Golden Jubilee: First Baptist Church, Oko-Oba, honours Senior Citizens, celebrates five decades of ministry

Michael Olumide Alabi

First Baptist Church, Oko-Oba, Lagos, has celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand style, with a week-long programme featuring the recognition of senior citizens, worship services, and thanksgiving, as the church reflected on five decades of spiritual growth, community service and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith.

The church, one of the leading congregations in the Ireti-Ogo Baptist Association (IOBA), is under the leadership of its Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Peter O. Oyebanji.

The anniversary celebrations commenced on July 25, 2026, with a special programme dedicated to honouring elderly members from churches across the Ireti-Ogo Baptist Association.

The event, which has become an annual tradition in the church, was the fourth edition of its Senior Citizens’ Celebration. Fifteen elderly men and women were honoured with plaques and gifts in recognition of their faithfulness, commitment and contributions to the growth of the church and society.

Speaking during the event, Rev. Dr. Oyebanji described the celebration as scriptural, spiritual and cultural, noting that honouring the elderly is one of the ways believers demonstrate obedience to God’s command and embrace the covenant of long life.

He encouraged the senior citizens to remain steadfast in their walk with God, stressing that advancing age should not diminish their commitment to God’s work.

Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the cleric cited Joshua 13, where God told Joshua that, despite his old age, there was still much land to possess.

According to him, the passage serves as a reminder that God’s purpose for His children does not end because of age, but continues as long as they remain faithful and available for His service.

The celebration featured vibrant praise and worship sessions led by the church choir, prayers, goodwill messages, and the presence of ministers of God, family members and friends who joined in celebrating the honoured senior citizens.

As part of the Golden Jubilee activities, Rev. Dr. Peter O. Oyebanji also celebrated his 50th birthday on August 1, 2026, adding another significant milestone to the church’s anniversary celebrations.

The week-long programme concluded on Sunday, August 2, with a thanksgiving service held at the church auditorium, where members expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the past five decades.

Church members described the Golden Jubilee as a memorable celebration of God’s grace, unity and enduring impact, while reaffirming their commitment to advancing the church’s mission in the years ahead.