It was total fun and excitement at the international headquarters of the Celica Church of Christ, Ibadan, on Sunday 22nd, December, 2024, when the church held it’s much anticipated 32nd Adult Anniversary harvest. The massive and magnificent looking church auditorium was filled to the brim before noon as guests and members from other denominations began trooping in for the annual celebration. The theme of this year’s edition of the Adult Anniversary was ‘Arise and Shine’. The idea behind the theme is to galvanise the adults in the church and motivate them to aspire be the very best that they desire to be in life, regardless of the prevailing economic situation in the country. And credit must go to the church, it led by example with the significant transformation it put in place for the anniversary celebration.
The entire old seats in the expansive auditorium were disposed of and a new set of branded and delicately designed chairs were brought in. The breathtaking blue coloured cover of the chairs and the nicely woven name of the church engraved on the seats totally transformed the look of the auditorium. Those who hadn’t been to the church in the last few days were surprised to find the entire auditorium looking pleasantly different, it was as though they had just stepped inside the wrong church. It must be noted too that the church recently acquired brand new set of musical instruments that set its accounts back by several millions. But it was worth every single penny spent as the glittering new set of equipment brought the very best out of the church choir, the highly gifted Hosanna Golden Voices. The vibrant and hugely talented choir group sang melodious songs of worship that got members on their feet throughout as they got completely consumed by the powerful messages contained in the songs being rendered by the choir.
The Hosanna Golden Voices also gave a beautiful rendition of the harvest theme song to the utmost delight of everyone present. Let us tell you a bit about the annual Adult Harvest. It began in 1992 and it takes place in the month of December always, usually the 3rd or 4th Sunday, depending on the monthly calendar (that is, 4 or 5 Sundays in the month of December). It is a programme that brings all the adults together in various thanksgiving activities inside the church, thanking the Lord for keeping them together and giving them the opportunity and the grace to witness the coming of another year.
For those who may know little or nothing about the Celica Church, permit us to share a little of its history with you. Celica Church of Christ was established through the injunction of the Holy Spirit on November 15, 1992 at Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria and was announced to the world via a press conference on that day. In an extra research on the name of the church, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), London programme on Africa made the world to understand that the word CELICA has its origin in Hebrew, Latin and Greek languages. From Latin it means “Heavenly or Celestial”. The name of the church translated spiritually is “the Most Glorious Church of Christ from Heaven”.
The International Headquarters of the church is located at Kilometer 7, New Ife Road, Ibadan, Oyo State; Nigeria. The church can be distinguished by its chant of Hosanna and the mode of dressing, a white garment with a blue cross on the left hand side of the garment. The logo of the church is an Eye, a Cross and Bible. On October 28, 1992, Prophet Adetunji Adeonigbagbe received three visitors spiritually and they (the four of them) went round the church auditorium seven times. These three visitors were Prophet Moses Orimolade Tunolase, Founder, Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, Founder, Christ Apostolic Church and Revd. Samuel Bilewu Oshoffa, Founder, Celestial Church of Christ all of blessed memory. After going round the church they told prophet Adeonigbagbe they had finished their assignment on earth that it was now his turn and they passed the spiritual baton to him. This was a major confirmation that he was being sent on a mission by God Almighty to the world..
At the 32nd Adult Anniversary harvest of the Celica Church of Christ, City People team comprising of Senior Editor, WALE LAWAL (08037209290) and Photojournalist, SUNDAY OYEMADE, were at the colourful event to bring you the details of all that went down. Enjoy the coverage report.
EVENT KICKS OFF WITH BIBLE READING
The 32nd Adult Anniversary harvest officially kicked off with Bible reading. The First lesson was taken by Assistant Lay Preacher Babatunde Akande while the second lesson was taken by Anointed Prophetess Tobi Abimbola.
ANOINTED PROPHET ABRAHAM OYENIYI CHARGES UP THE CONGREGATION
After the Bible reading came the announcement, taken by the Secretary General, Anointed Prophet Tunde Idowu. Next to speak was Anointed Prophet Abraham Oyeniyi, Pastor’s Representative, Celica Church of Christ, International Headquarters, Ibadan. He did a great job firing up the congregation. He spoke passionately about the need for everyone present to appreciate God’s little mercies upon their lives and give praises to him every passing moment. Prophet Oyeniyi reminded everyone of God’s protection over our lives and his unconditional love for us.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH WERE FULLY ON GROUND TO ADD COLOUR TO THE ANNIVERSARY
The church officials were fully on ground during the harvest to see that everything goes according to plan. The Head of Administration, Anointed Prophet Dr. Olukunle Abimbola, other principal officers as well as Pastor's Representatives were all in attendance to add colour to the event.
CELICA CHOIR, HOSANNA GOLDEN VOICES, TAKES OVER
For the next half an hour or thereabout, the amazing Celica choir got everyone on their feet, dancing and enjoying the beautiful gospel songs from the group. They were such an impressive choir to listen to.
REVD. ADETUNJI ADEONIGBAGBE’S GRAND ARRIVAL
After a lengthy ministration by the Hosanna Golden Voices, it was time for the arrival of the Founder of Celica Church of Christ, His Holiness, Revd. Dr. Emmanuel Adetunji Adeonigbagbe. And if truth be told, he made such a grand entrance befitting of his position into the auditorium. He had the Supreme Head of the church, Revd. Samuel Olujimi Adeonigbagbe, in front of him as they both walked in slowly with others while the choir ushered them in with songs that totally lift up the spirit. But they didn’t just walk in, they were both blessing members on both side of the aisle as they walked past. Everyone was on their feet, waiting to catch a glimpse of this anointed and highly revered man of God who commands huge respect amongst the elders within the Christian community, both within and outside the shores of the country.
The one thing about the founder of the Celica Church of Christ that everyone loves dearly is his humility. To his credit, he has successfully passed on this enviable attribute to his own children and members of the church. Despite his advanced age and enviable status as founder of one of the largest and fastest growing churches in the land, Revd. Adetunji Adeonigbagbe still remains an extremely humble individual. He is affable. He is approachable. With his members and everyone else around him, Revd. Adetunji Adeonigbagbe does not carry himself with chips on his shoulders. By nature, he is a very simple man. And he never forgets to let the fear of God guide every single action he takes in life. He comes down to everyone’s level and relates with everybody like he is merely one of them, no leader, no member. He treats everyone equally. Revd. Adetunji Adeonigbagbe will never disregard anybody, no matter how lowly placed the person is. And one more thing many may not know about this wonderful man who is hugely loved by his members, Revd. Adeonigbagbe is an incredibly compassionate human being. He hates to see people in pain and discomfort around him. He is a cheerful giver, always willing to come to the aid of those around him who are in need.
DADDY GOES INTO POWERFUL PRAYER SESSION
Anyone who knows Revd. Adetunji Adeonigbagbe closely will tell you he is a man that is all about prayers. He believes in the efficacy of prayers. He tells anyone who cares to listen that he was only able to get to this point in his life because of his utmost faith in prayers. This spirit filled man of God launched into a session of prayers that got everyone spiritually uplifted. He totally changed the mood in the auditorium with his powerful prayers laced with profound emotion.
THANKSGIVING TIME
The annual 32nd adult anniversary harvest is all about Thanksgiving. Expectedly, different groups of members were asked to step out with their thanksgiving offering as they were showered with prayers and blessings in return.
DADDY RETURNS TO GIVE SERMON
He is a delight to listen to, any day, anytime. Those who have listened to Revd. Adeonigbagbe’s preaching before now will tell you he is someone who preaches from the core of his heart. His messages are always profound. Simple yet powerful. They come from the depth of his heart. He is not a man of God that takes a day or two to prepare his sermon, all he does is wait till God tells him exactly what to say. His sermon for the day revolved around humility and having unwavering faith in God. He warns that, regardless of your status, whether you’re the president of the nation, the General Overseer of the largest ministry in the land, the richest man on earth, you are nothing, the moment you close your eyes and go to sleep. He reiterates that we must we must all be submissive to God and never see ourselves as more superior to any other person.
IYA IJO GENERAL, ANOINTED PROPHETESS DOYIN OYETOYAN TAKES CENTRE STAGE
Its Thanksgiving time again and this time, several persons were called out for their Thanksgiving dance along with their friends and contemporaries who joined them to rejoice with them. But one personality whose Thanksgiving dance was the cynosure of all eyes was Anointed Prophetess Doyin Oyetoyan, the Iya Ijo General of Celica Church of Christ. She is one of Celica’s most prominent members and one who is accorded tremendous respect by the church on account of her total dedication to the work of God and advancement of the gospel. Her Thanksgiving dance had quite a crowd felicitating with her. She was joined by Anointed Prophet Henry Ademiluyi and the choir gave them a real treat, dishing out exciting gospel melodies that kept Iya Ijo General dancing and rocking it to the delight of everyone. Everybody agreed she deserved the lengthy Thanksgiving dance she had, she and others in the planning committee did a fantastic job putting the well organised event together. So, she had every reason to be grateful to God and happy with herself.
You can reach Celica Church of Christ via: Website: www.celicachurchofchrist.com
Facebook; Celica Church of Christ Media
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Celica Legacy Instagram; Celica Church of Christ Media
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