The turnout at the 2020 yearly congregation at the Tunwase Court, country home of the head of the Ijebu Christians and Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, Otunba Subomi Balogun, was a demonstration of oneness, unity and peaceful coexistence the New Year thanksgiving service organised by Otunba Balogun has brought to the people of Ijebuland. The celebration gets bigger, better and merrier every year.
This year’s celebration attracted people from all walks of life from Ibadan, Ondo as well as from America. The 2020 trio-cultural event was an opportunity for thanksgiving and prayer.
The inter-denominational event which has turned the Tunwase Court to a yearly congregational point also boosted the economy of the town for two days as visitors arrived for the event a day or two before the D-day in order to be part of the event and prayer sessions that started 7am. This drove traffic for the motorists and commercial motorcyclists who used the opportunity to make brisk business doubling the usual charges. What else will tourism bring if not economic opportunity to get more at a short time?
The event keeps on getting better by the year because it has become not only the Subomi Balogun’s family’s gathering but also the Ijebu reunion and thanksgiving point of unity.
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For the first time in the history of the event, this year’s thanksgiving service experienced a boost with the invitation of the popular Yoruba gospel artiste Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye, whose music has become an inspirational rendition and anthem in many homes.
Aragbaye’s performance was enthralling and spirit-moving as it attracted all and sundry to the floor to offer a dance offering to God for making them see another wonderful year.
One of the participants, an Igbo man, also a travel writer and an ardent fan of Funmi Aragbaye, Mr Okorie Uguru, said.” This is one of the best Yoruba gospel artistes I cherish for her composition. She is my best for all times and the only Yoruba gospel musician I have collections of her album in my archive.”
The organiser and founder of the FCMB Group, Otunba Balogun, in a remark at the event said his praises were not enough for what God had done for him and promised that he would touch lives and do his best to serve God in all ramifications.
He thanked the clerics, royal fathers and people of Ijebuland for rallying around and celebrating with his family, praying that God would continue to strengthen and promote unity among them to keep on living as a family.
Acknowledging the fact that the event in the last one decade had continued to witness increased number of participants, Balogun revealed that for the 2020 edition of the programme there were visitors from Ibadan, Lagos, Ondo and America and expressed the hope that next year’s event, with the support of the Ijebus, will be more memorable.
He thanked the former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who has been a regular face at the event, as well as Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr Kuku, royalties and clergymen across different denominations.
While admonishing the congregation at the New Year thanksgiving service the Methodist Bishop, Diocese of Ijebu, Rt. Rev. Isaac Bola Osunjuyigbe, called on all to join in the repositioning of Nigeria.
Osunjuyigbe said, “There is need for those in positions in Nigeria to start making statements that will make the country better.
“There is no one God cannot use to make a nation greater. In the Bible, He used many people we least expected to do great things. Today, I tell you God can still use us all in one way or the other to make Nigeria great again.
“In every position you find yourself, do something meaningful to make people feel your impact. We also have to pray for and support those in position for them to be role models and leave a lasting legacy likened to some of our nationalists that contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth.”
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