Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, is set to host a grand spiritual gathering from Thursday, June 26 to Sunday, June 29, 2025, as top Christian leaders, political figures, and dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond converge to honour the General Overseer of Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International, Rev. Dr. Moses Aransiola, and his wife, Pastor (Mrs) Funmi Aransiola, on the occasion of their joint 70th birthdays and Rev. Aransiola’s 50 years in ministry.I
Tagged “70/70/50 Celebration” and themed A New Dawn, the four-day event will be held across prominent venues in Ibadan and feature high-profile activities, worship sessions, lectures, awards, and thanksgiving.
The celebration will begin with a Seven-Hour Praise Concert on Thursday, June 26, from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gethsemane World Prayer Centre, Eleyele, Ibadan. Gospel music legends and ministers including Evangelist (Dr) Bola Are, Evangelist Toun Soetan, Evangelist Lilian Nneji, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, and Pastor Shola Oladoyinbo are billed to perform. Others include Pastor Bukky Owoseni, Pastor Oluwole Livingstone, and The Tribe of Judah Choir. The guest minister for the day is Pastor Leke Sanusi.
On Friday, June 27, a public lecture will be held at the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., chaired by former Head of State, General (Dr) Yakubu Gowon (GCFR), with Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN) as guest speaker.
Dignitaries expected include Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola, Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji and wife, Dr. (Mrs) Olayemi Oyebanji, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Professor Kayode Adebowale, Revd. Dr. Sam Aboyeji, and Revd. Dr. Babatunde Olowodola. The day will conclude with a grand banquet chaired by the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye (Orumogege III).
Saturday, June 28, will feature the official inauguration of the MOLAYO Foundation and Empowerment Initiative at the Gethsemane World Prayer Centre, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Elder (Mrs) Biodun Obakin, CEO of Biobak Kitchens, will serve as chairperson, while Pastor Kayode Pitan is the guest speaker. Guests of honour include the Oyo State CAN Chairman, PFN Chairmen from Ibadan LGAs, Deacon Adesola Odeku of Schon Peesol Energy, and Engr. Akeredolu Martins of Solar Worldwide.
The day continues with the Police and Security Officers Award Luncheon from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., chaired by Oyo State Commissioner of Police, CP Johnson Adenola. Retired AIG Mike Okuo, former police commissioners, DSS directors, and representatives from FRSC, Civil Defence, NDLEA, and EFCC are expected.
The grand finale and thanksgiving service will hold on Sunday, June 29, at the Gethsemane World Prayer Centre. Special guests include Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye and Pastor (Mrs) Folu Adeboye. Archbishop Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos Anglican Diocese, will deliver the message, while Pastor Nathaniel Bassey returns as the guest music minister.
Speaking on the celebration, Pastor Adebayo Owoseni, Resident Pastor of Chapel of Life, described it as a moment of deep reflection and gratitude to God for His faithfulness in the lives and ministry of Rev. and Pastor (Mrs) Aransiola. He emphasized that meticulous planning is ongoing and called on members, pastors, and planning committee members for prayers and active cooperation to ensure a memorable event.
