By Laide Akinboade, Abuja 

Prominent Nigerians, politicians, religious leaders at the weekend gathered to celebrate the 60th birthday of Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the General Superintendent of Christ Holy Church International and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.

Among the dignitaries in attendance included former Head of State Yakubu Gowon,  

Alh.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG); John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, and the wife of the President, Oluremi Tinubu, who was represented by Dame Uloma Ekaette Akpabio, the wife of the Senate President.

General overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, in his goodwill message a thr occasion declared that his sun will not set yet. 

Also at the event, former head of state and elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon, congratulated the CAN president and prayed that God Almighty will continue to give him the grace to give good leadership to all Christians in the nation.

He urged him to do his best to maintain good relationship between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria.

Adeboye recalled that a “little over 21 years ago, as I was approaching the age of 60, my people were getting excited and getting ready for the celebration. I was a bit distressed.

“I was distressed because I knew the assignment that God had given me. He wanted me to plant a branch of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in all nations of the world.

“But at that time, we were only in 56 nations of the world. So, I looked at my life, and I said, Oh, God, I am not even halfway to where you want me to be. And yet the sun was about to set because I was approaching 60.

“Because in Nigeria, as we all know, it’s a miracle to even be 70. But then God spoke to me, and I believe what he said to me is what he is saying to you. He said to me, Son, I decide when the sun sets. 21 years later the sun has not set yet,” he said.

In a heartfelt speech, Cardinal Onaiyekan expressed his joy at joining the celebration.  

“60 years is an important milestone in the life of a man,” he said, and went on to praise the achievements of Archbishop Okoh.  

He reminisced about their time working together at the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, saying “it was a marvelous working together with one heart and mind in the Lord Jesus.”

Representing the country’s Muslim community, the Sultan of Sokoto lauded Okoh’s unwavering commitment and leadership within the Christian community.  

“As a leader, you have demonstrated exceptional qualities of humility, integrity, and resilience. Your selfless service has left an indelible mark on the lives of individuals and groups that you have touched,” he said in his written goodwill message”.

In his response, the celebrant, Archbishop Okoh, expressed gratitude for the caliber of people in attendance.  

Notable among them was the former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, retd, accompanied by ministers, governors, representatives from the diplomatic corps, and traditional rulers from both Christian and Muslim communities.