By Ayodele Popoola

It was an encomium galore at the weekend as Venerable Nelson David Oladunjoye Fadoju (JP) retired from clerical work after 40 years of unblemished service to God and humanity.

The official pastoral retirement was held with his 70th birthday Holy Communion thanksgiving service on Saturday at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Kajola Quarters, Akure.

In his sermon, Venerable Jide Olaseinde admonished the gathering to be diligent and God-fearing in the conduct of their day-to-day activities.

While commending Ven. Fadoju’s meritorious service to God, Olaseinde thanked God for His faithfulness over the life of the celebrant and his family.

He took time to shower praises on him saying, ”I appreciate God for preserving the life of Venerable Nelson Fadoju, and for his retirement from service without any blemish. He is a man of impeccable character, relevant, dutiful, courageous and straight forward.”

The cleric encouraged the celebrant to continue his good service, urging him not to allow anything to deter him from the christian race even after his retirement.

A close ally of the celebrant, Olarewaju Filani, expressed gratitude to God over Ven. Fadoju’s enduring influence on his spiritual journey, citing the impacts of his charismatic, assertive, and inspirational messages.

 “He is a man that loves everybody, very prayerful, and he always keeps to the words of God and His principles”, he added.

Responding, the first son of the celebrant, Temitope Fadoju expressed gratitude to God who stood by his father from the beginning of his service to God till retirement.

He described his father as a disciplinarian, and very dedicated man of God with high integrity.

On his part, the celebrant, Ven Fadoju, who could not hide his joy, gave glory to God for his victorious journey even though it was not easy.

“I give glory to God from the beginning of my career as a teacher till now.

“Though I have retired, this is not my total retirement. I will still call unto God, and serve him till death,” he said.

Fadoju advised christians, especially the youths to be patient, and hardworking and stop looking for sudden wealth.

“Many people today want to climb the tree from the top, people should be patient, and with patience, they will achieve more than they could imagine”.