Bola Badmus, Author at Tribune Online

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday in Lagos, celebrated the serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, on his 70th birthday anniversary, describing him as a true man of God whose leadership role was worthy of celebration. Bakare, who clocked 70 years on Monday, was celebrated at the premises of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Oregun, Ikeja, featuring dignitaries, including former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, who was represented at the occasion; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Ogun State counterpart, Mr Dapo Abiodun; and former Governors Ibikunle Amosun, Olusegun Osoba, Gbenga Daniel, Obong Attah, Nasir El-Rafai, and Kayode Fayemi, who equally celebrated the celebrant. President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, said that Pastor Bakare had been and remained a beacon of inspiration to the present generation and, therefore, "deserves our commendation and accolades." According to Tinubu, it gives him great joy to celebrate a man whose life has continued to inspire many to patriotism and humane disposition towards others, describing the man of God as an advocate of truth whose stance on national issues had remained forthright. "I celebrate your distinguished career on and off the pulpit and your relentlessness for a better Nigerian society; those your signposts influenced humanity better," the president said. President Tinubu thanked God for the gift of life for the man of God and prayed that God would fill the remaining of the celebrant's life with joy, good health, and continued service to the country. Lagos State Governor, Mr Sanwo-Olu, in his remark, described Pastor Bakare as a special child of God, preacher, change agent, and promoter of good governance, adding that he is a father and mentor who remained an epitome of honesty, dedication, and service with an unblemished record. Sanwo-Olu urged him to continue in that line, saying that the journey has just begun as he prayed that God should bless him with fruitful years to enable him to touch more loves. "As we came to celebrate with our father, God will also make celebrations fill out homes too. Congratulations once again," the governor prayed. Ogun State Governor, Mr. Abiodun, also eulogised the qualities in the serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Bakare, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, saying that he had through his devotion made life worthy of purpose and significance. Abiodun said that the celebrant had devoted his life to inspiring people and lifting them, describing him as a trailblazer and a true ambassador of Ogun State, just as he noted that the day's gathering was to celebrate Pastor Bakare's life and his dedication to justice, fairness, and equity, among others. "He has exemplified dignity, humility, humanity, and diligence, and for this purpose, we would continue to celebrate him," Governor Abiodun said. Speaking to the title of the book: 'The Last But Definitely Not The Least," written by Bakare, the governor pronounced that it would not be the last book from the man of God. The governor announced at the event that his administration would buy copies of the book for all the libraries and secondary and tertiary institutions in the state for the purpose of proper mentoring for the nation's children. He prayed that God should grant the celebrant long life for him to continue in the service of his fatherland. Pastor Bakare, a lawyer by profession, in his response, thanked God for his infinite mercy as he disclosed that he was the last of his father's 22 children and the only one alive today, saying that he had always been "called" by God to do things in life. "I was called to the bar to study law; I was called to the ministry via the Deeper Life Church, the Redeemed Church, and later the Latter Rain Assembly, and now the Citadel Church. My next call may be a call for national service. Nigeria, here I come," he said. Bakare noted his poor background, which he said made his primary schoolmate move four years as his senior in high school, saying that yet through dogged determination and the grace of God, he had made achievements. He, therefore, urged the people not to allow the circumstances of their birth to determine their destiny. Bakare said he was overwhelmed and full of gratitude to God by the presence of dignitaries and others at the occasion, expressing appreciation to everyone just as he prayed that God continues to bless them all. Earlier, the church, at the occasion, presented a cheque for N250 million as a birthday gift to Pastor Bakare in appreciation of his evangelism and uplifting mankind, urging him to continue in that line. Bakare, while appreciating the kind gesture, noted that the purpose of being a shepherd is to feed the poor so that they would not lack, saying that it meant something was wrong if they should lack. He said to this end the total amount would be given to those who needed it, adding, "The money would be given to those in need." Dignitaries at the occasion also include Evangelist Austen Kyameme, who represented former Head of State, General Gowon; former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Tunde Lemo; Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundein, Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG); Pastor Sarah Omogbemi; Dr. Ibe Kachukwu; Mr. Biodun Shobanjo; Amb. Ayodele Oke; and Mr. Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, among others. Royal fathers in attendance include: Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, represented by Oba Muraina Adebanjo Adedini; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Aremu Gbadebo; the Osile Okeona of Egbaland, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; and Olu of Warri, among others. Others are Pastor Enoch Adeboye of RCCG, represented by Dr. Leke Adeboye, Bishop Mich Okonkwo, and Rev. Babajide Olowodola, among others. 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