By Kanu Samuel
The Founder of Celestial Church of Christ Ona Ara Blessed Cathedral parish, Ijare, popularly known as Jogbojogbo, Pa Samuel Ilesanmi, has admonished youths to reflect deeply on their lives and the kind of God they serve.
He warned against the excessive pursuit of wealth and worldly things, saying, “Many people are running after money and other worldly things. As my watchword says, do your part and God will do His.”
The nonagenarian made this known during the unveiling of a trophy and medals ahead of a two-day football and traditional sports competition marking his 90th birthday celebration, scheduled for June 2026.
Pa Ilesanmi expressed joy at being celebrated in his lifetime, noting that his happiness knows no bounds.
According to him, the celebration is a testament to the rewards of faith and good character.
“Anyone who trusts in God and has a good heart will always have good things coming their way. No one who trusts in God ends in shame. I am very happy about this arrangement, which I never even thought of. I thank God and everyone who has come to celebrate with me,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Central Planning Committee and Life President of the church, Captain Isaac Ibitoye Ilesanmi, emphasised the significance of the celebration, describing it as a means of fostering unity among youths.
He noted that the planned activities would promote healthy competition and provide opportunities to discover talents within the Ijare community and beyond.
According to him, sports remain one of the most effective ways to engage young people positively and steer them away from social vices.
Also speaking, the Co-Chairman of the Planning Committee, Otunba Akinsola Akinbobola, explained that a two-day sporting event is part of the activities lined up for a week-long celebration of Pa Samuel Ilesanmi’s 90th birthday.
He disclosed that the sports events would include football and traditional games such as Ayo Olopon, draughts, balloon bursting, egg-and-spoon race.
All winners of the different events will go home with bountiful prizes, he said.
Akinbobola urged members of the public to come out and celebrate with the family of Pa Ilesanmi.
In his remarks, the Secretary of the Central Planning Committee, Mr David Ilesanmi, said the idea of including sports in the programme was quickly embraced by his elders.
“As a sports enthusiast, when the idea was proposed, I suggested a two-day sporting event.
It was approved, and after discussing the concept with Hon. Akinsola Akinbobola, he immediately swung into action. This is just the beginning, and we believe future editions will be even more successful,” he said.
The Vice-Chairman of the Technical Committee, Coach Blessing Perez, assured that adequate preparations have been made for a successful tournament.
“For weeks now, we have been working to ensure a free and fair competition. All necessary structures have been put in place to deliver a successful tournament,” she said.
Other activities for the 90th birthday celebration include a spiritual counselling session; children and grandchildren’s games; poems, stories and memories; an Asun Night with entertainment; a grand finale at BTO Hall in Akure; and a thanksgiving service on Sunday.
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