From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
It was barrage of prayers and good will messages on Sunday as religious and traditional leaders, as well as dignitaries from the church circle, government and business community, gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the General Superintendent, Christ Holy Church International otherwise known as The Nation Builders, who is also the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The birthday celebration which took place at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Sunday, witnessed impressive attendance from across board, starting from members of his church, Christ Holy Church International otherwise known as The Nation Builders, to officials of CAN from National and State levels, among others.
Also present at the event were former Military President, Gen. Yakubu Gowon(Rtd); General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of Nigeria (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye;
Wife of Senate President, Ekaette Akpabio; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono; Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal John Onaiyekan; CAN National Officers, members of the diplomatic community, among several others dignitaries
RCCG’s Pastor Adeboye, who led the prayers for the celebrant, assured him that God is still working out greater things for him, hence he should be aware that much more is still waiting for him ahead.
He congratulated the celebrant for the opportunity to celebrate 60th birthday, and assured him that “his sun will not set in noon”.
He added: “I could recall 21 years ago when I was approaching the age of 60 and people were getting excited about the celebration. I was a bit distressed because I know the assignment that God gave to me.
“The assignment God gave me is to plant a branch of RCCG in every nation of the world. But at the time, we were in the 56 Nations of the world. I looked at my life and realized that I am not halfway to fulfilling the assignment. But I remembered what God said to me that He decide when the sun set for anyone. It’s over 21 years after, the sun hasn’t set. By the Grace of God, we are in 195 Nations of the world.
“So, the message I brought for you from God Almighty Himself is that your ‘sun will not set in the noon’. Secondly, I can tell you that you haven’t started yet. God is still working out greater things for you. I can also assure you He will protect and take care of you. He will perfect the Ministry He put in your care. We would all gather to celebrate many more years.”
On his former Military President, Gowon (Rtd) highlighted the leadership qualities of Archbishop Okoh, and appreciated God for His Grace on the life of the CAN President, particularly the grace and ability to live examplary life.
He, however, challenged the CAN President to champion the cause of peace in Nigeria and beyond, pointing out that quality and purposeful leadership is lacking in Nigeria, hence the likes of Archbishop Daniel Okoh, are urgently required in the country. “Nigeria and the world need peace now more than ever.”
Archbishop Emeritus, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, in his remarks, described the celebrant, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, as a gift to the country.
He recalled with nostalgia, when Archbishop Okoh, served as his deputy during his days as CAN President years ago. “He’s a peaceful man and we had cordial working relationship, even when his bid to succeed him was unsuccessful. He never took it to heart, rather he supported my successor.”
Music and other art performance from different groups including children groups were used to entertain guests at the event, in addition to a new book written in honour of the celebrant.
In his appreciation remarks, Archbishop Okoh, said he was overwhelmed by the show of love from family, friends, and other well-wishers from different parts of Nigeria and beyond.