By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo on Sunday joined worshippers at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pinnacle of Glory Parish, Oremeji, Ibafo, in Ogun State, as the church celebrated its 10th anniversary with a thanksgiving service themed “A Decade of Triumphant Mandate: Walking in Dominion, Impacting Destiny.”
The event, which drew residents, clerics and dignitaries from within and outside the community, featured thanksgiving, community outreach activities and reflections on the church’s decade-long spiritual impact in the Oremeji area of Ibafo.
Speaking at the celebration, Ajadi commended the church for combining spiritual growth with practical service to the community, describing such efforts as a model for faith-based institutions in Nigeria.
READ ALSO:Viral Videos Expose Alleged APC Primary Irregularities
“A church is not only a place of worship; it must also be a source of light to the people around it. When a congregation contributes to the wellbeing of its environment, it is fulfilling God’s purpose beyond the pulpit,” Ajadi said.
He added that the church’s investment in community development, particularly the installation of solar-powered street lights in Doyin Street, Oremeji, reflected a commitment to social responsibility that should be emulated by other religious institutions.
“This kind of intervention promotes safety, peace and development. It shows that the gospel can transform lives both spiritually and socially,” he said.
READ ALSO:Semiu Congratulates Adijat Adeleye on APC Consensus Candidacy
The parish pastor, Godswill Matthew Inyang, said the anniversary was designed not only as a thanksgiving service but also as a week of activities aimed at strengthening community ties.
According to him, one of the landmark projects undertaken for the anniversary was the mounting of solar lights around the church’s host neighborhood to improve security and illuminate the area at night.
“It is one of the greatest responsibilities of the church to give back to the neighborhood where it is located. We believe the light we installed is a symbol of our mission to bring hope and transformation to the community,” Inyang said.
He disclosed that the anniversary celebrations also featured recreational activities including a football tournament among youths in the area, with the final match held on Saturday.
According to the cleric, the match ended in a draw, and the referee decided not to proceed with penalties, a decision he said was embraced in the spirit of unity and fellowship.
READ ALSO:Ajadi Backs PDP–APM Alliance, Expresses Confidence in Oyo Central Senate Victory
“Everyone went home happily because the purpose was not just competition but togetherness. We also organised games such as ludo, draught and other social activities to bring people closer,” he said.
Inyang noted that prizes would be presented to winners of the various games, stressing that the church sought to make the anniversary inclusive for all age groups.
Reflecting on the church’s journey over the last decade, he described the milestone as a special thanksgiving to God for the spiritual and economic growth witnessed among members.
“In these 10 years, we have seen members grow in faith, in purpose and in their daily lives. It is only right to return all glory to God for sustaining His church,” he said.
The guest lecturer, Pastor Gbolahan Adetoro, delivered a sermon centred on the anniversary theme, speaking extensively on the concepts of triumphant living, divine mandate and dominion.
Drawing from biblical teachings, Adetoro said God’s original intention for humanity was life in abundance, but sin altered that divine order.
“The first mandate God gave humanity was to multiply and live in fellowship with Him. But when sin entered through disobedience, death became part of human existence. Dominion can only be restored when man returns to God’s original purpose,” he said.
The cleric urged Christians to embrace righteous living and spiritual discipline as pathways to reclaiming dominion over life’s challenges.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the service ended with prayers for the church, the Ibafo community and Nigeria, as congregants expressed gratitude for what they described as a decade of divine faithfulness and impactful ministry.
