Former President Olusegun Obasanjo joined top clerics and dignitaries across Nigeria, yesterday, to celebrate Pastor Sylvester Ebhodaghe, publisher of National Daily Newspapers and National Standard Magazine, as he marked his 50th birthday with a thanksgiving service at Christ Embassy, Isheri, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The event drew a notable gathering of spiritual leaders, media executives and influential Nigerians, all paying tribute to Pastor Ebhodaghe’s life of service, faith, and impact through ministry and media.
In his goodwill message, Obasanjo praised the celebrant for his dedication to both God and humanity.
“An occasion like this, when you are calm with God, is a time to thank Him and praise Him for all He has done over the last 50 years and nine months, counting from your mother’s womb,” the former president said.
Highlighting the importance of continued service, Obasanjo remarked: “What next after 50 glorious years, 50 years of grace, of God’s blessings and kindness? What else but to continue to praise God and serve humanity, because you can’t serve God without serving humanity. I pray that you have another half-century of impactful living.”
He ended with a reflective note to the celebrant: “When you will be celebrating another 50 years, I will be far gone. But wherever I may be, I will be remembering you.”
Secretary General of Christ Embassy, Pastor Kay Adesina, invited Most Rev Tom Amenkhienan, member of the Central Executive Council of Loveworld Incorporated, offered prayers for Ebhodaghe’s continued prosperity, health, and spiritual growth and for his family.
“I pray for vibrant health, that God will open more doors for you. Your going and coming shall be blessed. No weapon fashioned against you shall prosper,” he declared.
Delivering the sermon, Zonal Pastor of Christ Embassy, Benin Zone 1, Moses Olayemi drew inspiration from Psalms 1 and 4, describing the celebrant as a godly man whose life has drawn admiration and reverence. “You can see from the calibre of people here today that the word of God has indeed been with him,” Pastor Olayemi said.
He urged attendees to reflect on their relationship with God and stressed the importance of salvation, using the example of Cornelius in the Bible, who despite his good works, sought spiritual rebirth through Peter.
In an emotional vote of thanks, Ebhodaghe expressed gratitude to Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, Founder of Christ Embassy, for his spiritual mentorship and unwavering support.
“Twenty-seven years ago, I turned on my TV and Pastor Chris was preaching. I heard a voice say, ‘Your destiny is connected to his ministry.’ That moment changed my life forever,” Ebhodaghe recalled.
The thanksgiving service concluded with a celebratory atmosphere of praise, worship, and tributes from family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers who described the celebrant as a man of purpose, influence, and deep faith.