By Henryrich Ojo | Newsworld

It was a gathering of prominent personalities from across Nigeria as the Founder of Sword of the Spirit Ministries and President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, celebrated his 70th birthday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The colourful celebration, held at Cornerstone City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, attracted former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, who is currently on annual leave, Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, renowned ministers of God, traditional rulers and other dignitaries who gathered to honour the iconic cleric.

Tinubu Celebrates PFN President Wale Oke at 70

The Founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, who spoke about his long-standing friendship with Archbishop Wale Oke, said their relationship spanning about 50 years had grown stronger as they discovered and pursued their spiritual paths in ministry.

Bishop Oyedepo urged the congregation to cultivate the habit of appreciating God for His faithfulness and goodness, stressing the importance of thanksgiving in the life of every believer.

In his goodwill message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated the celebrant and urged him to continually give thanks to God for His goodness and grace throughout his life.

Also speaking, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, and his Ondo State counterpart, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, separately appreciated Archbishop Wale Oke for his spiritual support and guidance, particularly in their respective responsibilities in government.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, commended Archbishop Wale Oke for his contributions to the economic development of Oyo State and recalled the cleric’s support during his tenure as governor of the state.

Responding to the goodwill messages, Archbishop Wale Oke and his wife expressed gratitude to God for His grace, faithfulness and preservation throughout the years, while appreciating the dignitaries, friends, family members and members of the ministry who joined them in celebrating the milestone.

The high point of the celebration was the cutting of the birthday cake, while popular gospel artiste Tope Alabi entertained guests at a colourful reception held to mark the occasion.