Buhari, Sanwo-Olu, Okowa, others greet Pastor Adeboye @ 80

IBRAHIM QUADRI, Lagos

President Muhammadu Buhari has joined members of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Christian community in celebrating clergymen celebrating Pastor Enoch Adeboye on his 80th birthday, March 2, 2022.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina disclosed this in a statement signed on Tuesday.

President Buhari felicitates with the wife, Pastor Foluke Adenike Adeboye, family members, friends, and relations as the General Overseer turns an octogenarian, with clear evidence of walking the path of a righteous man by dedicating his life to the service of God, and humanity.

“The President recalls his private and public meetings with the renowned preacher and teacher of the Bible over many years, most remarkably the visit when he was recuperating in London, 2017, appreciating Pastor Adeboye’s warmth and friendliness, which he also extends to leaders and others from all walks of life,” the statement added.

President Buhari believes Pastor Adeboye contributions to the betterment of Nigeria and other countries stand out clearly as testimonies of his divine calling, impacting greatly on education, health and infrastructural development, which include many urban and rural roads.

The President salutes the focus of the RCCG leader on works of the Kingdom and peace for the nation, praying that his path will be like a shining light, with grace for good health and strength.

In their separate greetings, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, have congratulated the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, on the occasion of his 80 years birthday.

Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Gboyega Akosile on Wednesday described the renowned international cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication and service, whose unblemished records of service in God’s kingdom, over the course of several decades, has made him a role model to many.

The Governor said Pastor Adeboye, through diligence and utmost obedience to the Lord, has built one of the largest spiritual institutions anywhere in the world and raised millions of committed followers of Jesus Christ.

He also described ‘Daddy GO’ as Pastor Adeboye is popularly called as one of the respected global evangelists who have contributed immensely to the propagation of the gospel at national and international levels without any blemish or scandal.

He said: “Sir, you have been a blessing, not just to the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), but also to us in Lagos State – your unceasing prayers for us and your wise counsel over the years have contributed in no small measure to the phenomenal progress our state has continued to witness. We will forever be grateful. We cannot also ever forget your commitment to the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service since the year 2000.

“Because of your work, and of the name and legacy of the RCCG, the gospel has touched the very ends of the earth, in line with the Great Commission. In addition, your devoted service in God’s Vineyard has helped put Nigeria in the global spotlight, as a land of spiritual exploits and greatness. Yet, amidst all these wonderful accomplishments, you have remained as simple and humble as ever, never seeking the limelight or personal glory.

“As you celebrate your 80th birthday, it is our prayer that the Almighty God will grant you more grace and strength to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, minister to the poor and the broken, and proclaim liberty to the captives. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to crown you with good health to enable you render more service to His kingdom and you will continue to enjoy His manifold blessings and everlasting goodness. Amen. Happy Birthday, Sir,” the Governor said.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also congratulated Pastor Foluke Adeboye for being a devoted partner to the General Overseer of RCCG.

“Let me also specially congratulate our Mummy, your adorable wife, and devoted partner, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, and thank her for the great support and love she has continued to give to you. I pray that God will continue to keep her strong and vibrant on this lifelong journey of jointly manifesting the fullness of His power and anointing,” he said.

Speaker, in a message he personally signed said, “As you clock 80, I want to say it is only God that could have blessed you with such an age and agility. Many people would hardly believe that you are already 80. Your physical strength remains. I have never seen you read the Bible or any other material with difficulty, your gait confirms your strength. This proves Gods words that He would bless those He would bless. It also reminds of how God blessed Moses in Deuteronomy 34:7 to the extent that even at 120, his eyes were not dim and his vitality never waned. Dear Pastor Adeboye, you are blessed!

“Thank you for being a foster father to a lot of Nigerians. Thank you for adding your voice at all times when issues that need your fatherly advice or words of wisdom arise. Your contributions to the efforts at having a peaceful Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. We follow your teachings, we hear your appraisal and words of encouragement.

“We thank God for picking you to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Today, like always, there is no doubting the fact that you were truly and divinely chosen to lead His flock. The growth, progress and expansion of Gods work across the globe with you being the head of the RCCG are attestations to your effectiveness as a religious leader. There is no way religious leaders would be listed globally without your name in a prominent position. And to many clergymen in Nigeria, you remain a father figure, a teacher and inspiration.

“You have been a source of encouragement to us in Lagos State. We thank you for always praying for us and for your wise counsels. We appreciate your time because you are always there whenever we need you.

“Your attainment of 80 years on earth is significant in the sense that it proves God’s love for you and for us who gain from your tutelage,” Obasa stated.

Also, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Wednesday congratulated the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, as he clocks 80 years.

Okowa’s congratulatory message was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba wherein he described Adeboye as a distinguished man of God who had contributed immensely to the growth of Christendom.

He lauded the respected cleric for his humility and outstanding patriotism, especially in guiding the flock of Christ since he assumed the position of General Overseer of one of Nigeria’s largest churches, and for his consistent assistance to the needy in the society.

He remarked that Adeboye’s place in history was replete with accomplishments in God’s vineyard where he had mentored many clerics and raised churches in the last 40 years.

“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate you, our highly revered cleric, on your 80th birth anniversary.

“Under your faithful stewardship, the RCCG experienced unprecedented growth, spreading beyond Nigeria’s shores to other continents of the world.

“The monthly Holy Ghost Service of your church is renowned for signs and wonders, with millions of lives saved from sin and delivered from demonic bondages.

“As you mark this octogenarian landmark anniversary, I wish you more years of fruitful ministry in the vineyard of the Lord and service to humanity,’’ the governor said