ABEOKUTA – Main Auditorium of the Victory Life Bible Church International was on Sunday filled to the brim as dignitaries from all walks of life converged to be part of a Special Thanksgiving Service marking an end of events held to celebrate the passing away of the Wife of the Lead Pastor, Reverend Fola Achudume.
In his sermon, Pastor Simeon Agbolabori of the Chapel Of Restoration admonished Nigerians to be hopeful of the afterlife as death is just a transition.
According to him, 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
Pastor Agbolabori emphasized that Reverend Fola Achudume did not 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 bossom.
He charged the church to stand strong and continue with the legacy of the departed fiery pastor.
“Don’t play church, don’t play religion, live your life in God,” he concluded.
The Widower, Apostle Lawrence Achudume while extolling the virtues of his late wife said that he is not mourning but rather rejoicing in the Lord for an eventful life well spent, noting that nobody can question God for his actions as he owes nobody any explanation.
The VLBC Lead Pastor submitted that he could not have wished for anyone better, adding that his late spouse was a perfect definition of “heaven-sent.”
Also, representatives from the Achudume and Adeshina families took to the podium to honor the remarkable life of Reverend Fola Achudume.
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.
They spoke of her enduring impact, not only within the family but also in the broader community, highlighting her role as a pillar of strength and a beacon of light.
Taking turns to eulogize 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 specie who succeeded in breaking new grounds and was a rallying point for many.
They added that she had the milk of human kindness flowing in her veins, always chose soothing words to drive home her points during gatherings, and had absolute faith in God.
The mood in the auditorium became tensed and lightened with humour as Reverend Fola’s best lady from her wedding to Apostle Lawrence Achudume shared her reflections, recalling the joy and love that Reverend Fola radiated on that special day and throughout her life. Her words were a testament to the enduring legacy of a woman whose life was a living example of devotion, love, and faithfulness.
Tributes from dignitaries and condolences were also acknowledged, Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Mummy Folu Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Reverend Francis Wale Oke and family, and His Eminence Papa Ayo Oritsejafor and family were among the long list of people who sent in their condolences.
Others are Archbishop Sam Amaga and family, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Bishop Felix, and Reverend Funke Adejumo, Reverend. Dr. and Dr. Mrs. Uma Ukpai, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Dr. Emma Isong and Famly, 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 Chinedum Babalola, Vice-Chancellor, Christian 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. As the music echoed throughout the auditorium, attendees were reminded that Reverend Achudume’s legacy of faith and service would live on in the hearts of the Christian faithful.
