As part of the familiarisation and sensitization tour of the Diocesan, Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Ado-Ekiti Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt Rev Jeremiah Abidemi Shittu has sought the support of the founder of Afe Babalola University,Ado Ekiti, ABUAD for the development of the church of God.
The Bishop made the plea during a courtesy visit to the Aare Babalola in Ado Ekiti.
The Bishop, Rt Rev Jeremiah Abidemi Shittu and wife, Sis Elizabeth Adejoke Shittu were received by the UNESCO Chair on Entrepreneurship Education for Sustainable Development, Sir Elder Professor Abiodun Ojo KJW, who led the team to the “White Rock Pinnacle Office” of the Founder.
The Founder, Aare Baamofin of Yorubaland warmly received the Episcopate, in the company of the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof Esmaranda Olarinde and the University Registrar, Mrs Christie Oluborode.
The Diocesan remarked that it was a rare privilege and a glorious experience to meet the nonagenarian in person having heard and read so much about him , as a symbol of excellence and an enthusiastic philanthropist.
He noted the expansiveness of the vision called ABUAD spanning through the University, the Multisystem Hospital, the ABUAD Farm, International School, the Industrial Park and many more still being incubated.
The Bishop remarked that it is note worthy that the founder is not only investing in massive infrastructure but also contributing hugely to human capacity development.
Bishop Shittu noted that the founder is an emblem of blessedness and a global resource that has become a monumental blessings for many too numerous to count.
The Bishop hailed the contributions of the citadel of learning to employment and job creation for Ekiti residents and all and sundry.
The Bishop thanked the founder and the management team for the warm reception and presented some of the Church’s publication including the Holy Bible, Almanac, and daily reflections, as memorial of the visit.
He thereafter invited the nonagenarian to the inauguration and enthronement service slated for Monday 20th February, 2023.
The Diocesan observed that the creation of the Methodist Diocese of Ado-Ekiti was long overdue, but has come at the right time in the sight of the Almighty.
He said the creation was a recognition of the sterling contributions of Ekiti eminent Sons and Daughters to Christianity and especially the growth of the Methodism across the Nation.
However, he reiterated that the creation is a call for more commitment and responsibilities from all concerned.
Responding, Aare Babalola described the University as an act of faith, which has received many awards and recently ranked the best in the Country.
He boldy proclaimed that indeed faith never fails.
Aare Afe Babalola lauded the contributions of the missionary to social services and the growth and development of educational frontiers in the Nation, without which the country would have remained in the dark and perpetual generational slavery.
He promised to support the Diocese morally, physically and financially.
The Entourage included:
- Sir Chief Jide Borode- Lay President
- Very Rev Sunday Dòtónù (Presbyter, Opopogboro Circuit)
- Very Rev Dr Adefolurin Orekoya- (Asst Synod Secretary)
- Rev. Divine Somadila- Bishop’s Chaplain.
- Sir Elder Prof Abiodun Ojo (Chairman, Inauguration and Enthronement Committee of the Diocese)
- Sir Bankole Osho.