By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The Methodist Church of Nigeria’s Prelate Emeritus, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, has been congratulated on the occasion of his 80th birthday, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, made this known in a statement dated October 10, 2023 copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Tuesday.
“The President joins the Makinde family, friends, and the Christian community in celebrating a man of unwavering faith, whose ministry has been characterised by a profound commitment to advancing the values of love, selflessness, and social justice, which are so deeply embedded in the teachings of Jesus Christ,” Ngelale said.
The Nigerian leader recalled that as a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and leader of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Prelate Makinde, under the guidance of divine wisdom, contributed greatly to the spiritual growth of Christians under his care and also achieved remarkable milestones in promoting unity within the body of believers, even as he advanced inter-faith dialogue between Nigerians of all faiths.
President Tinubu commended Prelate Emeritus Makinde for his unfailing devotion to the Church, as well as his commitment to the progress and unity of the nation.
He further acknowledgeed the wise counsel that the beloved celebrant had provided to those in authority, in addition to his fervent prayers for the country.
“As family members, friends and members of the Christian community gather today (Tuesday) in reverence and gratitude to God in celebration of this distinguished man of faith, President Tinubu prays that Prelate Emeritus Makinde’s ministry will continue to be a blessing to those in need of pastoral care and support, and to the entire nation,” the statement said.
