By Rachael Oke
The 60th birthday celebration of CAC Agbala Itura DCC Superintendent, Pastor Abraham Akinpelu, was a memorable event that drew accolades from top clergy in Christ Apostolic Church, including Pastor Samuel Oladele, President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), and Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, Immediate Past General Evangelist of CAC Nigeria and Overseas.
During the thanksgiving service held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025, at the DCC headquarters in Ibadan, the president, CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, acknowledged Pastor Akinpelu's exceptional qualities.
"I have always been acquainted with Pastor Akinpelu and have a great deal of respect for him as one of our pastors.
Anytime we see the likes of Pastor Akinpelu, we just give God the glory," he said.
Pastor Oladele commended Pastor Akinpelu's humility and availability, stressing that God values availability over ability or capability.
"We want to appreciate your humility and availability. Some people are able and capable, but they are not available. One thing about you is that you are ever available. God is not interested in anyone's ability or capability, but He is interested in our availability." He noted.
The immediate past General Evangelist, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, who joined the birthday celebration through an online call, also praised Pastor Akinpelu for his life of loyalty and diligence.
In his words, he said, "Abraham Akinpelu is a child of God, a loyal and faithful son worthy of honor. He is diligent servant of God and I want to appreciate God for your life. You are a wonderful man of God, congratulations on your sixtieth birthday."
He lauded the celebrant's diligence, faithfulness, and generosity, urging others to emulate these virtues.
The prophet offered prayers for Pastor Akinpelu, thanking God for his life and asking for continued blessings.
The former General Evangelist’s son, Pastor Isaac Abiara in his tributes to the celebrant highlighted his roles and impact in the Abiara’s family expressing his gratitude to him.
“While I was growing up, I did not know Pastor Akinpelu in person, but my father would always talk about him. My father will always say that Akinpelu is a good man who always shows concern for him; he would ask me to appreciate him. It was when I got here that I understood and experienced what my Dad and my late mum used to say about him.” He recounted.
“Amongst everyone, God has made him to standout as one who truly has genuine love for my father and his family. He is someone who does not joke with Baba’s family. I stand here on behalf of the entire Abiara family to express our heartfelt appreciation. You are not a man of God who serve based on eye service; you have always been there both in my father’s presence and absence. Even when all of us as children were not here, you really did everything you could to take care of our mum.” He declared.
In his words of testimony, the celebrant, Pastor Akinpelu recounted his journey of faith, saying,
"We were just working for God without expecting to be called; we lived communal lives, sharing clothes, shoes, and food. Every Sunday, we prayed for ministers unknown to us, and eventually, God called us into the ministry."
Pastor Akinpelu expressed gratitude to Prophet Abiara, who discovered him and mentored him in the ministry.
He added that his show of appreciation and love to the prophet and his family cannot measure up to the significant role he and his late wife have played in his life.
"Our show of love to the family cannot measure up to their impact in our lives; they did not relate with us as workers but as their own children and for once, I have never seen Baba as a boss, I have always seen him as my father." He added.
He also appreciated the presence of the president noting that it will be an indelible part of his history that the president was present at his sixtieth birthday.
"I am deeply honoured and grateful for the presence of the authority of CAC Nigeria and Overseas on this special occasion. I must admit, I was surprised that I could bring the president here. It will forever be a part of my history that at my sixtieth birthday thanksgiving, the president, CAC Nigeria and overseas was on seat". He said.
The thanksgiving service was attended by dignitaries including the president CAC Nigeria and overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, CAC General Secretary Pastor Emmanuel Mapur and his wife, wife of the General Evangelist, Evangelist Mrs Esther Oladeji, wife of the Missions Director, Mrs J.T. Fasuyi, Special Assistant to the President, Pastor Tunde Asokeji, Babalola Regional Superintendent, Pastor Gabriel Segun Dada, Director of Youth Affairs, Pastor Peter Olanrewaju, Superintendent CAC Yaba DCC, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare and his wife.
Other notable attendees included ministers from Christ Apostolic Church and well-wishers, who came to celebrate Pastor Akinpelu's life and ministry.
