By Seyifunmi Odunuga
The Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Ibadan on Sunday, July 28, 2024 was filled to the brim as monarchs, political bigwigs, movers, shakers in the entertainment industry, business stakeholders, academia and host of others.
Gathered to celebrate the gospel music legend, Evangelist ( Dr) Mrs Funmi Aragbaiye who dedicated a foundation for the less privileged, called Zion Foundation, as she also launched biography, while celebrating her 70th birthday anniversary.
The event started at exactly 1pm with the opening prayer said by Pastor Oyelaja, followed by opening hymn rendered by all invited guests, present at the occasion.
Exhortation was performed by the spiritual father of the day, Pastor Enock Adejare Adeboye, ably represented by national overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande who later invited the celebrant, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaiye to the stage for prayer.
Thereafter, the welcome address was delivered by the celebrant, Evangelist (Dr) Mrs Funmi aragbaiye. In her address, she appreciated all the dignitaries present at the occasion, including the Ooni of Ife, Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) and former Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Dr. Issa Yuguda.
Evangelist Aragbaiye in her statement, said ” today is an epoch occasion for me, a day to give glory to God for over four decades in the gospel music ministry.
Aragbaiye continued, “I am filled with gratitude and excitement to share this journey with each and every one of you today”.
“Writing this book has been a labour of love, a journey of self – discovery and a testament to the power of perseverance, a culmination of late nights, early mornings and countless moments of doubt and triumph”.
She added that she held onto the unwavering belief that her story needed to be told, hence, it stands before everyone in the form of the book.
assisted by Evangelist Dr Toun Soetan
Thereafter, less privileged (blinds) came on stage to render their special songs, followed by the speech of Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi who lauded the gospel music Icon, Funmi Aragbaiye.
Ooni pointed out that despite his tight schedule, he rushed down from Abuja and would still go back that day, stressing that Mama Aragbaiye paid her due and is now reaping the fruit of her labour.
He prayed for her long life, before Oba Adeyeye now faced the invited guests and asked who could sing 10 of Evangelist, Funmi Aragbaiye’s album.
A woman came out and sang all the songs and won 500 thousand naira from the Ooni, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi who later presented an award courtesy Evangelist (Dr ) Funmi Aragbaiye.
During an interview with the woman who won N500,000 money from Ooni, she expressed happiness to get such reward on that day, also stated that she had three events to attend, but her mind told her to cancel the other two and attend Evangelist Aragbaiye’s birthday.
She disclosed that when Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi came, it struck her mind that something positive was going to happen to her. “Sir, I was excited because I never expected this. Thank you so much, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife”, she enthused.
Other awards were received by former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo, former Governor of Bauchi State His Excellency Dr. Issa Yuguda and other important dignitaries.
Thereafter, Chief Ebenezer Obey was invited to the stage to perform and he dazzled all the invited guests present at the occasion, while the cutting of the cake was coordinated by the former governor of bauchi state, Dr Issa Yuguda, followed by the performances of the popular juju musician, Taiwo Omotunde and the fast rising gospel musician, Kenny Ologoara.
During an interview with Queen of red carpet, Fola Slim, children, friends and families all lauded the gospel music legend, Aragbaiye as a brave woman who always lay a good example for the people who love to be like her in the future.
Former chairman, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State ( BCOS) Mr Yanju Adegbite anchored the event, assisted by Feranmi Babalola and Funmilayo Ilesanmi while the event was covered by Apreel1 Events Television.