By Adekola Afolabi
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The Special Adviser to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, said he will cherish the Fellow of Owo Anglican Diocese (FOAD) Award conferred on him for ever saying it means so much to him.
Aragbaiye was among the 28 eminent personalities invested as Fellows of Owo Anglican Diocese (FOAD), on Sunday at a well attended ceremony marking the Owo Anglican Diocese 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Investiture of Fellows held at St Andrew’s Church, Imola, Owo.
The former Head of Service particularly appreciated the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev’d (Dr) Stephen Fagbemi and the church at large, for the honour done him with a promise to continue to offer selfless service to the work of God and humanity.
“This means so much to me, and I believe it is a call for further service. Even though the Bishop said it is in recognition of past services, he also emphasised we continuously think about how to further commit ourselves to the services of God and humanity.
“I personally feel good, I feel highly honoured and humbled for being counted worthy of this Fellowship Award, and I also want to pledge my continuous commitment to the work of God.
“I want to encourage all of us and say that it pays to serve God. When you serve God, the good Lord will reward you bountifully. And how do we serve God? We serve God through fellow human beings, by doing good to them, that’s, serving humanity.
“That is why God has called all of us to serve him, by serving ourselves. We first of all have to be servants if we want any reward from God Almighty. So, my advice is for us to get committed to the service of God by serving humanity.
“Just as the preacher told us, we are not achievers, but we are recipients of God’s grace, God’s blessings. So, whatever resources we have we should know that they are given by God and we should commit same to the work of God”, Aragbaiye stressed.
Friends and well-wishers from within and outside the country described the honour done on Aragbaiye as a well deserved one, noting that the former Head of Service is known for his selfless service to the Church and God, and his unwavering commitment to humanity.
The event was well attended by the deputy Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Bishops, Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, traditional rulers led by the Chairman, Ondo State Council of Obas and Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, APC chairman, Ade Adetimehin, Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, captains of industry, members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu,, top government functionaries, among several other dignitaries.
