By Gilbert Ekezie
There were great jubilations recently during the diamond (60th) Graduation Anniversary of Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Ibadan, Oyo State, jointly owned by the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Methodist Church, Nigeria.
The week long event started on June 8 and ended with Graduation of part time and full time ministerial students.
Interestingly, the epoch- making gathering, which was duly attended by leaders, members of the Church, friends and we’ll wishers, was a huge success, and was also held under the leadership of the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye, the chairman board of governors of the Premier Theological college in Nigeria.
The Primate and Metropolitan, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Revd. Henry Ndukuba was in the Service and preached at the grand finale on theme: “Knowing fully well that your labour of love is not in vain”.text:
The Primate was also awarded Grand Fellow, Immanuel College Academy of Theology( G-FICAT).
This was after the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr Samuel Kanu Uche received same award a day before.
Uche had preached on the theme: “Remove not the ancient landmark” a day prior to the grand finale.
Chairman, Anniversary Planning Committee Rt. Revd. Dr. S.A .Adegbite, his Vice, the Rt. Revd. Dr. J. Olusola Odedeji, other committee members, including Rt. Revd. J.M.B.Ibikunle, President IMMACOTHEO Alumni Association and the Rt. Revd. E. Akorede Okuyelu of Osun North East , did great job to mobilize all and sundry.
The Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. S. Ola Makinde and the Rt. Revd. G.I.O. Olajide, retired Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion were the Grandfathers of the day.
Also, highly distinguished personalities decorated and awarded Fellows, Immanuel College Academy of Theology (FICAT) include ; His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo state, His Excellency, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor of Ondo state, His Excellency, Prince Dr. Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, the Governor of Ogun state, Her Excellency, Dr.(Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwoolu, the wife of the governor of Lagos state, Engr.(Mrs.) Oluseyi Afolabi, who also delivered a paper on the topic: “The Church’s response to Domestic Violence in the society” and Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo.
Most Revd. Dr. A.A. Agbaje, Rt. Revd. G.B. Oloniyo, J.O.A. Fabuluje, and Rev. Canon J.A. Akanya were honoured with Post Humous award. While the Rt. Revd. J.O.K. Olowokure, the Rt. Revd. Prof. J. Akin Omoyajowo, the Rt. Revd. S.O. Oyelade and the Very Revd. Dr. J.O. Kayode, were given Living Legend award.
Also in attendance at the occasion were, the Most Revd. Dr. Michael Fape, Most Revd. Dr. Segun Okubadejo, Most Revd. Dr. Akinfenwa and other distinguished Bishops.
Other awardees include Dr Toyin Okeowo, Sir Demola Aladekomo, accomplished industrialist, Asiwaju Bode Amao amongs others.
The program also featured fund raising of N500,000,000; Giving of Awards of excellence to deserving people; Inauguration and conferment of Grand Fellows, Immanuel College Academy of Theology (G-FICAT).