By Pastor Michael Adetunji and Boluwatife Oparinde
All pomp and pageantry as the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Main Campus, Opa, Ile Ife, Osun State, graduates a total of 108 students at the just concluded 40th Convocation Ceremonies.
The Provost of the Seminary, Pastor Prof. Christopher Olubunmi Oshun made this known in his address on Friday, 26th November, 2021 at the grand finale.
He congratulated the students “who have acquitted themselves as excellent students, and hence, become worthy ambassadors of this great citadel of knowledge. We equally rejoice with their parents, sponsors and loved ones on this occasion.”
Meanwhile, Pastor Oshun had earlier in his address, presented his vision to transform the seminary into a world class theological educational institution “fed with a holistic and relevant theological curriculum, that would promote high standards in academic and vocational aspects of theological education and would equally raise the levels of spirituality, morality, professional competency and integrity of prospective candidates for the ordained ministry, or para-ministerial offices.”
The former University don and pioneer Vice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, also said, “I bring good news to this year’s convocation with the anticipated approvals of the Governing council and the subsequent concurrence of, and ratification by the Church authorities of the following: the establishment of the commencement of the Postgraduate school, effective from 2021/2022 session and to be domiciled in the Main Campus; the introduction of the Postgraduate programme in Masters in Theology (MTh) programme at the Main campus effective from the 2021/2022 session.”
He also congratulated the church authorities on the creation of new Regions and the appointment of new Regional Superintendents for effective church administration.
While concluding his address, the Provost charged the graduands to be the salt and light of the world that Jesus has called Christians to be “in order to bring about the desired moral and spiritual transformation in the world, as well as, the enlightenment necessary for progress, peace and development” since the world is in dire need of sweetness and illumination to eradicate ignorance, fear and wickedness, of which they have been trained for.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the Seminary, Pastor Emmanuel Sunday Famuyide in his convocation speech, also charged the graduands to “preach the gospel without adulteration or sentiment; pray like the Apostles and CAC founding fathers; be innovative and not to follow unnecessary traditions that are baseless in the Bible; keep your family intact and be heavenly focused; emphasize the primacy of holiness and shun the quest for materialism which is the order of the day; always keep eternity in view in respect of modern challenges.”
Pastor Famuyide, the newly appointed Regional Superintendent of CAC Orogun Region, emphasized to his audience that it is an utmost necessity to keep the second advent of the Lord Jesus in mind, stating the need to put away all filthy garments in order to be partakers of the holy nature on earth and in the eternal reign with Christ.
Present at the event, the Visitor of the Seminary and the President, Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria and Overseas ably represented by the General Superintendent, Pastor Emmanuel O. Odejobi.
In his sermon titled "Be strong in the Lord," the Visitor challenged Christians to be brave; stating that, "your two hands must be occupied because as you are going out, you must be offensive and as well be defensive. You maintain being defensive with the shield of faith."
Some dignitaries at the grandfinale include, Pastor Dr. M.O.A Oluwaniyi, Deputy Provost CACTS and Chairman Convocation Ceremonies; Pastor T.A. Adesoji, Registrar CACTS; the Vice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji Arakeji, Prof. Kola Sonaike represented by Dr. J.A Magbagbeola; Prof. Femi Adedeji of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife who is also the Adjunct Head, Department of Christian Music of the Seminary; Pastor Dr. A.A. Abayomi, Coordinator of CACTS, Ile Ife, Ilesa Campus - Babajide School of Prophets and Evangelists; Pastor M.O. Abe, the Coordinator of CACTS, Ile Ife, Kabba Campus; the Coordinator of CACTS, Ile Ife, Lagos Campus, Pastor F.A. Olaniyi; Pastor E.J. Akan, the Ag. Coordinator of CACTS, Ile Ife, Ekparakwa Campus; Pastor C.S.G Titiloye, Coordinator, CACTS, Ile Ife, Ibadan Campus represented by Pastor Erinwusi; the National Secretary of CACTS Alumni Association, Pastor A.B.A. Omolade, representatives from The Apostolic Church Bible College, Ilesa, among others.
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