By Saheed Ibrahim

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Songs, dances, and heart-felt appreciation were rendered to God in Akure yesterday as Pa Bathlomew Orole  clocked 100 years at a  thanksgiving service at Mary Queen of Angels Church,  the Ondo State capital.

Pa Orole, born in 1923 is one of the few people that have the privilege to reach such a milestone on earth in recent times.

Adorned in a well dry-cleaned complete blue agbada, the retired teacher danced energetically  to give thanks to God for sparing his life for such a long period.

Papa’s family members, friends, contemporaries, well-wishers, and the church members could not hide their joy to celebrate the centenarian.

Speaking with The Hope, Papa Orole said he never envisaged he would live for such a long period of time, appreciating God for the gift of life.

Speaking on the secrets behind his longevity, he said he stayed away from anything that could hamper one’s life.

“I don’t really know but I kept away from any activities that affect one’s life. I do not drink. I do not go about with women. I do not take unnecessary drugs but I enjoy my life. I do not overwork myself,” he revealed.

While decrying many evils bedeviling the country, such as human trafficking, unemployment and corruption, the Oka born centenarian admonished people to love one another and avoid being over-ambitious in life.

He appreciated everyone present for the love shown to him.

Earlier in the birthday thanksgiving sermon, Rev Father Mathew Ologun said Pa Orole’s age was a product of God’s grace over his life, thanking God for sparing him and extended appreciation to his family for taking care of him till reaching 100 years of age.

Ologun prayed to God to spare baba’s life and those present to celebrate with him, urging everyone to be humble and be obedient to God’s commandments.

His wife, Mrs. Mary Orole , appreciated God for the life of her husband.

She described him as a simple man who does not like troubles, saying he loves pounded yam with vegetables.

Also speaking, the traditional ruler of his town, the Asin of Oka-Odo, Iwaro -Oka, Oba Sir Pius Omiyejola Akande described Pa Orole as a humble and straight forward man.

The monarch who revealed that  Papa Orole was his headmaster said he is a  loving and  supportive person and  was pivotal to his  obaship in his town.

On his lesson to learn from baba’s life, he said “He is very humble  and straight forward. He is not a rich man but he can give you whatever he has if you ask for it. He is a good man,” the Oba said.

Highlights of the thanksgiving service also include presentation of gifts to Pa Orole by the church, choir, groups and individuals, rendition of special songs, cutting of cake

Papa Batholomew was described by many people as a man that serves God with his heart and resources, dedicated to God’s work and filled with good characters.