The Diocese of Owo, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion which was founded on March 1st, 1983 celebrated its 40th Anniversary in grandstyle from Saturday 29th, April to Sunday 30th April, 2023 at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Owo, Ondo State.
The occasion was to appreciate, praise and honour God for preservation, growth and wonderous works in the Diocese, to equally recognize some parishioners and notable Nigerians for their positive impacts and contributions to the body of Christ.
Its arising from this that Chief Michael Adebowale Atunwa, MPA was honoured as Fellow of Owo Anglican Diocese (FOAD) while Chief Olukemi Bosede Koyejo, MBA received a Distinct Legacy Award from the Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, FICT,FAT respectively.
Chief Debo Atunwa who was baptized in Anglican and confirmed in 1995 by the then Bishop, Rt. Revd. Peter Adebiyi (rtd.) was a Chorister and now the Baba Egbe Akorin of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon, Ondo State; Deputy National Chairman of the Fountain of Hope International and past President FOH 58 NG of Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Surulere, Lagos, where he equally worships and serves as Patron to Five Church based Societies).
The Followship recipient, a good steward in the Anglican Communion is Life Member, Bible Society of Nigeria and has received several Awards and Recognitions for his dedication and commitment to communities, churches, University and humanity at large both home and abroad.
He’s a dutiful and diligent Senior Manager at the Total Energies Nigeria Plc, versed with over 28 years cognate experience as petroleum supply, logistics and marketing guru. A seasoned adminitrator with globally competitive skills for team work, services oriented for human capital, management and development.
Mr. Atunwa, an alumnus of the University of Ilorin and Lagos Business School, Lagos has numerous professional membership home and abroad, amongst which are: Fellow of Nigeria Institute of Management (Chartered) FNIM, Fellow Certified Board Administrators of Nigeria(FCBAN) and Fellow Business Management Association (FBMA) UK. The FOAD, a devoted, charitable, community developments front-runner and philanthropist is also the Board Chairman, Debo Atunwa Foundation and Immediate Past President (IPP) of the Ose Social Development Union (OSDU).
Chief Kemi Koyejo MBA received the Distinct Legacy Award from the Diocesan Bishop judging by her exemplary, superlative, silent contributions, selflessness to Ifon Archdeaconry, the Diocese and humanity.
She’s well known for her uncommon zest and innanate skills for input and output on any given responsibility.
She’s baptized and confirmed in the Anglican Communion in 1979 and currently the Majekobaje Obirin of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon, Ondo State; the Icon of Lois of the Diocese and General Secretary, Elders Followship, RCCG, The Lord’s Chapel, Lagos (where she worships).
Its arising from these faithful roles she regards herself as a ‘Redeemed Anglican’. To the glory of God she built and donated the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon Office Complex in 2022. The alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University was once the Route Commander and Public Enlightenment Officer at the FRSC; former PRO and later General Manager (Mobility Division) of Mandilas Enterprises Ltd.
She posses clear-cut and an unrivaled over 30 years automobile industry experience and also belongs to various professional bodies, won countless industry awards and recognitions across the globe.
Some other prominent Nigerians who were awarded and honored at the event includes: Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State; Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, CRF; Late Ven. Michael Olupona; Rear Admiral Rotimi Ademoluti (Rtd.)- Baba Ijo of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon; Dr. Chief Olufemi Awani-President, Ifon Development Union; Hon. Olayato Aribo-Ondo State Commissioner for Agriculture & Forestry; Barr. Segun Olugboyegun; Chief Mrs. Sade Jacobs; Late Chief Benjamin O. Alawoya; Late Chief Isaac Olayanju Ogunbadejo; Late Prince Benjamin Amaka Agun; Late Chief Ifanse Jatto; Late Chief Omonigho Todeh and Late Col. A.K.Ojumu(rtd.).
The well attended Anniversary was witnessed by some invited guests which includes Chief Mrs. Tola Aworh- Iya Ijo of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon; Chief ( Mrs.) Christianah Adeniba- Otun Iya Ijo of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon; Chief Dotun Eni-Olotu- Baba Ewe of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ifon; Mr. Tayo Oredola; Dr. (Mrs.) Ibidun Adene; Mrs. Esther Obiwale; representatives of the Ifon Archdeaconry; some of Atunwa and Koyejo families. Also in attendance to felicitate with Chief Debo Atunwa were some members of the Ose Social Development Union (OSDU) led by the VP, Mr. Taiwo Oluyemi and Engr. Abiodun Ibrahim; Mr. Babatunde Adedugbe; Prince Adesola Adepoyigi; Engr. Olanrewaju Zulu Ibrahim; Engr. Folorunsho Afolabi-Ojomo; Mr. Sunday Oloni; Mr. Sola Adeniba and Mr. Sola Isijola.
The two jolly awardeees congratulated the Bishop of the Diocese and parishioners on the 40th anniversary celebration and acknowledged their nominations and recognitions too.
