President Bola Tinubu has described the founder of Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, as a man of God whose contributions to nation-building cannot be quantified.
Tinubu stated this yesterday at the 70th birthday Thanksgiving Service held at The Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun, Lagos.
The President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the celebrator had over the years worked towards the unity and progress of Nigeria and Nigerians at all times.
According to the President, Bakare is an embodiment of integrity and a symbol of hope to the hopeless, who has dedicated his life to serving God and humanity.
Tinubu acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are facing but assured that the government was addressing the problems, as drastic action was needed to solve complex matters.
In his remarks, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun emphasised that the man of God was one of the distinguished ambassadors of the state who have contributed to national development.
“Pastor Bakare is an accomplished man. He stands as a trailblazer in Nigeria. He is among the distinguished ambassadors of Ogun State. His influence is beyond Nigeria,” he said.
Bakare, the governor noted, is a voice of truth to engender change, maintaining that the celebrant has also spoken of his desire to see a prosperous Nigeria.
Also speaking, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated that Pastor Bakare has constantly been on the side of the truth, adding that he is a child of God and a special vessel being used by God at this time.
In a sermon, Sarah Omakwu of the Family Worship Centre noted that Bakare has dedicated his life to the service of God since childhood and has served in various capacities in churches in and outside the country.
Bakare, according to Omakwu, is a giver, a lover of widows and orphans, and a mentor whose teachings and life have impacted generations.
While urging the celebrator to activate his succession plan to ensure the continuity of his legacies, Omakwu called on Nigerians to always involve their children in whatever business they do for sustainability.
The celebrant, in his remarks, attributed his success in life to the sound tutelage he received from eminent personalities early in life, both in academics and in the ministry.
Bakare noted that Nigeria was yet to reach the promised land as there is a lot to be done, admonishing Nigerians to show concern for the country by thinking of what they could do to make the nation great.
Eminent personalities at the event included former governors, past and serving members of the state and national assemblies, traditional rulers, captains of industry, religious leaders, friends, and well-wishers.
A highlight of the event was the launching of a book titled “The Last. Definitely Not The Least,” an autobiography of the preacher.
Also, former President Muhammadu Buhari has joined family, friends, and the nation to celebrate his Vice Presidential running mate in the unsuccessful presidential election in 2011, Bakare as he marked the milestone of 70 years.
In a congratulatory message on the occasion to the Overseer of Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC), the ex-president described Bakare as a gadfly and a valuable asset to the nation.
He further described Bakare as a living legend who left a lucrative law practice to work as a pastor, a towering figure in nation building, and an embodiment of intellect, integrity, and courage.
“He is a man deeply committed to democratic values and principles of social justice, a man who is totally unafraid to speak up against injustice anywhere.
“I pray that God will give him the opportunity and the long life to see his vision of Nigeria where the poor and the marginalized are unfettered,” the former president further said.
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