The president of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), worldwide, Samuel Oladele, has urged Nigerians to remain prayerful in order to achieve greatness.

Mr Oladele made the call during his 70th birthday celebration and thanksgiving service on Saturday in Ibadan.

He said it was only through God’s grace that a nation and its people could attain true greatness.

While glorifying God, Mr Oladele said: “I wouldn’t have been able to achieve greatness if not for the grace and mercy of God.

“Life is full of hills and valleys, and God created it for a purpose. I am very grateful to God that I was able to overcome and survive all the ups and downs in my life.

“If there is anything that has worked for me, it is God’s grace and mercy.”

The CAC president added that he had been destined to be a minister of God, which was why divine protection and guidance had helped him overcome life’s challenges.

He called on Nigerians, especially the youth, to remain prayerful and determined if they hoped to achieve greatness in life.

In his exhortation, the church’s regional superintendent, Simon Oladokun, commended the celebrant for his courage and determination in life.

Mr Oladokun said that Mr Oladele didn’t become a leader by manipulation or compulsion but by God’s commission.

He prayed unto God to continue to uphold the celebrant.

Also speaking, the chairman of Pentecost Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN),Oyo State chapter, Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, described the celebrant as kind-hearted.

Mr Ajetomobi said that PFN had cordial relations with CAC because of Oladele’s deposition to the body of Christ at large.

“He has networking spirit in the Lord irrespective of congregational alliances and is very focused in transforming CAC,” Mr Ajetomobi said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Lanre Oladele described their father as a loving and extraordinary man ” who does not discriminate and has positively impacted the lives of many individuals.”

He appreciated the church and all well-wishers for their support and prayers toward the successful celebration of their father’s 70th birthday.

Dignitaries at the occasion included the Oyo State head of service, Olubunmi Oni, traditional rulers, and other notable personalities.

(NAN)