…Rev Dr Israel Akanji, NBC President, headlines grand finale
Plans are in top gear for the week-long activities culminating in the grand finale of the 120th anniversary of First Baptist Church, Isia, Okeho. The anniversary commenced on August 20, 2023, and the grand finale will take place on August 26, 2023.
In a statement made available and co-signed by the under-shepherd of the Church, Rev. Dr. T.G Olawuwo, Chairman Planning Committee, Mr. J.A Makinde and Secretary, Planning Committee, Mr. J.T Ogunjimi. The week-long Opal anniversary celebration will go thus- Sunday, August 20, 2023 – Ordination of new sets of Deacon; Monday, August 21, 2023- Anniversary Prayer; Tuesday, August 22, 2023- Rally/ Moving round the city; Wednesday, August 23, 2023- Anniversary Lecture to be delivered by Rev Dr Richard Adetola; Thursday, August 24, 2023- Health Talk to be delivered by Dr. T.O Oyewusi; Friday, August 25, 2023- Praise Night; Saturday, August 26, 2023 – Anniversary Celebration by Rev Dr. Israel Adelani Akani, President Nigerian Baptist Convention and Sunday, August 27, 2023- Anniversary Thanksgiving Service.
Established in 1903, through Baptist Missionaries, Rev and Mrs. L.M Duval who has settled and approved Saki as the second Mission station after Oyo in Oyo Division. Rev. Duval visited Okeho town on August 23, 1902, and discovered that no Christian witnessing had reached the area. In the year 1903, Rev. Duval sent one of his workers who was already a Christian, John Idowu Aro, to start the spread of the gospel in Okeho as the first Pastor. In 1907 during the period of Pastor James Odetayo, there were 3 converts in Okeho, namely; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Idowu and John Ayinde Idowu who later became the church pastor in 1964. They were the foundation members and the first converts in Okeho and the district.
Expected at the 120-year anniversary of the church are people from all walks of life, including notable religious leaders, political office holders, business tycoons, academia, traditional rulers, and eminent sons and daughters of Okeholand amongst others.
