Osinbajo, Atiku, Sanwo-Olu pay glowing tributes to Adeboye at 80

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer, RCCG

By Chijioke Okoronkwo/Emmanuel Oloniruha/Florence Onuegbu

Abuja, Lagos

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo, have congratulated Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on his 80th birthday.

Osinbajo’s birthday message to Adeboye was conveyed in a tribute he personally authored on behalf of his wife, Dolapo, on Wednesday in Abuja.

The Vice President said that Adeboye had impacted many lives and overseen unprecedented growth of the church; yet the achievements had not affected his behaviour.

“Dolapo and I are honoured to write this tribute to Daddy on his 80th Birthday.

“Very few leaders will ever have the geographical and spiritual reach of influence that Pastor Adeboye has.

“He is neither the Pope nor the leader of the free world, but he heads a denomination that, since his assumption of office as its General Overseer, has established churches in over 198 countries and territories of the world.

“He was, as early as 2008, listed by Newsweek, as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

“Earlier in 1998, the Holy Ghost Congress of the RCCG in Lekki, Lagos, was reported to be one of the largest Christian gatherings ever, and every year, the RCCG Conventions and Congresses have live crowds breaking that record. Through the years, miracles of every kind have been commonplace in his ministry.”

According to Osinbajo, the moral of the story is not in these achievements, but in how Adeboye’s behaviour has remained unaffected by them.

“It was Mummy G.O. who said to us once, “see how God uses your father as a smokescreen to do the miracles He wants to do.”

The vice president said that Adeboye realised that apart from God, one could do nothing and that no one could receive anything that was not given to him by God.

“This realisation probably explains why a man so spiritually and intellectually gifted, so revered, so respected by the high and low alike, would still be so genuinely humble, so self-effacing and so unfailingly respectful, even of his subordinates.

“His impeccable integrity, his measured speech and action at all times, his life of many challenges, many wars, his courage, his unshaken faith, his deep love for God, through phenomenal achievements and numbing personal tragedy, are all together the most persuasive evangelical message to all, even those of other faiths, of the grace and mercy of God in the life of the Saved.

“For us, we are extremely proud that this man of extraordinary faith, courage and humility is one we can call our daddy.

“Daddy, Happy 80th Birthday! As your days, so shall your strength, wisdom and favour with God in Jesus’ name. Amen,” he said.

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in statement issued by his Media Office on Tuesday in Abuja, felicitated Pastor Adeboye, and described him as a distinguished and rare breed preacher of the Christian faith.

He also said Adeboye was an uncommon shepherd and a father figure, who by exemplary acts teaches his followers and mentees to live purposefully.

“Pastor Adeboye is a great man worthy of emulation, an astute teacher, an excellent coach and an exceptional role model who has inspired millions across the world and continues to be a shining light of the Christian faith.

“I celebrate with you as you turn 80 years old on Wednesday.

“You continue to inspire millions of people across the world with your infectious virtue of humility and unique insight into the word of God,” he said.

Abubakar wished the General Overseer many more years of good health and faithfulness in the service of God.

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday in Lagos, congratulated Pastor Adeboye on the occasion of his 80 years birthday.

He described the renowned cleric and global preacher as an epitome of honesty, dedication and service, whose unblemished records of work in God’s kingdom over the decades had made him a role model.

“Sir, you have been a blessing, not just to the Redeemed Christian Church of God but also to us in Lagos State.

“Your unceasing prayers for us and wise counsel over the years have contributed in no small measure to the phenomenal progress our state has continued to witness. We will forever be grateful,” he said.

The governor said that the General Overseer, through diligence and utmost obedience to the Lord, had built one of the largest spiritual institutions anywhere in the world and raised millions of committed followers of Jesus Christ.

He said: “Daddy GO, as Adeboye is popularly called, is one of the respected global evangelists who has contributed immensely to the propagation of the gospel at national and international levels, without any blemish or scandal.

“Because of your work, and of the name and legacy of the RCCG, the gospel has touched the very ends of the earth, in line with the Great Commission.

“In addition, your devoted service in God’s vineyard has helped put Nigeria in the global spotlight as a land of spiritual exploits and greatness.

“Yet, amidst all these wonderful accomplishments, you have remained as simple and humble as ever, never seeking the limelight or personal glory’’.

Sanwo-Olu further said that as the clergyman celebrated his 80th birthday, Lagos state prays that the Almighty God would grant him more grace and strength to continue to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, Minister to the poor and the broken as well as proclaim liberty to the captives.

”I pray that the Almighty God will continue to crown you with good health, to enable you render more service to His kingdom and you will continue to enjoy His manifold blessings and everlasting goodness. Happy Birthday, Sir,” he said.

The governor also congratulated Pastor Foluke Adeboye for being a devoted partner to the General Overseer.

`’Let me also specially congratulate our mummy, your adorable wife and devoted partner, Pastor (Mrs.) Foluke Adeboye, and thank her for the great support and love she has continued to give to you.

“I pray that God will continue to keep her strong and vibrant on this lifelong journey of jointly manifesting the fullness of His power and anointing,” he said.