By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
A birthday is usually a period of reflection and celebration. A time the celebrant looks back to reflect the journey so far. What he/she has done and the failures and gains of the past. He/she will use the opportunity to reflect the journey so far and have plans for the future. These reflections are in the mist of jollification and eating and celebrating the present. To friends and family, it’s usually a joyous moment while the celebrant looks into the future with hope and readiness to correct the failures of the past.
And that was what happened at the NCPC headquarters in Abuja August 17th when the executive secretary of NCPC, Bishop Prof. Steven Tunde Victor Adegbite celebrated his 58th birthday.
It was a surprise package by the Commission staff in conjunction with his wife.
Keeping tab on his movement, the staff, especially the management got the services of trumpeters and saxophonists to welcome Bishop Adegbite as he alighted from his car adorned in flowing agbada with cap to match and the isignal of a Bishop into the premises of NCPC.
With the usual happy birthday songs, he was ushered into the building with a little girl presenting a birthday bouquet.
Passing through the reception table, another girl was waiting with another bouquet. With surprise written boldly on his face, he passed through a “guard of honour” by the staff right into his office on the second floor of the building.
In the Executive Secretary office where everyone throng into, the director of media and public relations, Celestine Toruka handled the ceremony with the Commission chaplain giving the opening prayer.
At the thanksgiving gathering Bishop Adegbite described his life and service as a testimony of God’s faithfulness.
The celebration, which was loaded with warm, faith-based, family, and service vibe was attended by his wife, Princess Adewunmi Adegbite, children, members of NCPC Management and staff, friends, and other distinguished guests, which featured prayers, goodwill messages, presentation of gifts, and the cutting of the anniversary cake.
In the celebrant’s response, Bishop Adegbite thanked God for life, health, and grace.
Bishop Adegbite, however ,reflected on his journey and declared:_“Out of the 58 years I have lived on earth, I have spent 38 years serving God.”_
He attributed his accomplishments and progress in life to the grace and faithfulness of God.
The NCPC helmsman expressed appreciation to his wife, family, and members of staff for their support and prayers.
He also acknowledged the goodwill of the President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
He particularly appreciated the First Lady for personally conveying her birthday wishes twice repeatedly to him before noon despite her tight schedules.
Bishop Adegbite described his present assignment at the NCPC as a privilege and an opportunity to further serve God, contribute to national development, and help unite the Body of Christ.
He emphasized the importance of promoting religious harmony, peace, and stability in Nigeria.
He encouraged members of staff to remain committed to service, stressing that every position of responsibility should be seen as an opportunity to make a positive impact.
He noted that in the almost three years of his leadership, the pilgrimage exercise conducted under his watch has been rewarding and spiritually rejuvenating.
He disclosed that the next pilgrimage exercise would commence in earnest, stating that his passion for pilgrimage remains unwavering.
He described the Commission as “a family” and told staff “your challenges are my challenges, and your joys are my joys”.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current difficulties and commended President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for piloting the affairs of the country steadily and focused.
Thereafter it was speeches and felicitations from staff appreciating the celebrant’s service and character for the success being recorded since his assumption of office almost three years ago.
The former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, was also present at the occasion, and delivered a goodwill message in which she congratulated Bishop Adegbite for attaining 58 years and commended his service to God and the nation.
She prayed for continued strength, divine protection, and greater accomplishments, and wished him many more years to celebrate.
Thereafter it was cake cutting and group photographs with staff, family and friends.
Gift presentation from staff/management which was followed by light refreshments rounded up the office celebration.
The director of admin who also marked his own birthday a few hours before then gave the benediction “On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NCPC, we heartily celebrate you today. We thank God for your life, for your visionary leadership, and for the grace upon your ministry. May the Lord continue to grant you sound health, divine strength, wisdom and longevity. Many happy returns sir. To God be the glory.”
It was indeed a celebration of God’s faithfulness in the life of Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, the fourth substantive Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
He also doubles as the Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Lagos State Chapter and Chairman, Southern Christian Leaders Assembly
He is also the Metropolitan Bishop, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ikeja Diocese..
*Abdul, a journalist, wrote in from Abuja via abduljelil2001@gmail.com