The Methodist Church Nigeria has honoured Oyo State First Lady, Engr. Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, former Ogun State Head of Service, Princess Iyabode Odulate, with the award of Knight of John Wesley (KJW) for their meritorious service to the church and humanity.
The event, which was held at Methodist Church Cathedral, Elekuro, Ibadan on Sunday, attracted eminent dignitaries across the country.
Notable Nigerians that received Knight of John Wesley (KJW) awards included Engr. Dotun Sanusi, the Chef Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort, former PMAN boss, Taiwo Omotunde, Engr. Abraham Olarotimi among others.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Assistant to Governor Seyi Makinde on Administration, Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe who spoke on behalf of the state government stated that the award is a testament of the selfless sacrifice and contributions of the governor and the wife for being a strong advocacy for the eradication of AIDS in the state.
“I’m here to represent the Governor on this wonderful occasion of award of knighthood to the deserving members of the Methodist Church, and also to some of the friends of the Methodist denomination across Oyo state.
“The award is a recognition of the role Her Excellency, Mrs. Makinde has played, not only within the Christian body, but among the masses in the state. This is one of the distinguished awards; I think it is the one of the highest honor within the Methodist church for deserving members of the society, so we see it as a great honour, which testifies the contributions of his Excellency and his wife to the society.
“There is a lot of lesson to learnt from this, a lot of people that are here today are also coveting and looking forward for such an opportunity like this to be considered for the award, it is a challenge and encouragement for us to keep helping ourselves, deploying our resources to keep supporting the masses and helping the needy. These are some of the things that Christ Himself encourages us to do, it is something that people even I am looking towards to be decorated as a Knight one day.” He said.
He further urged Christians in Nigeria to remain steadfast despite the present situation facing the country assuring that God will soon turn Nigeria’s ashes to beauty.
He added, “The Church still needs to be more visible and more outspoken when it comes to enhancing the stand of the righteous in our society, but the churches are not doing badly. I believe it is because of the commitment of the faithful men who keep emphasizing for the place for righteousness that we have made the progress we have made so far. He said.
Speaking, former Ogun state Head of Service, who also doubles as the federal civil service commissioner in charge of Ogun and Lagos at the Federal Ministry of Works, Princess Iyabo Odulate described the award as a thing of joy while promising to put more effort towards the service of humanity and evangelism.
She, however, urged the church to be a model for the youths and leaders charging the church to be proactive in its works of evangelism and to be worthy ambassadors of Christ.
She added, “The award is a crowning glory, because I have had over 250 awards in my life, but this has to do with the church, and once you serve God, you’re serving humanity, and the more you serve, the more work you have to do. I know my God will give me the strength to move forward in the service of evangelism and humanity.
“I’m happy that this one is coming after thirteen years of my retirement, so I will have enough time to devote to my God and my community and all and sundry. My message to the church is that they should try to mentor, build leaders and shape lives. I’m appealing to the church not to give up, they should continue to preach the gospel and evangelize, going to the nooks and crannies and bring worthy ambassadors to the fold of God”.
“If you go to so many churches, it is the youth that are cutting the shots and I believe in the youth of this country, I will forever continue to encourage them whenever I find myself. I happened to be a permanent secretary in the ministry of education for good eight years and I know how much I did”.
Speaking, the guest preacher, Right Rev. Dennis Mark, in his sermon titled: “Reward for Good Work is More Work”, urged the awardees to avail themselves for kingdom business while urging them to provide good leadership anywhere they found themselves.
Packaged By Dare Raji
