The atmosphere at Celestial Church of Christ Ibara Cathedral, Abeokuta, Ogun State was reverent and jubilant as worshippers, dignitaries, and family gathered for the Thanksgiving Service celebrating the 80th birthday of Mother Celestial Ojaronke Taiwo Ogunremi. Yet, beyond the songs and ceremony, it was the deeply moving tributes, especially from one of the Church’s oldest Elders, one of the members of registered BOT Most Superior Evangelist Banjo that lifted hearts and stirred spirits.
Among the most memorable moments of the service was a heartfelt special remark by the respected figure. With his voice full of warmth and clarity, he acknowledged the life of discipline, service, and divine favor embodied by M/C Ogunremi.
“You have written your name and your family’s name in gold,” he declared, gesturing toward the celebrant and her husband, V/S/E Ogunremi, Patron of CCC Ibara Cathedral. “This Church, this Cathedral, and indeed this mission has benefitted from your unwavering faith, sacrificial service, and spiritual leadership.”
During the cutting of the cake, coordinated by Most Superior Evangelist Banjo, history came alive in the most profound way. M/S/E Banjo took a moment beyond the symbolism of celebration to pay homage to M/C Ogunremi’s impact on Celestial Church of Christ, particularly her foundational role in the establishment of the CCC Women’s Council.
“It is important for the world and the Church to know,” he began, “that this woman, this mother of grace was instrumental in the birth of the Women’s Council in our Church. She did not just attend meetings. She helped shape the vision, organize the women, and ensure it had spiritual direction and continuity. Today, it is a global institution. Her fingerprint is on it.”
M/S/E Banjo then offered a moving reflection on memory and mortality. With nostalgic sincerity, he said, “It is unfortunate that our dear Late Mother Celestial Adefeso is not alive today. If she were, she would have narrated, with profound detail, the many untold testimonies of this woman of God. She knew her walk with God from the early years, and she would have painted a fuller portrait of her sacrificial journey.”
“You will witness your 90th birthday in good health and sound mind, in Jesus’ name.” In another touching moment, M/S/E Banjo acknowledged the sermon delivered earlier in the service by Most Superior Evangelist Nunayon, who had emphasized that “serving God is the foundation of divine enjoyment and unlimited grace.” M/S/E Banjo, with a mixture of hope and realism, confessed: “As an old man, I may not be here physically to witness her 90th birthday… but mark my words, something significant will happen that day that will represent my presence and God’s blessing.”
As the service came to a close, prayers rained down like morning dew. AMSE Poppola lifted his hands in intercession, praying earnestly for M/C Ogunremi and her husband. His prayer was both prophetic and historical:
“The Ogunremi family has made a mark of excellence in the annals of Celestial Church of Christ. Your works are not just known in Ibara, they are written in the heavens and echoed in parishes across continents.”
The 80th Thanksgiving of Mother Celestial Ojaronke Taiwo Ogunremi was not only a celebration of age but a witness to a lifetime of spiritual impact, ecclesiastical service, and divine purpose. From the Women’s Council she helped birth, to the elders and leaders she continues to inspire, M/C Ogunremi remains a matriarch of enduring relevance.
As Psalm 92:14 declares: “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.” Indeed, her life testifies that age is no barrier to grace, and legacy is the reward of faith.
