Obasanjo, Oyedepo, governors, others grace Archbishop Wale Oke ’s 70th birthday grand thanksgiving

Prominent Nigerians including former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors Seyi Makinde, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the
Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo on Tuesday celebrated the 70th birthday of the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Archbishop Francis Olubowale Wale Oke.

A press statement, by the Media Bureau of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries,the birthday was held at Cornerstone City, Ibadan

In his sermon at the special thanksgiving service themed, “Engaging the Power of Thanksgiving for a Greater Tomorrow.” Bishop David Oyedepo
charged Christians to make thanksgiving a lifestyle.

Bishop Oyedepo stated that gratitude to God was a pathway to greater grace, strength and divine preservation, iting scriptures from Psalms 92 and 103, adding that life, health, peace and salvation were gifts from God for which believers must continually give thanks.

While describing thanksgiving not merely as a religious ritual but as a spiritual weapon for sustaining God’s blessings and moving believers from one level of grace to another, Bishop Oyedepo said those who remained planted in God would flourish, experience renewed strength and fresh anointing, and triumph over their adversaries.

He cautioned believers against pride and urged them to acknowledge divine grace as the source of their achievements rather than attributing success solely to personal ability, saying, “Grace brought you to this point. Grace will take you higher,” .

In his remarks, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, described the gathering as a family occasion and joined the congregation in giving thanks to God for Archbishop Wale Oke’s life and ministry.

Governor Seyi Makinde in his remarks said Archbishop Wale Oke’s prayers, counsel and support had been invaluable to his administration since he assumed office in 2019.

While wishing Archbishop Wale Oke more impactful years in good health and fresh anointing upon his life and ministry, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described his strength at 70 as evidence of God’s grace.

The governor recalled meeting Archbishop Wale Oke as a young believer in Ibadan in 1988 and later reconnecting with him during his political career.

Also, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, represented by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, described Archbishop Wale Oke as an illustrious son of Ibadan and one of the generals in God’s end-time army.

The Olubadan commended Archbishop Wale Oke’s over four decades of preaching, writing, broadcasting and Christian leadership, as well as his contributions to the development of Ibadan through the educational institutions established by the Sword of the Spirit Ministries.

He praised Archbishop Wale Oke’s leadership of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and his positive impact on the Christian community and society at large.

Archbishop Wale Oke in his response expressed profound gratitude to God for His faithfulness and appreciation to all the dignitaries, church leaders, family members and well-wishers who honoured him

Describing every breath of life as a gift from God, the PFN President prayed for longer life, good health, greater strength and divine blessings for all those who came to celebrate with him.

The Archbishop particularly appreciated Chief Obasanjo, Governor Makinde, Governor Aiyedatiwa, Bishop Oyedepo, leaders of the PFN, church fathers and his wife, Reverend Victoria Oke, for their support, prayers and encouragement throughout the years.

Other dignitaries at the celebration were representatives of the governors of Delta, Bayelsa and Enugu states; representatives of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji; and political leaders, including 2027 Oyo state governorship aspirants, Senator Sharafadeen Alli and Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi.