A remarkable atmosphere of worship, gratitude, and celebration enveloped Ile-Ife on Sunday as worshippers, dignitaries, well-wishers, and members of the Cherubim & Seraphim fold gathered to honour a major spiritual milestone - the 20th anniversary thanksgiving of Senior Apostolic Mother Prophetess Omonike Omisope Banmosun, popularly known as Woli Agbaye, of C&S Church Oke-Iye Living Chapel, Zone 8, Eku, Seminary Area, Opa, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The event also commemorated the 2nd anniversary of the Tabitha Women Programme, drawing attendees from within and beyond the ancient city in a gathering marked by worship sessions, thanksgiving, awards presentations, spiritual exhortations, empowerment initiatives, and reflections on two decades of ministry impact and service.
The celebration featured distinguished personalities within the church fold, including General Reverend Apostolic Mother Professor Abosede Otemuyiwa, who attended as Guest Speaker; Lady Apostolic Mother Florence Adesiyan Adereti, recognised as the Spiritual Mother of the Day; among others.
In her lecture, the Guest Speaker, General Reverend Apostolic Mother Professor Abosede Otemuyiwa, centred her message on the theme of the “Virtuous Woman,” highlighting the importance of godly character, wisdom, discipline, humility, spiritual commitment, and moral responsibility within the home, ministry, and the larger society. She stressed the critical role of women as builders of families and pillars of spiritual growth, urging women to remain steadfast in faith, integrity, and service to humanity.
The Convener, Senior Apostolic Mother Prophetess Omonike Omisope Banmosun (Woli Agbaye), expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry through two decades of spiritual service and impact. The thanksgiving celebration, according to many attendees, reflected years of commitment to faith, counselling, prayer, and support for members of the community.
Reflecting on her journey in ministry, Prophetess Banmosun recounted some of the challenges and persecutions she encountered in the early stages of her spiritual calling, particularly coming from a different religious background. She, however, noted that divine grace, faith, and perseverance sustained her through the years and strengthened her commitment to the work of God.
She encouraged worshippers to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful in difficult times, noting that perseverance, prayer, and commitment to God remain vital in overcoming life’s challenges.
Prophetess Banmosun also appreciated several individuals and supporters who have stood by the ministry and its humanitarian initiatives over the years, including Ms Francisca N. Ulanmo, Most Senior Apostle Kayode Solomon, CEO and Managing Director of CS Construction Limited, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Toyin Christiana Alabi Foundation and Hands of God Cleaning Service, Mrs Toyin Christiana Alabi, for their support, philanthropic contributions, and commitment towards community-focused initiatives and assistance to the less privileged.
She further made special mention of the wife of the Ooni of Ife and Deputy Convener of the Hopes Alive Initiative for Africa (HAI), Her Regal Majesty, Olori Ambassador (Dr) Temitope Enitan-Ogunwusi, for her support and encouragement towards the growth of the ministry and its initiatives.
Also speaking during the event, the General Overseer, Most Senior Superintendent Apostle Bankole Omisope Banmosun, appreciated guests, church members, and supporters for their steadfast commitment to the growth of the ministry and the success of the programme. He emphasised the importance of unity, faith, and dedication in sustaining the vision of the church.
He further stressed the importance of thanksgiving among believers, noting that humanity exists only by the grace and mercy of God, and that continual gratitude remains essential in acknowledging divine faithfulness and sustenance.
The Spiritual Mother of the Day, Lady Apostolic Mother Florence Adesiyan Adereti, equally charged worshippers to remain spiritually focused and committed to righteous living, while encouraging women to continue playing positive and transformative roles within their homes, churches, and communities.
One of the major highlights of the programme was the empowerment initiative organised as part of the Tabitha Women Programme, during which selected beneficiaries received financial support and vocational work tools aimed at strengthening livelihoods and encouraging self-reliance.
Among notable contributions was the donation of two sewing machines by Ms Francisca N. Ulanmo in support of the empowerment initiative. During the ceremony, she was formally installed as Patroness of the Tabitha Women Programme of Cherubim & Seraphim Church Oke-Iye Living Chapel, with the presentation of her installation certificate in recognition of her support and commitment to the initiative.
Another major personality recognised during the celebration was Most Senior Apostle Kayode Solomon, CEO and Managing Director of CS Construction Limited, who supported the empowerment initiative financially. He was also formally installed as Balogun Ijo of Cherubim & Seraphim Church, Oke-Iye Living Chapel, during a special presentation ceremony acknowledging his contributions to the church and community-focused initiatives.
The celebration also featured special musical ministrations and spiritual renditions by the Ara Ire Spiritual Band, the church choir wing, whose performances added colour, inspiration, and a deeply reflective atmosphere to the thanksgiving gathering.
Clad in radiant white garments symbolic of purity and spiritual devotion, members of the congregation joined in songs of praise, prayers, and heartfelt thanksgiving in what many described as a spiritually uplifting and impactful gathering.
The celebration further highlighted Ile-Ife’s enduring reputation as a city where faith, culture, and community continue to intersect through gatherings that promote unity, spiritual reflection, empowerment, and communal development.
