The expansive auditorium of Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew, Imola, Owo was filled to the brim on Friday as the Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi, SAN, CON hosted the fourth edition of the annual “Evening of Praise” with Mr. Governor.
The Praise service tagged “Praise to Victory”, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa; members of the State Executive Council; other top government functionaries; political leaders; among others.
The Evening of Praise was also themed “Uncommon Praise”.
Governor Akeredolu who is also the Chancellor of Owo Anglican Diocese, was full of gratitude to God for His faithfulness.
The Governor explained that the sustained Grace of God over him and the state in general was unquantifiable.
He sang various songs of praise to God and danced in appreciation of God’s unending love.
The Governor also took the only lesson from Acts 16: 16-32 at the programme.
Governor Akeredolu explained that despite the numerous challenges, God in His infinite mercy has continued to sustain him, his family and the state.
He particularly appreciated the church; Bishop and other men of God for their ceaseless prayers over him, saying God is answering their prayers, even as he encouraged them to sustain it.
“Your prayers have been sustaining us. We have faced our own challenges, but today we are still standing tall. Let us thank God, glory belongs to God.” the Governor stressed.
Arakunrin Akeredolu said he will continue to praise and serve only God in appreciation of His faithfulness and love for him.
He thanked all for their love and support for his administration, while assuring that his administration will not relent in its determination to bring dividends of good governance to the people.
The Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Dr Stephen Fagbemi, in his welcome address said the annual Evening of Praise was to give praises and honour to God, the King of Kings who has continued to manifest His powers in their lives in different ways.
He encouraged the congregation to continue to give praises to the Lord for He is good and His faithfulness endures forever.
He specifically thanked the Governor for the annual programme which he said has also discovered and promoted local talents within and outside the church.
In his exhortation, Rev Dr. Olatunde Abiodun revealed that the Evening of Praise is an acceptable sacrifice to God who has kept the congregation alive despite the various challenges of life.
According to him, singing praises to God is a special way of communicating with God as songs of praise stir God into action.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
