Eulogies as VLBC holds thanksgiving for Rev. Achudume

Photo: Apostle Achudume (left) with the children at the Thanksgiving Service held yesterday in Abeokuta in honour of his late wife.

The Main Auditorium of the Victory Life Bible Church International was yesterday  filled to the brim with dignitaries from all walks of life for the  Special Thanksgiving Service to conclude  events on  the passing away of Reverend Fola Achudume.

It was indeed a colourful  ambience in and around the Auditorium with  high influx of people made way in honour of the late Wife of  VLBC’s Lead Pastor, Apostle Lawrence Achudume.

In his sermon, Pastor Simeon Agbolabori of the Chapel Of Restoration, noted  that death is just à transition, adding  people should rather celebrate the life of a dear departed rather than mourn in the firm belief that there is indeed life after death.

“Do not sorrow as those who have no hope but to be hopeful that there is life after death as this is the essential foundation of the Christian faith,” he said.

Agbolabori reiterated that Reverend Fola Achudume didn’t die because Victory Life Bible Church International is weak or because God is wicked, asserting that her Creator wanted her back and she is already resting in his bosom.

He urged  members of the Church to stand strong and continue with the legacy of the departed God’s Amazon.

“Don’t t play Church, don’t play religion, live your life in God,” he concluded.

Extolling the virtues of his late wife, Apostle Achudume, said that he is not mourning but rejoicing in the Lord for an eventful life well spent, noting that nobody can question God as he owes nobody any explanation.

He submitted that he couldn’t have wished for anyone better, adding that his late spouse was a perfect definition of  ‘heaven-sent’.

Representatives from the Achudume and Adeshina families took to the podium to honour the remarkable life of Reverend Fola Achudume as each speaker shared touching stories of her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith, painting a vivid picture of a woman who touched countless lives with her compassion and grace.

Taking turns to eulogise her, her childhood friends, classmates, mentees, the clergy, including Mr Efe Achudume and Professor Eniola Fabusoro and sister, Mrs. Yetunde Osinloju described her as a rare species who succeeded in breaking new grounds and was a rallying point for many.

Tributes from dignitaries and condolences including that of former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Mummy Folu Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Reverend Francis Wale Oke and His Eminence Papa Ayo Oritsejafor and family  were  well  acknowledged.

There were also  condolences from Archbishop Sam Amaga and family, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Bishop Felix and Reverend Funke Adejumo, Reverend. Dr. and Dr. Mrs Uma Ukpai, Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Dr Emma Isong and Family, Dr. Emmanuel Adekunle, The Bishop of the Egba Anglican Diocese and Chairman Ogun State Christian Association Of Nigeria, Pastor Femi Emmanuel and family, Prophet Muslim El-Buba and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi.

In addition were the Alake And Paramount Ruler Of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Osile-Oke Ona Egba and the Oloris, Olowu of Owu, Oba Saka Matemilola, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, Chief Mrs Alice Bola Obasanjo and Professor Çhinedum Babalola, Vice-Chancellor, Christland University.

The service included stirring performances by Mrs Lilian Nkeji, and Ayan Jesu, whose praise and worship led the congregation into a period of reflective joy and gratitude.