The Diocese of Owo has inducted some past and serving heroes of the church into hall of fame, as the Diocese celebrates its 40 years of existence. The Cathedral church of Saint Andrews Imola Owo was filled to capacity with dignitaries from within and outside the state who came to celebrate the inauguration of the diocese. It would be recalled that Owo Diocese was inaugurated on March 1, 1983, with the Late Rt. Revd. Abraham Awosan as the first enthroned Bishop.
At a two-in-one program which began with a eucharist service, conducted by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi. The induction into the hall of fame followed after the communion service. The Archbishop of Ondo Province, the Most Revd. Dr. Simeon Oluwole Borokini delivered the sermon. In his sermon, Archbishop Borokini appreciated God and all those God had used within the last 40 years to make the Diocese what it is today. He charged those who are still alive to take the baton and end the race well where the baton should also be handed over to another generation that may not be here when a centenary or certain year of anniversary will be celebrated.
In his address, the Lord Bishop of the Owo Anglican Diocese, Bishop Fagbemi recalled the memory lane of those who have laboured in the diocese. “If those of you who are alive today are receiving awards or certificates for those who have died, it is an indication to tell you to work more than the heroes who have gone so as to have your names written in gold”, Fagbemi charged the representatives of the deceased heroes.
At the induction into the hall of fame, Bishop Fagbemi remarked, “we cannot have everybody’s name nor photographs put in this place. The list is by no means exhaustive but for those who made the list today, it is a great honour and opportunity for them. This is a way of showing our appreciation for all you have done or still doing and to also challenge others” He lauded the roles of those who have gone to the world beyond, whose memories are being remembered for great things they have done.
37 members of the Diocese made the list of the inductees into the hall of fame. It was a combination of the ancient and, as well as, the modern. The diocesan clerical secretary, Ven. Dr. Olatunde Abiodun affirmed that this honour is done for posterity. The hall is enclosed in a magnificent building in the bishop’s court which was built by the Chancellor of the Diocese in honour of his father. late Pa Gabriel Akeredolu who was the first lay reader in the diocese.
