By: Waheed Ogunjobi
SAGAMU- Under a canopy of flags and the sound of brass bands, the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Ogun State Council, formally opened activities on Thursday to mark 100 years of raising boys into men of faith, discipline and service.
The 5-day centenary celebration, which began on Wednesday, 9th September and ended with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, 13th September at Rev. Mellor Methodist Cathedral, Agbowa, Sagamu drew hundreds of boys in crisp uniforms to the Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu.
Only 100 boys and 20 officers were selected for the ceremonial parade — a symbolic representation of the century being marked.
"FROM A SEED TO A MIGHTY TREE"
Presiding over the Parade Review, the State President, Sir Hon. Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora traced the origin of the Brigade in Ogun to Wesley Church, Agbowa,,Sagamu
According to Justice Ogunfowora "Little would the founders have known 100 years ago that the seed they put in the ground not too far from here would grow into this mighty tree,".
That seed was planted by our late father, Rev. Dr. William F. Mellor, whose body lies buried in that same compound. Today, that one company has become 215 companies Those few boys have become over 3,000 boys."
Justice Ogunfowora said the anniversary was beyond numbers.
"The Boys’ Brigade exists for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom among boys and for the promotion of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tends to Christian manliness," he declared.
On the theme "A Century Sure and Steadfast" he charged: "We are not just looking back; we are looking forward. So that in 2126, those marking the bicentennial will say of us: ‘They too were sure and steadfast in their time.’"
CHRONICLING THE GROWTH AND NATIONAL STRENGTH.
Former State President, Prince Adegoke Adekunle, described the growth as divine. "When we came in, we had close to 100 companies. By the time we handed over, we had crossed 150. Today, I’m told we are over 200. That is God. The heart of it all is bringing the little ones to the feet of Christ."
Also, the Assistant National Secretary of Boys’ Brigade Nigeria said Nigeria remains the largest Boys' Brigade population in Africa and the world.
"Boys' Brigade Nigeria started in 1948 at Ebute Meta, Lagos. Today we are everywhere. The first company in Ogun State started here. This is sacred ground for us,"he said.
He identified the secret of 100 years of impact as two pillars: "Religious and Discipline. When you see a Boys' Brigade boy, you see a military man in conduct. You won’t find us in the market. You’ll find us in church, because that is where character is built."
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IMPACT BEYOND THE CHURCH
Immediate Past State President, Mr.Olufemi Adeniji said the Brigade’s role is nation building. "Our primary job is nursing tomorrow’s church. But the discipline they learn here goes beyond the church. It enters the society. It produces leaders. If you check well, you’ll find that many judges, professionals and public figures passed through the Brigade," he stated.
He added that the camp activities of sports, drills, leadership lectures and street evangelism were deliberate.
"This is how we grow them beyond computers. This is how we evangelize. This is thanksgiving in action."
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CENTENARY
The programme featured a leadership lecture by Reverend, O.V Osunfisan, inter-village sports and competitions, educational excursion to the Airport and Obafemi Awolowo’s Residence, Centenary Night of cultural display and drama, and climaxed with a thanksgiving and enrolment service on Sunday.
As the flags were lowered on Saturday, the charge from Sagamu was clear: the centenary is a baton pass."A century sure and steadfast. Now, let us be sure and steadfast for the next century," Justice Ogunfowora concluded.:
The Centenary activities were later rounded off with a thanksgiving Service of the 1st Company of Boys’ Brigade, Nigeria, Ogun State Council, which was held at the Reverend Mellor Methodist Cathedral, Agbowa, Sagamu.
The service was filled with praise, thanksgiving and a charge for the upcoming generation to embrace discipline and service.
Ministering during the thanksgiving, Archbishop Adewale Atanda of Methodist Church Nigeria, Egba Diocese said members must be ready to serve meritoriously wherever they are placed. Citing Hebrews 6:19, he declared that “ people's sacrifices matter.” He explained that the risks, benefits and rewards of service may not be physically observed, but are spiritually rewarded.“After our existence, our story and legacy will be celebrated,”he said.
The Archbishop emphasized that the advancement of Christ’s kingdom among the youth and the promotion of obedience and discipline must be cultivated in the upcoming generation.
That is the main purpose of bringing the Brigade to us,” he stated, urging officers and members to see the Boys’ Brigade as a tool for raising godly leaders.
The enrolment of new members was declared open by the Ogun State President, Sir Hon. Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora, KJW. He had earlier charged the company to ensure the centenary celebration goes beyond souvenirs and speeches, but secures the future of the organization by raising new officers.
Justice Ogunfowora later received two different awards presented to him on behalf of the Ogun State Boy's Brigade for the excellent work he is doing to pilot their affairs.
Also speaking, the Grand Matron of Ogun State Council and one of the newly re-dedicated Grand Patrons of the Association, Mrs. Iyabo Odulate who is a retired Permanent Secretary in the state expressed joy at being back in the church where she was baptized. She said her new role places her in a position to mentor those coming behind.
Mrs. Odulate questioned what would become of the next generation if leaders at the top remove the ladder. “If people at the top remove the ladder, who will take over from them? If some people had not been there for us, how would the Brigade be celebrating 100 years in Ogun State today?” she asked. She urged senior members to continue supporting and mentoring younger ones.
The service ended with prayers, thanksgiving and the induction of new members into the association. Members were later charged to uphold the values of the Brigade as it marks 100 years in Ogun State.
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