By Funsho Arogundade
Today, Saturday September 6, renowned preacher and Christian leader, Bishop Mike Okonkwo joinsthe octogenarian league. For months, the Christian community has been buzzing with excitement over the much-anticipated 80th birthday of the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, TREM Worldwide who has often been commended and celebrated for pioneering God’s work globally as well as for his dedication to humanity and the body of Christ.
On this milestone, encomiums have been pouring in for the respected cleric—from far and wide. However, rather than rolling out the drums, Okonkwo chooses what he is well-known for —touching lives and impacting society through several philanthropic activities.
To honour this momentous occasion, the Board of Trustees and Governing Council of TREM, alongside the entire TREM family and well-wishers, lined up a well-compact one–week series of special events including football matches, annual lecture, worship service, birthday celebration and thanksgiving service.
Activities marking the milestone began with a free eye care and cataract surgery in partnership with Eye Foundation Hospital in Ikorodu, Lagos, last week. Nearly 900 persons with clouding of the eye’s natural lens which significantly impairs their vision like cataract were freely screened and thereafter operated upon at the Eye Foundation Ikorodu, Lagos.
The celebration revved up last Saturday with the finals of the popular Mike Okonkwo Football Tournament. This year’s version of his Mike Okonkwo annual lecture had as its theme: ‘The Nigeria of Our Dream: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder.’ The special edition of the lecture was held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday September 4, with the immediate former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo delivering the main lecture while Major-General Ike Nwachukwu chaired the intellectual gig.
On Friday, the eve of the main birth date, the TREM Headquarters in Anthony Village, Lagos bustled as crème of Gospel music ministers —including Chigozia Wisdom, Tolu Odukoya, Beejay Sax, Dare Justified, Emma OMG, Gentle Emeka and Lillian Collins— hit the big stage to praise God for 80 years of grace, strength, wisdom and God’s goodness in the life of the Bishop. The unique event tagged ‘BMO At 80 Shabach (Worship Service)’ saw thousands in attendance.
The birthday celebration will climax on Sunday September 7 with a thanksgiving service at the church headquarters to celebrate the God’s General who believes in the integrity of the Word of God and has lived a purposeful and transformed life and leads others to discover purpose.
