By Babatunde Ayedoju

I t was celebration galore last Sunday at Saint Mathew’s Anglican Church, Iju, of Akure North Local Government area of Ondo State, as the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Chief Bunmi Alade was installed the Balogun Ijo of the church

Installing Alade and other Chiefs at the well attended ceremony, Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Ondo, Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini attributed their selection to divine inspiration.

In his sermon, Dean of St David’s Anglican Cathedral Church, Venerable Ope Kujero, said service in the house of God is an avenue to show good example and not to make personal gains in anticipation of an unblemished crown from God.

Drawing his sermon from Acts chapter 20, verses 28 and 35, the cathedral helmsman, who titled his sermon as “called to be true ambassadors of Christ” identified the responsibility of the new chiefs as cooperating with the clergy in working for the progress of the church, using their abilities and skills, talents and treasures.

He said:, “Your selection is by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Always bear that in mind. God will surely support you if you don’t deviate from His word, just as God warned Joshua after he took over from Moses.”

“You are helpers and stewards in the church. You can be called upon to come to the aid of the church at any time. Immediately you are called, you must be ready to answer the call, so that the church can move forward.”

While stressing that it is more blessed to give than to receive, Kujero equally admonished family members of the new chiefs to give them maximum support, so that they can succeed in their assignments.

He equally appealed to parents to encourage their children to contribute to the work of God, adding that whatever is done for God is more important than whatever people acquire for themselves.

Highlights of the ceremony included administration of oath on the new appointees and decoration by the bishop.

Speaking with The Hope, the new Balogun of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, Chief Oladipo Bunmi Alade, expressed his gratitude to God, the church and all well wishers who came to celebrate with him.

He expressed his readiness to contribute to the progress of the church and see to the welfare of members.

The Balogun asked for grace to be able to shoulder the responsibility that had just been assigned to him.

Chief Mrs. Mercy Tinuola Olotu, the newly installed Iyalode of the church, said she would join hands with other chiefs to move the church forward and attend to the well being of members.

In the words of Mr B.J. Daisi, Director of Development Planning, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, “It is indeed a man that identifies with God that He beautifies with uncommon favour. Chief Alade’s love for God through his service to humanity and church activities has surely been noted by this new title.”

Chairman, Chartered Institute of Finance and Control of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, Akinnusotu Akinyele, while praying for wisdom for the new Balogun Ijo, he described him as a resourceful leader both in his chosen profession and service to God.