By Pastor A.V. Ikujenlola, Elder K. Akinterinwa
All roads lead to Christ Apostolic Church Oke-Igan, Odubanjo Regional headquarters, Akure where the congregation of members of Odubanjo Region gathered to celebrate the retirement service of the second Regional Superintendent - Pastor D.I.O. Edoh.
Pastor Edoh was called into the ministry in 1967. He was under the tutelage of Pastor M. A. Akintayo who discipled and mentored him in the early stage of his ministerial career. He attended CAC Bible College Akure between 1973-1974. He was one of the pioneering students of the CAC Theological Seminary, Ile-Ife (1979-1981).
He was ordained a pastor in 1981. Some of his colleagues at that time include Pastors M.A. Ogundeji, John Ajayi, Babatola, A.O. Akinosun (erstwhile CAC President). He was privileged to work in several capacities in CAC mission and grew through the ranks until he was elevated to assume duty as the second Odubanjo Regional Superintendent in 2019.
He made some indelible marks in the Region during his four-year tenure in the areas of church growth and evangelism; during his tenure over three hundred evangelists were ordained as Pastors, Fifty nine Assembly pastors and Assemblies were promoted to District Superintendents and Districts respectively. Similarly, fifteen District Superintendents and Districts were elevated to Zonal Superintendents and Zonal statuses. In the same vein, seven zones were upgraded to DCC level.
In addition, there were growths generally in terms of number of assemblies and physical infrastructure. It is noteworthy that Lexus 470 official car was purchased for the use of the Region during his tenure among other things. The outgone Regional Superintendent donated a photocopying machine to the Region.
During the send-off programme, the Good women choir and the Regional Mass Choir ministered powerfully to the attendees. The Regional Secretary Pastor A. S. Olaiya went through memory lane, highlighted the major achievements and the personality of Pastor D.I.O. Edoh, whom he described as peaceful, hard-working and God-fearing man of God.
The sermon was delivered by Pastor S. O. Akinsulure one of the leaders in Christ Apostolic Church, and erstwhile Regional Superintendent of Odubanjo. He praised God for sustaining Pastor Edoh in his ministerial career which spanned over fifty-five years. He narrated how he met young Edoh during his interview for pastoral training at Moore, Ile-Ife of which Pastor Akinsulure was one of the panellists. Pastor Akinsulure admonished the populace in attendance that they should fear God (Acts 20:6) and detest whatever God hates. He encouraged ministers of God to make necessary arrangement for their retirement in areas of getting befitting accommodation that will house them after their years of service to God and humanity. Prayer was said by Pastor Joe Jacobs after the powerful sermon.
There were donations and gifts to the celebrant from the Odubanjo Region and other regions. Various groups/individuals from the Region made various donations in appreciation of Pastor Edoh’s contributions to their growth and advancement. The send-off programme was well attended by various categories of people which include Pastor - Brother D.O.A. Oloye (Former CAC General Superintendent), Pastor S.O. Akinsulure (Odubanjo 1st Regional Superintendent), Pastor E.A. Olusoko (Akilling Regional Superintendent), Pastor S.I.Jayeoba (Sophia Regional Superintendent), Pastor Joe Jacobs, Amuwo-Odofin DCC Superintendent, Pastor Dayo Oluwamakin (1st Secretary Odubanjo Region ), State Chairman of PFN among other dignitaries.
The committee in charge of the send-off ably led by Pastor T.A. Gbegudu eulogised the sterling qualities of the outgone Regional Superintendent. He appreciated the committee members and everyone in attendance.
