By Samuel Edu

The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has described the elevation of Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini as the Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Ondo as well deserved and God ordained.

Akeredolu said this in his remark at the thanksgiving service held yesterday at the Saint David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure with many dignitaries in attendance.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu, Akeredolu said it is God that gives adequate reward to His beloved, as he described the Archbishop as one of God’s general.

“We are here today to celebrate this great feat. It is God alone that has the power to elevate an individual and it has pleased Him to bring you to this position at this time. On behalf of the good people of Ondo State, I say a very big congratulations.”

In his sermon, the  Archbishop of the Province, Most Revd George Lasebikan who congratulated the new Archbishop on his elevation, emphasized the indispensability of a grateful heart in Christianity.

The cleric who spoke on the topic “Attitude of Gratitude” took his text from Psalm 34, urged christians to take a cue from the life of David who always appreciated God Almighty even while in the midst of afflictions and tribulations.

“I join others in congratulating you. You have brought God’s word to live by your appointment as the Archbishop because no man can receive anything except it is given him from above. Your elevation is an attestation to the word of God.

“I charge you today to be careful and know that nothing stays forever, you are the Archbishop today but always remember that one day you will leave that office and will become an ordinary man again. Learn from the funeral of the queen, when she was to be committed to the earth, the moderating Archbishop said all symbols of authority should be removed from her and should be buried as an ordinary christian. This tells you that nothing lasts forever.”

The new Archbishop, Most Reverend Simeon Oluwole Borokini appreciated God Almighty for the privilege and the opportunity to serve in the capacity.

“I thank God Almighty, the  giver of life for His unflinching faithfulness over the years. This could have only been the work of God. I started the ministry as a deacon and it never crossed my mind that I will ever become a bishop, let alone rising to the position of an Archbishop, I thank God Almighty.”

Borokini urged his followers in the ministry to be dedicated to the service of the kingdom without expecting reward from human, stressing that only God is capable of rewarding all and sundry in accordance to their work.

Wife of the celebrant, Mrs Christiana Adetunbi Borokini described her husband as an individual worthy of emulation.

Dignitaries at the thanksgiving service including: former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae, the majority leader of Ondo State House of Assembly; Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Ondo State branch, Rev. Father Anselm Ologunwa, Traditional rulers led by Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi,Clergies among others