By Emmanuel Ekebe/Michael Ilaya
It was a gathering of ‘who-is-who’ in the society as Pastor (Dr.) Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh supported by family members, associates, friends and colleagues from the Christian fold and all works of life converged at The Apostolic Church of Nigeria (TACN), Uzere District Centre, Oleh Area, Delta State to offer special thanksgiving to God for his successful induction as the 6th Lagos and Western/Northern Areas (LAWNA)Territorial Chairman and Vice President of The Apostolic Church of Nigeria.
The thanksgiving service was held Saturday 18, January, 2025, where Pastor (Dr.) Uyeh and Wife, Deaconess Mrs. Uyeh testified to God’s faithfulness, emphasising the place of Thanksgiving and Praises to God, adding that it can not be underscored in life of every believer.
At the event, the celebrant and his wife accompanied by a crowd of well wishers, danced, praised and thanked God for his faithfulness in their lives, most especially on his successful elevation to the office of the 6th LAWNA Territorial Chairman and Vice President of the TACN.
While testifying to God’s faithfulness, Pastor (Dr.) Uyeh described himself as somebody who has grown from grass to grace, and that he was called to serve but not to struggle for positions.
He emphasised that in the service of God, he passed through all the processes; became a pastor and later ordained as an Apostle, Supretendent and the continuous elevation to the present status, adding that the glory must be given to God Almighty.
Speaking further, the LAWNA Chairman disclosed that he is the second person from Uzere to attain the position of LAWNA Chairman , noting that it was God that made it possible and asked the congregation to join him in praising and thanking God for His faithfulness.
He also lauded Prince Sam Ogri and Elder Dan Olokor and other ardent supporters, for the completion of the house of God wherein the thanksgiving was held, stating that God would bless them for standing with him at all times.
Also speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers present, HRM Johnson Egbo, the Ovie of Emede, appreciated the celebrant for remembering his root, that those who sojourn and do not remember their roots do not know their destination, adding that Uzere people should count themselves lucky to have their son who have demonstrated the value of identifying with his root.
Earlier, in a brief sermon tagged “God’s Covenant with Pst Uyeh liken to the Davidic Covenant”, the Warri Area Supretendent, Pst. I. I. Ibe, anchoring his message on Psalm 89:1, recalled why God called the celebrant to God to fullfil His will on earth and urged the congregation to return to God’s service despite challenges.
Pst. Ibe, stressing the virtue of patience in the service of God, noted that no matter the tribulations, a good Christian secures experience from patience which in turn begat wisdom. He therefore charge believers not to allow themselves to be taken away from the presence of God no matter the travail.
The thanksgiving which was preceded by a three days crusade tagged ‘Uzere for Christ’ was powered by Uzere Christian Association
Some of the dignitaries that graced the occasion were Prince Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, Ovie of Uzere kingdom, HRM Isaac Udogri, Ovie of Emede, HRM Johnson Egbo, Bashorun Askia Ogieh, former MD DESOPADEC, Hon. Prince Sam Ogri, and Evangelist Solomon Ogba, former President, Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Others are President, Overseer Andrew Omotite, a retired police officer, Chief Bernard Edewor, Dr. Iwan, from Lagos, Elder Akpan from Warri Area, Hon. Idele Goodluck and several Church Officers, Territorial Executive members and Secretaries amongst the teaming invitees.
Highlights of the ceremony include rendering of praises by the various Districts Choirs and special prayers for the celebrant and his family.
At the end of the church service, guests were hosted at Pst. (Dr.) S.G.O Uyeh’ residence, London Base, Uzere, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.
