HARVEST OF AWARDS AS DLW @ 25 CELEBRATION DRAWS TO A CLOSE.

It was indeed an awesome night as gaily  dressed parishioners in DLW @25 branded purple and white Ankara stormed the prestigious Balmoral Hall of the Sheraton Hotel on Wednesday 20th November, 2024.

The event was the 25th Anniversary Dinner/Gala/Award Night to honour deserving members of the Diocese of Lagos West who have contributed to the success story of the Diocese these past 25 years; as well as outstanding members of staff of the Diocese, for their dedication to duty.

Welcoming guests to the ceremony was the Miliki Music legend turned Gospel Music icon, Evangelist Dr. Ebenezer Obey, and his band boys.

The event started with an opening prayer from Bishop Olurotimi Oludipe of Ijebu Diocese, followed by welcome address by the Chairman, Anniversary Committee, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo. According to him, the 25th Anniversary had been “a journey of perseverance of visionary leaders, and absolute trust in God.”

He added that “the awards presentation was a little way of expressing appreciation.” Aside from the awards, there was also presentation of a book that “chronicles the evolution of the church in the past 25 years.”

In his address, the Diocesan, the Rt. Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji appreciated the founding fathers of the Diocese that is adjudged as the fastest growing and the largest in Africa. He remarked on the phenomenal spiritual/ physical growth of the Diocese which could only have been through the Lord’s Doing.

Post-humous Silver Jubilee Awards were presented to the Family of Late Bishop Peter Adebiyi, the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese; Family of Late Chief Samuel Igbayilola Adegbite, for his philanthropy; and Venerable Samuel Olubanke Aishida, for his contribution to evangelism.

Others receiving awards are: Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, former Governor of Ekiti State, for his contribution to the success story of the Diocese; Mr Kayode Falowo; Chief Sam Ubachukwu; Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, OFR, CON; Chief Michael Ade Ojo; Dr. Festus Alabi Fadeyi; Chief Dr. Daniel Chukwudozie; Hon. Justice Dr. Babasola Ogunade; Justice Ayotunde Phillips; Mrs Comfort Teju Akindolire; Chief Bambo Adesanya,SAN; Mrs Pheola Caulcrick; Mrs Sola Ibidapo-Obe; Venerable Fatai Sofolawe-Bakare and several others who have in one way or another contributed to the success story of the Diocese.

Mr Deji Alli spearheaded the cutting of the commemorative anniversary cake, to the delight of all present.

Highpoint of the night  was the unveiling of the book on the evolution of the Diocese, titled, “Diocese of Lagos West: 25Years of Lord’s Doing ” written by 16 contributors from the Diocese. In his presentation, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa said the book is a “story of exceptional stewardship, and historical journey of the Diocese.” He commended the book to all who wish to know about the Diocese of Lagos West.

Dr.Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of Central Bank proposed the toast of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while Senator Olorunnibe Mamora proposed the toast of the Diocese of Lagos West.

In responding to the toasts, Prince Bambo Adesanya,SAN thanked everyone that contributed to the growth of the Diocese these past 25years, and hoped that such support will continue in the years ahead.

His Lordship, the Rt. Rev. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji offered the episcopal blessings, while the Vote of Thanks was delivered by Mrs Gladys Talabi, Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee, who thanked God for making the events of the 25 Anniversary a successful one; and also thanked the Bishop for purposeful leadership.

The event continued into the night with the scintillating evergreen music of the Commander-In-Chief, the Evan. Dr. Ebenezer Obey.

It was, indeed,a night to remember!