Free education: I’m grateful to Awolowo —Prophet Abiara

RENOWNED prophet, retiring General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, and church planter of CAC, Agbala Itura worldwide, Prophet S.K. Abiara, has commended the sage of the Awolowo family for the free education policy, which he benefitted from at the time.

Speaking at an event to celebrate his 75th birthday, on Saturday, at Premier Hotel, Ibadan, Oyo State, he gave a brief account of his experiences within and outside the ministry, and appreciated Chief Awolowo for his efforts aimed at providing access to education through the policy.

“I benefitted from the free education policy of Chief Awolowo. I’ll never forget him and I thank God for him,” he stated, addressing the audience, and in particular, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran and Dr (Mrs) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, who were present at the event.

He appreciated all those who came to honour him, noting that although he was retiring from his position as general evangelist of the CAC worldwide, he would still be very much in active service of evangelism. He also intimated of plans to further the work of philanthropy, through the establishment of the Abiara Divine Foundation, aimed at providing humanitarian services for orphans, senior citizens, the widowed, and the underprivileged. The foundation would also cater to organising empowerment programmes for youths, as well as, providing scholarships for indigent students.

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who described Abiara as her spiritual father, congratulated him on his clocking 75, prayed for God’s blessings upon him, and appreciated him for “being a source of encouragement in low moments.”

In his tribute, the Elerinmo of Erinmo-Ijesha, Oba Michael Ajayi, who expressed his delight at the crop of renowned clerics that emerged from Ijesha, one of which is Prophet Abiara, who predicted his ascension to the throne, commended him for building an enduring legacy, in spite of his humble beginnings. He led the congregation in a short praise session to express appreciation to God for the life of the celebrant.

Also present at the event were the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who was represented by the Secretary to the Ogun State government, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, in the company of Chief Gbenga Otenuga; Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who was also represented; Bishop Taiwo Adelakun; Bishop David Oyedepo, represented by Bishop T.O. Aremu; Bishop Felix Adejumo; Pastor Femi Emmanuel; Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye, as well as family members, clerics within and outside the CAC, as well as friends and well wishers from within and outside Nigeria.