As a recognition for his unrelenting commitment towards socio-economic economic development of the less privileged members of the society, Prophet Gabriel Ademola Olasunbo popularly known as Agbala Gabriel, has been honored with the prestigious Oyo State Ambassador of Peace Award.
The popular Ibadan based preacher was honored by the Office of Interfaith Affairs under the Office of the executive Governor of Oyo state.
Presenting the award on Tuesday, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Interfaith Affairs, Reverend Femi Ibikunle appreciated Agbala Gabriel for his dedication and commitment to his calling in the vineyard of God while commending the clergy for his selflessness towards the upliftment of those in need regardless of religious or ethnic affinity stressing that Oyo state and Nigeria need more of individuals like the clergy for a better society.
Rev. Ibikunle, a member of the Infernational World Peace Advocate under the United Nations, equally stated that Agbala Gabriel was singled out from the Christian community in the state for the award in recognition of his track record of uplifting the poor out of poverty while promoting harmony, peaceful coexistence, and unity across all the religions in the state.
Rev. Ibikunle emphasized that the selflessness of Agbala Gabriel in his service to humanity aligns with the vision of Governor Seyi Makinde which is evident in the public peace and tranquility devoid of any form of interfaith acrimony or crisis since 2019 stressing that the present administration in Oyo state would continue to promote an egalitarian society built on the principles of equity, fairness and justice.
The governor’s aide also disclosed that Agbala Gabriel was not around to receive his award last year (2023) alongside other notable personalities such as the Chairman of Agidigbo FM, Dr Oriyomi Hamzat and the ‘Araba’ of Ibadanland when the event held to recognize their service towards poverty eradication through philanthropy, commitments to public peace and religious harmony in the state.
While regretting the recent turn of event on social media with regards to his act of benevolence to one of the numerous persons he has helped to improve on their living conditions and quality of life, Ibikunle reaffirmed that the body of Christ in the state remains strongly behind the clergy in prayers and supplications to God.
While making several inferences to the Bible in his remarks to encourage Agbala Gabriel to not be distracted from continuing on his path, Rev. Ibikunle maintained that the recent event was a test of faith meant to strengthen his relationship with God and as such, should be seen as a blessing in disguise designed to elevate him to greater height in both his personal life and ministry.
Rev. Ibikunle therefore, delivered the admonitions and charge of the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo state chapter, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, a retired colonel, to Agbala Gabriel urging him to remain steadfast in the Lord and not yield to evil machinations and manipulative tools for distraction by the devil.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after meeting with Agbala Gabriel, Rev. Ibikunle said: “Pastor Gabriel has exemplified the principles of selflessness and compassion by dedicating his life to serving others irrespective of creed, religion, or ethnicity.
“As the founder of several grassroots initiatives aimed at addressing social inequalities and empowering the underprivileged, his tireless efforts have touched countless lives and inspired positive change within Oyo state and beyond.
“Numerous outreach programs have been carried out using his social media platforms to provide essential support services such as provision of shelter, healthcare, and socio-economic empowerment to those in need and these are parts of the primary mandate of a genuine preacher of the gospel called into the vineyard of God as a minister.
“This line of dedication and commitment clealy align with the vision of my leader, father and mentor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, in his stride to make Oyo state a truly egalitarian society where Christians, Muslims, and traditional worshippers can sit on the same table as brothers and sisters bound by the same destiny as a people.
“Even fathers of faith from both home and abroad including our CAN Chairman in the state, retired colonel, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, have all reached out to me on the recent turn of event regarding his most recent act of usual benevolence where the enemy tried to twist the story to his disadvantage but because God always justifies the just, he has not only vindicated Agbala Gabriel on the matter but has also raised men and women to stand in the gap for him in prayers.” Rev Ibikunle said.
In his short remarks, Agbala Gabriel, who could not contain his joy and excitement expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for the award which he described as a treasure worth more than a billion naira gift to him. He also thanked Reverend Ibikunle for using his office as a gospel tool to drive societal transformation and positive change in the state. He equally offered special prayers for governor Makinde and the present administration.
Credit: Western mirror News