President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas, Samuel Oladele, has called on Nigerians, especially youths, to be faithful, prayerful and determined to be great.
Speaking at his 70th birthday and thanksgiving service in Ibadan, Oladele urged youths to get closer to God to achieve greatness.
Oladele said it is only through determination, truthfulness and God’s grace that a nation and its people could attain true greatness.
While glorifying God, Oladele said: “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve greatness if not for the mercy of God.
“Life is full of hills and valleys, and God created it for a purpose. I am grateful to God that I overcame and survived. If there is anything that has worked for me, it is God’s grace and mercy” he said.
The CAC president added that he had been destined to be a minister of God through prophecy before his birth, which was why divine protection and guidance helped him overcome life’s challenges.
In his exhortation, Regional Superintendent, Pastor Simon Oladokun, lauded the celebrat or for his courage and determination in life. Oladokun said Oladele didn’t become a leader by manipulation or compulsion but by God’s commission. He prayed unto God to continue to uphold him and the Church under his leadership.
Chair of Pentecost Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Oyo State, Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, described him as kind-hearted. Ajetomobi said PFN had good relations with CAC because of Oladele’s deposition to the body of Christ.
“He has networking spirit in the Lord, irrespective of congregational alliances and he is focused in transforming the CAC.” Ajetomobi said.
Speaking for the family, Lanre Oladele described their father as “a loving man who does not discriminate and has impacted lives.”
He appreciated the church and well-wishers for their support and prayers.
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Dignitaries present include representative of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, Oyo State Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, representative of Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, rulers, and others.
The JABU Chancellor Prof Anthony Olusegun Adegbulugbe said the President has some leadership accume imbedded in him from his childhood and that has helped the growth of the church because he knows how to use the right people for each role.
The CAC Director of Administration, Pastor Tope Dada in his eulogy said the President has brought new dimensions into the administration of the Church, leading by example and committed to raise the standards of both the Clergy and the Laity, and has built several leaders across denominations and endeavors today.
Elder Abidemi Oyesanya (SAN), the Director of Music of the Church noted the quality of the President in attracting and retaining values and talents in the Church.
Pastor Isaac Abiara Superintendent of CAC Agbala Itura, Lagos speaks about the President’s fatherly love for the church and Nigerians at large.
Pastor Emmanuel Akeredolu Superintendent Ilorin DCC also noted the boldness and foresight of the celebrant as a leader and mentor