Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde; former Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; and legal luminary, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, were among the dignitaries who paid glowing tributes to Rev. Dr. Moses Aransiola and his wife, Pastor Funmilayo Aransiola, as they celebrated their 70th birthdays and 50 years in ministry.
The celebration, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, attracted an array of eminent personalities including former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd); the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Governor Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State who were ably represented by……; and cleric and Christian leaders such as Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Pastor Adeleke Sanusi, Senior Continental Overseer for Europe and Chairman of the RCCG Board in the UK among others.
In his goodwill message, Governor Makinde commended the Aransiolas for their lifelong dedication to spiritual leadership and national development.
“It is a great honour to be here to celebrate the lives and impact of Rev’d Dr. and Pastor Aransiola. I pray that God will continue to enlarge their ministry and guide them as they lead many to the right path,” the governor said.
Makinde also used the occasion to advocate for greater youth involvement in governance, stressing the urgent need for national rebirth. He expressed concern over Nigeria’s cycle of crises, calling on citizens to engage meaningfully in politics and governance to break the cycle.
In his address, Dr. Mimiko called for an urgent restructuring of Nigeria, arguing that the current political system hinders meaningful national development.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Nigeria: From Where Comes Our Help?”, Prof. Ozekhome bemoaned the state of insecurity, corruption, and poor governance in the country. He, however, applauded Governor Makinde’s bold leadership, especially the establishment of the Amotekun Corps, which he described as a model for subnational security.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of four books authored by Rev. Aransiola, followed by a ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake with his wife.
Speaking at the event, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, expressed his appreciation to guests for honouring the celebrants, describing them as worthy leaders whose contributions to ministry and society deserved recognition.
In his remarks, Rev. Aransiola expressed deep gratitude to God and the many well-wishers in attendance, stating that the event was a testament to divine faithfulness over the decades.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the 70/70/50 Planning Committee and Resident Pastor of Chapel of Life, Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International, Eleyele, Ibadan, Pastor Adebayo Owoseni, described the celebration as a resounding success and a fitting tribute to the lives of impact and legacy built by the celebrants.
