warden and I am very excited about that and l am ready to work to prove that younger generation can work and move the Church forward.
“Members of the congregation are happy about the development but we are also mindful of the challenges ahead which is the reason we have to work as a team, seek guidance where and when necessary and move the Church of God forward together.
“By the grace of God, we will be full – fledged Diocese. We have already written to the national body of the Church to remove Missionary Diocese from the Lagos West and it has been accepted.
“By March next year, they are going to post a Cathedral Provost to us”.
He also talked about the renovation of the Church to give it agood look at all time.
“Right now, we are renovating the Church to give it a good and befitting look because this is a Cathedral and it must have a good look at all time. It is one of the landmark buildings in Ikorodu Division and it is very important to make it attractive because it projects our image and that of Ikorodu.
“We have painted the frontage of the Church with supports from individuals and we are also doing renovation within the Church and this has made people happy and have believe in our vision”.
Speaking on his programmes for the youths of Church, Oshin said that his administration is working towards supporting youths to be leading among their peers in Ikorodu and Lagos State in general.
“We are planning an empowerment programme for the Church’s youths next month. I have been talking with individuals and NGOs for partnership and support in organsing seminar and they are willing to come.
“We are also developing programme time table for the youths which we are going to make available very soon.
“We are a leading Church in Ikorodu and Lagos State but we suffer from crisis. Now, we have all accepted to work like family and children of God and we are working towards making African Church youths dominating in all spheres of life and also in the Church generally”, he said.
Seyi Adelabu, the re – elected Cathedral Warden, also said that the focus of the present administration will be youths and infrastructural development.
“This new administration is more focused on youths and infrastructural development”, he said.
“In the next two years, there is going to be a lot of turn – around; both in the interior and exterior part of the Church and its surrounding.
“We are trusting in God through the support of our members to appreciate the goodness of God in their lives by way of assisting the Church through their donations.
“We are already meeting people and there are positive responses in this regard.
“We intend to engage the youths and ensure they are well committed to the growth and development of the Cathedral”.
He said that plans are on to raise fund for the execution of programmes for the youths and the Church development as well as for other programmes like support for widows, less privilege and others.
“The administration is also looking towards investment as a way of generating more funds to be able to cater for the church, the youths, widows, less privilege and the community”, he said.
“These are just few of the many ideas the administration is looking forward to implement in the next two years and we are very hopeful that by the grace of God Almighty and the prayers of the faithfuls, we shall succeed in these quests”.
Barr. Olajide Abiodun, the legal adviser for The African Church Cathedral and the LWMD, said that his focus will be to make the Church conversant with legal aspects of their dealings so as not to run foul of the law.
Some of the dignitaries that attended the special service were Mr Oluwatoyin Gafaar Bolowotan, the Director of Sports, Lagos State Sports Commission, Chief Ibrahim Olukotun, Hon. Wasiu Adesina, Chairman, Ikorodu Local Governmnet (represented by Alhaji Lateef Afinni), Mr Debo Eniayewun, Hon. Omotayo Awolesi, former Majority Leader, Legislative arm of the Ikorodu Local Government, Mr Seun Elesho, President, Ikorodu Heroes, Mr Adegboola Ajasa, Mr & Mrs Adebiyi Adesanya, Barr. Afeez Paul Ibikunle, Esv. Jide Eleso and Mr Alabi Rafiu among others.
