The Dean Emeritus of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and outgoing Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Most Rev Adebola Ademowo has been celebrated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State and his Edo State counterpart, Mr Godwin Obaseki on the occasion of his 70th birthday.
The two governors described Ademowo as a respected cleric who contributed significantly to mankind and national development.
Addressing reporters at a special thanksgiving service to mark Ademowo’s 70th birthday and retirement at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos, Ambode praised the cleric for serving the state meritoriously.
The governor said it was not in doubt that he made significant impact on the development of the state and the nation.
He said: “For somebody who has served Lagos so meritoriously, he (Bishop Ademowo) has been like a father to all of us. I just want to first of all say a big thank you to him on behalf of all Lagosians and for attaining the age of 70. We are very glad to have witnessed this celebration. I also wish him well and his family.
“We know the impact he has actually created for Lagos and even the rest of Nigeria. One is happy to be celebrating this day with him.”
Obaseki said Ademowo deserved all the accolades and commendations for the peace and unity he brought to bear on the church during his tenure as well as his service to mankind.
The Edo State governor recalled how his mother worshiped in the church for 50 years.
He said it was on record that Ademowo performed his role as a spiritual leader brilliantly and excellently.
Obaseki added: “My mother worshiped in this church for 50 years and he (Bishop Ademowo) was my mother’s Bishop. As a true Anglican, we know how much contribution he has made to the Anglican Communion, the peace he has brought, the unity and, more importantly, the service he has made to the church and to mankind.
“We wish him well; we wish him God’s grace and God’s peace in his retirement.”
In his sermon, the Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rev Nicholas Okoh, thanked God for His grace and loving-kindness which saw Bishop Ademowo through his service to the church and mankind.
The cleric said it was evident that the clergyman had enjoyed the blessings of God.
Taking his text from Psalm 103, Okoh said the thanksgiving service was most deserving, considering the landmark achievements of Ademowo in his 46 years of service to the church, 29 of which was in the episcopacy (being Bishop).
He said the retiring cleric would be greatly missed.
Besides, Okoh admonished the people to run away from sins, saying they block access to God and weaken the power of man.
Other dignitaries at the service included Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun; former Lagos State Deputy Governors Femi Pedro and Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire; former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George; former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Odein Ajumogobia and foremost banker, Otunba Subomi Balogun.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
