The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, Igbalaloju District, on Sunday celebrated its 45th Founder and Anniversary Thanksgiving Service with colourful ceremonies, drawing worshippers, dignitaries and guests from across Nigeria to commemorate the milestone.
The thanksgiving service, held amid praise, worship and thanksgiving, attracted religious leaders, business executives, oil and gas stakeholders and prominent personalities.
The church, where the current President of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Salimon Akanni Oladiti, serves as the Baba Ijo (Patron), was founded by the late Prophet (Dr.) J. A. Falowo. Through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment, he laid the foundation and established a lasting spiritual legacy that has continued to shape the church’s growth and impact over the past 45 years.
Speaking with journalists after the service, the Superintendent of the church, Pastor (Dr.) Michael Falowo, JP, described the 45th anniversary as a moment of gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the years.
“We give all the glory to God for bringing the church this far. It is God who has sustained us for 45 years, and He alone deserves all the praise,” he said.
Reflecting on the life and legacy of the church’s founder, who was also his late father, Pastor Falowo said he inherited invaluable lessons that continue to guide his ministry. According to him, the late founder taught him the importance of knowing God personally, maintaining a vibrant prayer life and treating people with love, humility and godliness.
The cleric acknowledged that leading the church had come with several challenges but expressed gratitude that God’s grace had seen him through every difficult season.
Commenting on the recent emergence of Chief Oladiti as President of NUPENG, Pastor Falowo described the achievement as a testimony of God’s favour, adding that the church was proud of its Baba Ijo for attaining such a significant leadership position in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
He also used the occasion to call on Nigerians to seek God’s face amid the country’s numerous socio-economic and security challenges.
According to him, many of the nation’s problems stem from a departure from God’s ways, urging citizens to embrace genuine repentance so that God could restore peace, healing and prosperity to the land.
One of the high points of the anniversary celebration was the presentation of awards to members who had distinguished themselves through dedicated service and commitment to the growth of God’s kingdom.
In his remarks, Chief Oladiti thanked guests who travelled from different parts of the country to honour the church’s invitation. He encouraged Nigerians to put God first in all their pursuits, stressing that lasting success can only be built on honesty, integrity and righteousness.
“Wealth acquired through dishonest means cannot endure, but whatever is built on truth, hard work and the fear of God will stand the test of time,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Wheel Drop Petroleum, Mr. Wale Oladiti, described the 45th anniversary celebration as unique and memorable. Paying tribute to his father, Chief Oladiti, he portrayed him as a devoted Christian, visionary leader and a man of impeccable character.
He said the greatest lessons he had learnt from his father were humility, honesty and integrity, noting that integrity remains the most valuable asset anyone can possess.
“Integrity is the hardest currency in life. Once you have it, there is virtually no limit to what you can achieve,” he added.
The anniversary celebration featured spirited worship, goodwill messages, award presentations and fellowship, reflecting the church’s four-and-a-half decades of spiritual impact and unwavering commitment to Christian service in the community.
