By Rachael Oke
The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas Staff Welfare Savings Scheme held a sendoff service on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, in honor of Pastor Ayo Dakobiri, the retired Chairman of its Management Board.
The event took place at the Christ Apostolic Church All Saints Chapel, Bashorun, Ibadan, and featured words of praise and testimonies from members of the welfare scheme committees, staff of the CAC Secretariat, and other dignitaries in attendance.
The new chairman of the committee, Pastor Sola Ajidagba, in his remarks, acknowledged having drawn lessons from the testimonies about the former chairman.
“We have heard what God used Baba Dakobiri for and these are all true and it is also a good thing that Baba is hearing these comments while he is still with us. Moreover, as I listened to the tributes being paid, I have taken valuable lessons from them.” He noted.
“To the members of the board, we have heard what has been said about Baba Dakobiri because he did with compassion, everything he did. It is a lesson for all of us as well; if we follow these legacies, we can only expect a repeat of such success stories and even more.” He added.
To the celebrant, he said, “Just as mentioned in the message, truly Baba you are retiring here, but do not retire from this board. We are going to be depending on you for advice; the ultimate measure of a retiree's success is the success of their successor.”
In his message to the celebrant, the General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel Mapur, cited Psalm 138:8, saying: "As you retire from the service of this noble fellowship, we encourage you to continue to trust in the sovereignty of the Lord. It has been God all these while, from the beginning to this point; it has been His sovereignty and nothing else, and therefore, as you retire, one of the things we want to place before you is to continue to trust in the sovereignty of our God."
"Remember that God is sovereign in everything you do; continually trust in His purpose and plan for you, even as you enter another phase of your life. Remain faithful in your walk with God. Retirement does not mean disconnection from God; it means continuity, and therefore, as you retire, we admonish you to remain faithful to your God as you walk with Him."
The General Secretary also emphasized several key points, including the importance of staying engaged in ministry, sharing his wisdom with others, prioritizing rest and refreshment, maintaining connections with the church family, and fixing his gaze on the promise of eternal reward.
The message was immediately followed by a prayer led by Superintendent, Babalola Region, Pastor Gabriel Segun Dada.
An honorary plaque was then presented to Pastor Dakobiri in recognition of his outstanding service.
The President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele was in attendance to present the award, a cash gift, and offer words of prayer for Pastor Dakobiri.
In his presentation, he said: "Christ Apostolic Church Staff Welfare Savings Scheme, CAC General Secretariat, Oba I.B. Akinyele Complex, Anlugbua, Bashorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, award of excellence presented to Pastor Ayo Dakobiri in recognition of your unequalled dedication, commitment, and leadership prowess, coupled with your selfless service during your tenure as the board chairman of the staff welfare saving scheme from January 2019 to December 2024. We pray that you will enjoy your retirement in good health in Jesus' name."
Pastor Dakobiri responded with heartfelt gratitude to the CAC authorities and the welfare scheme committee and members: "I don't even know where to start from, but I think I should start from God, the owner of life, who has given us the grace to be here. He has given me the grace to stand before my leader in Christ Apostolic Church, our spiritual father, and his team. Thank you.” He remarked.
“I want to appreciate God again for giving me the opportunity to come and serve, though initially, it was an unwilling assignment for me. When I was called to take up the position, I refused, stating that there were other persons in the committee who were current and more knowledgeable than I was. Moreso, I had planned to retire at age seventy, but they insisted that I should I was the one to take it up and I eventually did. I want to appreciate all members of the management board and the new officers of the team." He added.
In a further interview with him, he expressed his gratitude to God for being alive to witness the testimonies of impact.
“I am grateful to God that I am alive to witness this day and that I have impacted people's lives.” He said.
The Finance Director who is also the secretary of the staff welfare saving scheme management board, Pastor Johnson Omitinde, Special Assistant to the President, Pastor Tunde Asokeji, alongside ministers and members of CAC Headquarters in Lagos, family members and other well wishers were also in attendance to grace the occasion.
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