President Muhammadu Buhari has acknowledged that the contributions of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, to Nigeria and the rest of the world stand out as the testimonies of his divine calling.
Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu and a national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu also poured encomiums on Pastor Adeboye on his landmark birthday.
A statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, reads: “President Buhari joins members of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the Christian community, particularly clergymen in Nigeria and abroad, in celebrating with Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye on the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday on March 2, 2022.
“President Buhari felicitates the wife, Pastor Foluke Adenike Adeboye, family members, friends and relations as the General Overseer turns an octogenarian, with clear evidences of walking the path of a righteous man by dedicating his life to the service of God, and humanity.
“The President recalls his private and public meetings with the renowned preacher and teacher of the Bible over many years, most remarkably the visit when he (the President) was recuperating in London in 2017, appreciating Pastor Adeboye’s warmth and friendliness, which he also extends to leaders and others from all walks of life.
“On the cleric’s 80th birthday, President Buhari believes his contributions to the betterment of Nigeria and other countries stand out clearly as testimonies of his divine calling, impacting greatly on education, health and infrastructural development, which include many urban and rural roads.
“The President salutes the focus of the RCCG leader on works of the Kingdom and peace for the nation, praying that his path will be like a shining light, with grace for good health and strength.”
In a statement in Osogbo, the state capital, Oyetola said: “Over the decades, you have consistently remained energetic and untiring in your propagation and pursuit of a better society. You are a leader of immense spiritual depth and insight. You live and lead an extraordinary life.”
In his message, Kalu said:
“Locally and internationally, Daddy G. O., as fondly called, is known for his contributions to humanity. His attributes should be emulated by leaders across the globe. Pastor Adeboye is a genuine leader in all ramifications.”
On his part, Tinubu said Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has taught many people the ability to remain focused, and maintain complete obedience to God.
In a congratulatory message on the landmark birthday, Asiwaju Tinubu said: “We heartily join the children, family members, friends and associates of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, in celebrating his glorious 80th birthday. The life of this extraordinary man of God has been one of amazing grace.
“Pastor Adeboye is known worldwide as a gallant soldier of the cross, a formidable preacher – one that is acting under the great commission as instructed by Jesus Christ himself. It is no wonder that the Redeemed Christian Church of God is the largest Pentecostal denomination in the world with millions of members in almost all the nations in the world.
“Outside the pulpit, Pastor Adeboye is a towering national and global figure with enthralling cosmopolitan outlook.
“He is comfortable with presidents, governors, and royalties as he is with ordinary folks on the street. Such is the magnetic force in the all-embracing personality of this man of grace who embodies all the values of Jesus Christ, who said unto us: ‘Let all men come unto me’.
“Through the example of his life, Pastor Adeboye has taught many the importance and value of service, faithfulness, resilience, perseverance, the ability to remain focused, and maintain complete obedience to God. Together with his wife, Mummy G. O., who for over five decades has remained a pillar of support and worthy partner to Pastor Adeboye, the two are role models to many.
“My wife and I, and our household, have gained much from our relationship with this giant of faith. We are proud of our friendship and association with Pastor Adeboye and Mummy G. O. and are grateful to them for opening their home and hearts wide to us.
“Their unflinching love has been a great influence on my wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who is an ordained Assistant Pastor of RCCG. When I was governor of Lagos State for eight years, Pastor Adeboye was never far from us with his wise counsel and good wishes. He accepted, without conditions, to personally conduct the Lagos State Government Annual Thanksgiving Service that debuted with my administration, which has now been institutionalised as a yearly event by my successors.
“Daddy G. O. is blessed to have joined the prestigious club of Octogenarians, in great health and, indeed, with a yet numerable number of grey hairs on his head.
“It gladdens our hearts that at 80, Pastor Adeboye can boldly say, like Caleb in the Book of Joshua: ‘As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.’
“May Pastor Adeboye continue to soar high like the eagle. As we pray to God Almighty to add more to his age and expand his ministry, Pastor Adeboye shall run and not be weary; he shall walk and not faint and Almighty God, the owner of the work He has committed to Pastor Adeboye’s hands, shall renew his strength daily. Happy 80th birthday, Pastor Adeboye.
“We love you, Sir.”
