Friday, February 14, 2020 was a double celebration for Nigerian popular seer and founder of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Lagos, Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele as he marked his 60th birthday in style amid hosting United Nations 75th Anniversary flag-off ceremony.
Primate Ayodele, whom because of his humanitarian service, hospitality, generosity and importantly his contribution to world peace has been honoured by the United Nations with the ‘Eminent Ambassador of Peace’ award which was presented to him on Friday by the UN representative, Ambassador Chinedu Anthony.
The celebration which held at his church ground in Oke-Afa, Lagos kicked off as early as 8 o’clock in the morning of February 14, 2020 and did not come to a close until 7 o’clock in the evening.
The stage was set for the INRI Church’s Musical Band led by Dotun Future, a fast-rising juju musician and the INRI Church Choir provided soft music while the programme anchored by seasoned event compere, Soji Omotayo, progressed in earnest.
At about 10.30am, the space provided to accommodate guests for the event was already filled to capacity and was extended to fill the one-storey church building and the adjoining spaces in the area.
Top of the event was the arrival of fuji music icon and the newly-installed Maiyegun of Yorubaland, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall a.k.a. K1 de Ultimate who stormed the venue at about 12noon with his security aides as the whole place came alive with shouts and cheers from the crowd.
K1 was immediately ushered to the high table by Primate Ayodele’s personal security detail when the cheers from the crowd was becoming uncontrollable.
The event witnessed the presence of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State who was represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Anofiu Elegushi; the United Nations World Peace team led by their president, Ambassador Per Stafsen; Hon. Samsideen Abiodun Olaleye, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, represented by his Assistant, Ifeanyi John Uka; Executive Chairman of Isolo LCDA, also represented by the Executive Secretary of the Council.
Other special guests include; representatives of some South-West governors and representatives of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Sultan of Sokoto.
The man of God was celebrated by The Lagos State Online Media Publishers (LASOMP) which published a special edition to honour him.
Similarly, Celebrity Journalists Publishers Association of Nigeria (CJAN) also honoured Primate Ayodele by presenting him a certificate as the association’s Patron.
Primate Ayodele who is known for his humanitarian service and generosity did not leave any stone unturned as he used the occasion to put smiles on the people’s faces by giving out cash prizes and grants.
The man of God gave out JAMB forms to students, including other items such as mattresses, clothes, etc. He also donated over four tricycles (Keke Napep) to some youths.
Primate Ayodele also gave relief to a woman who is having a problem with her legs and another woman whose child needs heart surgery to stay alive. The man of God will also sponsor some Christians and Muslims for pilgrimage in Israel and Mecca this year.
Primate Ayodele presented a portrait to Maiyegun of Yorubaland, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall and an award to his fellow fuji musician, Muri Alabi Thunder who was also attended the event.
The event was rounded up with thanksgiving on Saturday, February 15, with the presentation of the UN special plate number to Primate Ayodele by Ambassador Per Stafsen.