The venue was RCCG Cornerstone Parish, Okota, Lagos and the event was Thanksgiving celebration of Honourable Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, the member representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II.
The event which was the second in its series brought together political leaders, clerics, community leaders and dignitaries in atmosphere of worship, empowerment and reflection.
Speaking at the ceremony, presiding General Overseer of World Base Assembly, Isolo, Bishop Humphrey Erumaka called on Nigerians to be united in purpose, even in supporting others.
Bishop Erumaka also appealed to Nigerians to rise above sentiments, tribalism and nepotism, to focus on helping one another.
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“We are in time when we should not be looking at where you are coming from, your background or your intentions. What matters is what you have to offer and how you can help.
“My prayer for Onuakalusi is that God will continue to grant him opportunities to exercise his leadership and sustain him the journey ahead’’
The Bishop‘s sermon drawn from 2 Samuel 7: I emphasised the importance of gratitude. He explained that his thanksgiving was significant because it demonstrated an understanding of the source of his strength.
Drawing comparisons with the biblical account of David and Saul, he noted: “David remembered God and built Him a house, but Saul despite all he had, never remembered God. Gratitude is essential because ingratitude is born when you forget where God picked you from’’.
He urged Nigerians to reflect on their beginnings and appreciate the progress God has given them adding,
“Many people today trivialise the blessings of God because they feel entitled. But a heart of gratitude acknowledges where God has lifted us from, be it from Mushin, Ajegunle or other humble communities and celebrates His faithfulness. Gratitude reminds us never to forget our roots’’.
Speaking in an interview with journalists at the event, Onuakalusi said: “leadership is all about improving on the quality of lives, building capacity, and development in your constituency.
“This is the only way your followers can trust you. And this is the commitment we made at Oshodi/Isolo Constituency II, and today we have done that in two years of tireless service to our constituency.
“I’m thrilled to share some of these accomplishments with you, from empowering our youths with skills and education to improving our infrastructure and providing support to those in need.
“We have strived to make a positive impact in the lives of our constituents, so I extend my warmth regards to those who formed the Hon Okey-Joe movement, which is a vanguard for subsequent elections in 2027”.
“Let’s continue to work together towards a brighter future for our constituency, where every individual has access to opportunities, resources, and the chance to thrive”.
“We have installed more than two hundred and fifty solar street lights, built boreholes, human capital development, health, education, grassroots sports development, empowerment, agriculture. Also, we have sponsored some of our people to South Africa, China on capacity development”.
On her part, programme director, Hon Okey-Joe Foundation/Woman Leader and Convener of Voices of Hope, Uchenna Ofomata affirmed that the thanksgiving service wasn’t just a spiritual gathering but, a vibrant celebration of progress, with over 1500 constituents in attendance, overflowing with joy, worship and to his ground achievements in humility.
“I can say with profound gratitude that the Thanksgiving celebration was more than a milestone. It was a testament of Okey-Joe’s remarkable achievements, which exemplify selfless leadership, human capital development, infrastructural development, community empowerment, and a steadfast commitment to equity and the unwavering faithfulness of God and the resilient spirit of our Oshodi-Isolo community honoring two years of selfless representation by our founder.
“As the founder of the Okey Joe Foundation, he has spearheaded transformative initiatives that uplift the vulnerable, particularly women and youth in the constituency.
“A standout effort includes the foundation’s women and youth empowerment programme, which equips participants with practical vocational skills in areas like catering, fashion design, and crafts, laying the groundwork for sustainable entrepreneurship and economic independence.’’ Ofomata added.
