Eminent Nigerian political, religious and thought leaders have lauded the life and contributions of a former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, urging him to continue his legacy of impactful service to the nation and the church as he marked his 70th birthday.
The celebration, held on Friday at the Livingspring Chapel International auditorium in Ibadan, Oyo State, drew a large gathering of dignitaries, including former Head of State, General Yakubua Gowon (rtd); Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; the Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo; National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke; Emeritus Primate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde;a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Supo Ayokunle; and a former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, Bishop Victor Adelakun, Rev. Niyi Dahunsi, Dr Akin Onigbinde, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebowale Ogundoyin, the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, a former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ademola Ige, and others.
In a goodwill message delivered by Bishop Olubunmi Banwo, National Chairman of the Bible Society of Nigeria, General Gowon praised Pastor Emmanuel’s decades-long spiritual and national contributions, charging him to “continue making impacts in this generation.”
Governor Makinde lauded the celebrant for being a consistent voice in nation-building, spirituality, and good governance. “Pastor Femi Emmanuel is a man of deep convictions who has made a difference in the lives of many. I pray he continues to live long and impact humanity in more ways,” the governor said.
In his message,, Bishop Oyedepo expressed gratitude to God for Pastor Emmanuel’s life of grace and leadership. He prayed for continued strength and influence as the pastor steps into a new decade of service.
Other clerics took turns to commend the celebrant. Emeritus Primate Makinde highlighted Emmanuel’s humility, spiritual depth, and neatness, praying that his dominion and influence would never wane. Bishop Wale Oke declared that the celebrant would enjoy greater relevance and divine glory in the years ahead.
Dr. Supo Ayokunle praised Pastor Emmanuel as a generational blessing, affirming that “his generation will never be stranded.”
In a bold message, former Minister Dalung described Emmanuel as “a fantastic Nigerian and a practical preacher,” urging Christians to move from lamentation into active political participation.
The event also witnessed the presence of a wide array of dignitaries including Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, Rev. Duro Aina, Prof. Samson Fatokun, Bishop Mike Bamidele, Pastor Olubi Johnson, Rev. Victor Omolaja, Bishop Victor Adelakun, Rev. Gbade Ogunlana, Prof. Temitope Alonge of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
Pastor Emmanuel, who also serves as the National Director of the Directorate of Politics and Governance (DPG) of the PFN, was celebrated for his unflinching commitment to mentoring leaders, building institutions, and advocating for godly influence in governance.
The event was marked by worship, heartfelt tributes, and words of affirmation, echoing a central theme: that Pastor Femi Emmanuel’s light must continue to shine brighter, for the good of the church and the nation.
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