Emmanuel lkpeama
It was a gathering of creme-la-creme in the society on March 26, July 2025,when the District Secretary of the Assemblies of God Church,Lagos West,Rev Dr Z.O.Owolabi and his wife,Rev Mrs Elizabeth Owolabi celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and 60th year birthday of Rev. Owolabi.
To celebrate this milestone, the couple held a vow renewal ceremony at the Sectional headquarters of Assemblies of God Church, Ejigbo 1, Lagos West district.
Owolabi who is also the Sectional leader of Ejigbo 1,drew several dignitaries from various walks of life,including former district superintendent,Rev I.M. Mpamaugo Rtd.,Rev S.I.Brodricks,Lekki district superintendent,Rev Edoror Ehinatalor,(Lagos West district superintendent),Rev Ojo(Osun district superintendent),Rev Igwe Ogbonnaya(Abeokuta district superintendent),Presbyters,Sectional leaders, pastors, members of Lagos West district, friends,family and well wishers whose lives he has positively touched in one way or the other to celebrate the 60th birthday and 25 years wedding anniversary as the Choir ministered with songs befitting such auspicious event.
The celebration was filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and a reaffirmation of love as Rev Owolabi and his wife exchanged vows once again.
Investigator news reports that the event commenced with a mini wedding ceremony where the couple renewed their marriage vow which was anchored by district superintendent emeritus,Rev I.M.Mpamaugo, thereafter a reception was followed so as to celebrate the Metropolitan cleric on his 60th birthday.
Testimonies by members and those that have crossed the path of Rev Owolabi and his wife greeted the ceremony at the church. Many people poured encomiums and tributes on the celebrants, especially on his impact on the growth of the church in Nigeria and propagation of the gospel in the country and beyond.
Earlier in his sermon,Rev S.I. Brodrick, Lekki district superintendent who took his message from the book of Psalm 103:1-5 on the topic ‘Increase in appreciation’ stated that appreciation is a spiritual platform for securing the fulfilment of prophecies in one’s life.
Rev Brodrick went further to state that anyone who desires the prophecies of God to be fulfilled in his or her life must learn how to appreciate him(God) stating that if individuals can think well,they would take time to appreciate God.
” Learn how to tell God thank you because appreciation is the platform for fulfilment of prophecies. We must appreciate God in respective of the challenges we are passing through or the way you feel or think, everyone of us is expected to thank God”
” Anytime you appreciate God,you are reminding him of what he is yet to do in your life. Nothing moves God more than appreciation,so if you want the hand of God move in your life, learn how to appreciate him”
“Whatever God promised you or is planning to do in your life looks like a prophecy and the only way to bring it down to reality is through appreciation ” he submitted
The chairman of the occasion, Deacon Bassey in his address stated that the dual celebration is a milestone which all glory is giving to God almighty
” We are not just celebrating another year of Rev Owolabi but celebrating a person who has made remarkable impact in the lives of so many, spiritually, personally and professionally.”
Testimonies by members and those that have crossed the path of Rev Owolabi and his wife greeted the ceremony at the church. Many people poured encomiums and tributes on the celebrants, especially on his impact on the growth of the church and propagation of the gospel in the country.
While testifying to the glory of God the pleasant behaviours and attitude of Rev Owolabi,one of the Church board Deacon Ibekwere who spoke on behalf of the Church, noted that Owolabi as ‘God sent Angel’ has transformed the Church both spiritual and physical as he has given the members a new facelift with his slogan ” you are not permitted to fail”
Also, one of the Rev Minister called him the “Game changer” of Assemblies of God church, Ejigbo 1 section as he has turned the Church around in terms of development of the Chrch and increase the spiritual, physical, financial growth of its members through his annual breakthrough conference held every year as he has attracted many top ranking gospel ministers in Nigeria so as to bless the members of his church and the section in general.
More also, Rev Mpamaugo (Rtd) applauded the celebrant for service he is rendering as far as the kingdom of God is concerned.
” I urge him to continue in the service of the kingdom of God,God blessings will continue to be his portion,he will have more years to come and because he has a vision,knows why he is called, certainly God will bless him”he said.
The Lagos West district superintendent,Rev Edoror Ehinatalor described him as a counselor,a great man,peaceful,a man with much intelligence and wisdom.
” I have known Owolabi for over 30 years now,my prayers for him today is that he would live longer to see the glory of children because I have seen him invest in his children,he is so passionate about them”
” They will not celebrate behind him because he would live long to celebrate the glory of God in the life of his children “he said.
Rev Ogboso,the Sectional leader of Ijegun section,Apapa district,Rev Ogboso Uma Daniels describe him as a man of integrity,a mission minded person and one who shoulders other people’s responsibility.
“He is a cool headed person and a child of God who has understanding of what it takes to be a child of God.”
Rev Ogboso went further to urge him not to relent in his effort in doing what is right”I urge you to continue with what you are doing,do not eat your tomorrow,today and do not engage yourself in what others are doing ”
While praying for him that God will sustain and keep him as oil of grace will never dry on his head.
Speaking with investigator news the Abeokuta district superintendent, Rev Igwe Ogbonnaya, describe him as a good man,a philanthropist,a builder of God’s kingdom and one who love the things of God.
His counterpart from Osun district,Rev Ojo says he is very committed, dedicated christian minded person, while praying that God will grant him more years in his life and that of his ministry.
Rev Brodrick opined that Rev Owolabi is an amazing person, teachable, humble, disciplined,focus and he is doing his very best in propagating the gospel of God .
” He is not distracted by anything and I know he will go far. My prayers for him today is that, God who called him will strengthen,lift him,bless him and empower him but he should not be distracted, rather he should continue with the path that God called him for ”
While speaking with investigator news, Owolabi Emmanuel,the first son of the celebrant said: “I am very happy today to celebrate my father during his life time. My father has been living a simple life of humility but with great impacts in all aspects of lives.
Emmanuel described him as a disciplinarian but also compassionate .
“My father is a disciplinarian but also compassionate,once you do well,he will certainly reward.you”
“We pray for him that God will bless him with long life and prosperity”.
On his part, Edith Owolabi, first daughter described her father as a selfless person she has ever come across.
“I know that fathers are meant to provide for their family but my own daddy goes over and beyond to the best of his ability”
” If my dad tells me,I don’t have money,I always believe him because I know that whenever he has,I and my siblings are his top priority. He made sure that whatever I need during my university days,he provides for me.
” To my wonderful mom,she has been of a great help to my daddy and I wish them many years to come,I also pray that their marriage would last longer”.
The Men president of the church, Apostle Okoroafor Ogbonnaya described him as his father,role model,a disciplinarian,a good man and one who wants everything done in perfection without hypocrisy.
” I am the first son of the church and Rev Owolabi is my father,my role model,my spiritual father,we are happy for him as celebrates today”
” My prayers for him is that he would experience 70 years and above and he should not desist from his character,he has impacted our lives positively and all the people around him. Today everybody is speaking well of him, it is because he took time to disciplined himself.”
The Wife of the celebrant,Rev Mrs Elizabeth Owolabi thanked God for the success of the occasion which she said has been a meaningful one following the challenges both of them went through in life
According to her,: “God has been faithful in all ratification in my marriage, though it was not a rosy one because many did not give it hope, they felt that it will not last and fruitful but after this 25 years Jehovah has proven to be faithful.
“She described her husband as a man who is accountable,a man of vision,a goal getter,a man of determination, administrator per excellence, handsome within and outside and a crown of her head.
“My prayer for him is that God in His infinite mercy will grant us long life and good health to see many years to come, knowing fully well that there is greater tomorrow because there is revelation God gave to us which has not come to pass ”
In his chat with journalists, the celebrant,Rev Dr Zacheaus.Z.Owolabi described his 60 years and 25 wedding anniversary as a long journey with different challenges saying that he had seen thick and thin in life but God saw him through.
“I thank God for the journey so far, there are challenges and hard times but God helped me and I returned all the glory to Him. Jesus made it known to us that He has overcome on our behalf.
” Today has been a glorious and beautiful day,I want to appreciate God almighty and friends who came to celebrate with me. God has been faithful in all aspects in my marriage, today we have four children (3 Under graduates and one in the secondary school)
” We have been on a greater speed in all areas of our life,to the glory of God I can say that I am happy and I pray that God will continue to help my children to follow the noble path of righteousness.
While praying for himself,he also used the occasion to appreciate all his guests that came from far and near and wish them journey mercies back to their various destinations.
Lending his voice, Deacon Bassey noted that Owolabi is a man full of humor, integrity,lover of God and good things, while wishing him sound health and for God’s grace and wisdom upon his life so as for him to achieve his dream.
The high point of the celebration was the cutting of the cake,dance by couple as people joined the couples in giving thanks to God as guests were entertained with assorted food and drinks.
Among those in attendance are Rev Eze Mathias(Abeokuta District Secretary),Rev.Olayemi Temidayo(Presbyter),Rev Joseph Udoh,Rev Blessed Omoniyi,Rev Edwin Idoko,Rev Gbenga Oluwasegun,Rev Soyinka Kolawole,Rev Bakare Musiliu,Rev EIkana Soyinka.
Others are Rev Dr Tim Paul,Rev Odii Okereke,Rev Tuesday,Rev Oladokun Wasiu,Rev Adewuyi Amos,Rev Basil Ekemezie,Rev John Adegbite,Rev.S.E Nwosu,Rev G.K.Nwatu,Rev Obinna Ugozie,Rev Lanre Okediran,Rev Ogunsanya,Rev Ogar Stephen and other sectional leaders and Minister of the gospel.
Rev. Ahamefula identified three key elements that can help believers overcome adversity: prayers, sacrifice, and command. He encouraged Christians to trust in God’s faithfulness and not be carried away by the pleasures of this world.
