African Church Honours Olori Adelabu, Bada, Bilewu, Ibikunle, Others To Mark 118th Existence -

Mariam Akinloye

The Rt. Revd. Hezekiah A. Adetoro, Bishop, Lagos West Missionary Diocese, The Rt. REVD. M.o. Beckley, Bishop, Bishop of Ghana and Cathedral officers in group photograph with Mothers – in – Israel after their decoration at the 118 Years Founder’s Day Thanksgiving of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu on Sunday, December 11, 2022.

The 118th year celebration of the establishment of The African Church Bethel Cathedral Church, Ikorodu, came to an end on Sunday, November 11, 2022, with the Church honoring individuals who have contributed immensely to its development.

The honorees were honoured with Bethel Daddies and Mothers – In – Israel. The honour event, was established about 15 years ago and was suspended about five years ago for review of its modus operandi and repackaged for better results, took place during the Founder’s Day Thanksgiving Service held Church auditorium at the Aga junction in ikorodu.

The Church kicked – off the celebration last Sunday with its maiden Community Hymn Singing, an occasion chaired by Sen. (Otunba) Kingsley Adesewe Ogunlewe and with His Royal Majesty, Alaiyeluwa, Oba (Dr) AbdulHakeen Adeoriyomi Oyebu as Grand Royal Father among other distinguished dignitaries attending the special service.

Bishop Adetoro and the Cathedral Warden, Engr. Oshin with Bethel Daddies after their decoration on Sunday.

Honoured as Mother – in – Israel at the well – attended service where sermon was delivered by The Rt. Revd. M.O. Beckely, Bishop, The African Church, Ghana, were Chief (Mrs) Olayinka Sobowale, Olori Ruth A. Adelabu, Mrs A.T, Bada, Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Idowu, Madam Comfort Ibikunle and Mrs Victoria Oladele.

2022 Bethel Daddies were Elder Taiwo Fakunmoju, Bro. S.A. Onafowokan, Bro. Michael Ola Liyele, Bro. Muyiwa Onatolu and Bro. Olukayode Bilewu, FCA.

In his sermon on the theme of the celebration, ‘God of Our Father’, Bishop Beckley said that the God that has been with the Church since its creation is still very much the same God which has been assisting the Church and its congregation in surmounting challenges and assisting its development.

Bishop Beckley presenting the certificate of honour to Olori Ruth Adelabu after being decorated as a Mother – in – Israel on Sunday.

He congratulated the honourees and charged them to continue serving the Lord.

The Church, in a statement signed by the Cathedral Secretary, Olunwaseyi A. Adelabu, said that the honour is reserved for distinguished members of the Church who have served in many capacities and assisted the Church in its sustainability.

“The honours are designed to recognize, appreciate and honour distinguished members of the Church who had over the years served in various capacities and contributed immensely to the sustainability, growth and development of The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Ikorodu”, the Cathedral said.

Oluwaseyi Adelabu, the Cathedral Secretary, leading Madam Alice Taiwo Bada to the alter for decoration as Mother – in – Israel.

“This year’s recipients in both categories have been selected in recognition of their priceless service, long standing dedication and commitment to the suatinbility, growth and development of the Church.

“On behalf of the Cathedral, we say hearty congratulations to the recipients of today’s awards. It is hoped that you will continue to serve God in HIS vineyard and give your best to the Church in years to come”, the honorees were charged.

Mr Kayode Bilewu and wife during his thanksgiving as Bethel Daddy.

Among special guests at the service were Dr (Otunba) Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, Permament Member, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB) who mother was among the honorees, Mr Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, former aspirant, Ikorodu Constituency II seat, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Gbenga George Oduniyi, immediate past President, Igbogbo Youth Coalition among others.