Traditional rulers, clegymen, leaders gather as TWC celebrates 10th anniversary grand finale
pannigeriannews
3 min read
By Sunday Adepoju
The main auditorium of the True Worshippers Church (TWC), located in the Oke-Aanu area of Ogbomoso, was filled to capacity, on Sunday, as the church marked its 10th anniversary in a grand finale that capped a series of celebratory activities.
As early as 9 a.m., eminent personalities, including traditional rulers, ministers of God, political leaders, entertainers, and media practitioners, began arriving at the church’s headquarters.
Both the main auditorium and an expansive tent erected within the premises were filled to the brim as this stresses the significance of the occasion.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth in Parliament, Honourable Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala; the Alajaawa of Ajaawa, Oba Thompson Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Aale of Okeelerin, Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao; the Onisapa of Isapa Kingdom, Oba Ezekiel Bolarinwa Olajide; and the Abese of Ogbomoso, High Chief Kasali Oladapo Yusuf, alongside other members of the Soun-in-Council.
Also in attendance were Olori Jewel Oyekemi Akintola, wife of the Alapa of Okin-Apa Kingdom; former Oyo State Commissioner, Hon. Remi Odetomi, alongside several interdenominational ministers.
Evangelist Tunde Onijoba and Evangelist Wumi Ibikunle led the congregation in powerful worship sessions that heightened the spiritual atmosphere of the event.
Delivering the anniversary sermon titled “If it had not been the Lord,” drawn from Psalms 124, a scholar from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, Professor Simeon Kokawole, congratulated the Lead Pastor, Revd Niyi Adebayo, on a decade of impactful ministry.
He highlighted three key pillars—growth, impact, and humility (GIH)—noting that both the church and its leadership exemplify these virtues.
According to him, anniversaries should be viewed through three dimensions: celebration, reflection on past achievements, and projection into the future through vision and mission.
Professor Kokawole urged the congregation to shift their focus from challenges to God, emphasising that TWC has consistently turned obstacles into opportunities.
He also paid tribute to the late former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, for his contributions to Baptist churches and the Ogbomoso community.
Describing TWC as one of the fastest-growing churches, he said Reverend Adebayo is “a minister with vision, compassion, and a deep commitment to the less privileged and underserved.”
He added that despite past challenges, the church’s growth is a pointer to divine grace.
Speaking with journalists, the Aale of Okeelerin, Oba Samuel Babatunde Oyebamiji Amao, praised Revd Adebayo’s contributions to humanity, particularly his commitment to youth development.
“I was present at the foundation laying of this church, and I am grateful to witness its 10th anniversary,” the monarch said.
“The church’s efforts in educating children in rural areas and its plans to equip youths with digital skills are highly commendable. These initiatives will help bridge the gap between rural and urban communities.”
In her remarks, Olori Jewel Oyekemi Akintola congratulated the church and urged it to sustain its impactful work.
“This milestone is a testament to a decade of vision and service to humanity,” she said.
“While the church has done remarkably well, even more is expected under the dynamic leadership of Revd Niyi Adebayo.”
Responding, Revd Adebayo expressed gratitude to God and all supporters of the ministry.
“I am deeply excited about this 10th anniversary, especially seeing guests from different places despite the short notice. Their presence and the quality of ministration gladdened my heart,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to doing more, noting that “the reward for good work is more work.”
“We will continue to improve in areas where we have done well and address those where we need to do better.
“This milestone places a greater responsibility on us not to disappoint those who believe in and support this vision.”
A major highlight of the event was the premiere of a biographical film on the Lead Pastor titled “A Life in Motion: A Biopic of Reverend Niyi Adebayo,” which is currently trending on YouTube and other platforms.
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