FUNAAB Holds 31st Annual Christmas Carol Service

FUNAAB Holds 31st Annual Christmas Carol Service

 

By Olasunkanmi Olajide & Femi Dansu

The 31st Annual Christmas Carol Service at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 was a joyous occasion marked by gratitude and praise to God.

Addressing the elated gathering at the Prof. Oluwafemi Balogun Ceremonial Building, the University Chaplain and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Christian Ikeobi expressed profound thanks for God's provisions, protection, and preservation of the University staff and students throughout the year 2023.

He recounted the blessings bestowed upon the University community in the past year, acknowledging the unwavering support of the entire University community to the Prof. Babatunde Kehinde-led administration

Reverend Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer (GO) of Foursquare Gospel Church, Nigeria, delivered a powerful message on the theme "Jesus the Saviour."

Drawing from the Holy scripture in Matthew 1:21-23, Rev. Aboyeji emphasised that Jesus is the sole saviour from sin, both on individual and community levels

 Quoting Matthew 2:2, the cleric conveyed the idea that everyone possesses their unique star, and birthplace does not determine one's destiny. He highlighted that despite never writing a book, Jesus' name was mentioned more than anyone else in the world.

 

He added that the level of peace experienced was determined by our surrender to Jesus, as seen in Isaiah 26:3.

    The GO identified those without hope for peace and those with false hope as the categories of the most displeasing people in the world.

He concluded by stressing that having God makes a significant difference, as Jesus is the ultimate source of peace as referenced in Isaiah 26:3.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, represented by the Acting Bursar, Mr. Olukayode Osinuga was among those who took the lessons for the day.

Notable faces at the Carol included the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; the University Librarian, Dr. Abayomi Owolabi; wife of the Vice-Chancellor and Dean, College of Biosciences (COLBIOS), Prof. Iyabode Kehinde;  Director, Physical Planning, Engr. Kehinde Bamisile; Deputy Registrar II, VCO, Mr. Moses Ayanda; former DVC, A, Prof. Morenike Dipeolu; fomer DVC, D, Prof. Clement Adeofun and former Dean, College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD), Prof. Adewale Dipeolu.

Also in attendance were,  the former Director, Institute of Food Security, Environmental Resources and Agricultural Research (IFSERAR), Prof. Bamidele Oluwatosin; the Director, TETFund Centre of Excellence in Agriculture (TCoE), Prof. Adeboye Fafiolu; HoD Animal Breeding and Genetics (ABG), Dr. Mathew Wheto, as well as several serving and retired staff members of the University, including top clerics of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Nigeria.

Highlight of the evening was the captivating performance of eight special carol numbers by talented Chapel of Grace Choir and FUNIS students, among others.