It was a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere on Sunday, July 19, 2026, as Light in Jesus Evangelical Ministry Arugbo Ojo (LIJEM), Temidire, Imadun, Ilesa, Osun State, celebrated its 17th anniversary with a grand thanksgiving service that attracted prominent ministers of God, gospel music lovers and worshippers from across Osun State and beyond.
The anniversary celebration, themed “But Lay Up for Yourselves Treasures in Heaven,” featured soul-lifting worship, prophetic ministrations, fervent prayers and inspiring messages aimed at encouraging Christians to remain committed to heavenly values and faithful service to God.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the powerful musical ministration by Nigeria’s renowned gospel music icon, Evangelist Dr. Funmi Aragbaiye, popularly known as Mama Sioni, whose inspiring praise and worship session transformed the atmosphere into one of joyful celebration and spiritual renewal.
The gospel music legend, accompanied by her band, delivered several of her evergreen songs, leading the congregation into moments of heartfelt worship, thanksgiving and jubilant dancing. Worshippers responded enthusiastically as the auditorium reverberated with songs of praise and adoration to God.
The General Overseer of the ministry, Prophet Michael Kehinde Oladejo, alongside his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Blessing Esther Oladejo, expressed profound appreciation to God for the successful celebration and the presence of distinguished ministers who graced the occasion.
Speaking during the event, Prophet Oladejo described Evangelist Dr. Funmi Aragbaiye as a unique and outstanding gospel music minister whose songs have continued to bless lives, strengthen faith and inspire believers across generations.
According to him, Mama Aragbaiye has remained one of Nigeria’s most respected gospel musicians, maintaining an impeccable record of excellence, integrity and unwavering commitment to the propagation of the Gospel through music.
“Mama Funmi Aragbaiye is a quintessential gospel music minister whose songs have continued to impact lives all over the world. Classics such as Sioni Ilu Ayo, Mo Gbo Ipe Olorun, Emi Orun S’Okale, Ijoba Orun Kudede, Peace in Nigeria and many others remain powerful messages of hope, faith and spiritual encouragement,” he said.
Prophet Oladejo noted that for more than four decades, the veteran gospel singer has sustained a remarkable ministry that has inspired countless believers through her music and exemplary Christian lifestyle.
He described the release of her iconic album, “Olorun Igbala,” as a defining moment in Nigerian gospel music history, saying the song resonated across churches and Christian homes, establishing her as one of the nation’s most celebrated and beloved gospel music ministers.
According to him, her consistency, humility and dedication to God’s work have made her a role model to younger generations of gospel music ministers.
Addressing the congregation, Evangelist Dr. Funmi Aragbaiye expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of Light in Jesus Evangelical Ministry for the warm reception accorded to her and her team.
She described the anniversary celebration as memorable and spiritually refreshing, urging Christians to cultivate a lifestyle of sincere worship and praise.
According to her, God delights in the praises of His people and inhabits the atmosphere of genuine worship.
She encouraged believers to continually magnify God regardless of life’s circumstances, stressing that praise and worship remain powerful weapons for experiencing divine intervention, victory and spiritual breakthroughs.
The anniversary celebration also featured prophetic declarations, covenant prayers, special musical ministrations by the church choir, testimonies and intercessory prayers for the Church, Nigeria and the body of Christ.
Among the notable ministers of God who attended the programme were Evangelist Olumide Fakunle (Ayonimofe), Pastor Joseph Oluwakolade, Prophet Michael Oluseyi (Baba Fire), Pastor Raphael Alalade, and Evangelist Adeniyi Adetayo (Olorun Elijah), alongside other church leaders and Christian faithful.
The event ended with thanksgiving and prayers of blessing as participants expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry over the past 17 years and prayed for greater exploits in its mission of winning souls and advancing the Kingdom of God.
