*ODODE IDANRE ON WORLD MAP, AS PRELATE METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA ,OLIVER ALI ABA INSTALLS CHIEF AKINNAGBE AS PIONEER LAY PRESIDENT*
Come Sunday 14th January, 2024, all roads lead to the hilly town of Odode -Idanre in Ondo State, Nigeria, as the ancient and historic town play host to the low and high across the world and all walks of life as the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, MCN, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Aba inaugurate the new Diocese of the Church in Idanre.
Two major events will mark out the event. These are the enthronement of Rt Revd Matthew Falade as the pioneer Bishop of the new Idanre Diocese and installation of Chief Akinbamidele Akinnagbe, The Ajiware Okunrin Ijo of Methodist Cathedral, Gbogi Akure and Permanent Secretary Ondo State Universal Basic Education Board, Akure as the pioneer Lay President of the Diocese.
The history of the new Diocese will definitely be incomplete without the contributions of many faithfuls and citizens of idanre, especially, that of Chief Ajiware of Methodist Church, Gbogi and incoming first Lay President of the new Diocese on Sunday, Chief Akinbamidele Akinnagbe.
Akinnagbe who started his career as a Class Teacher at Methodist High School, Odode -Idanre immediately after his University education at the Obafemi Awolowo University OAU Ile – Ife and National Youth Service, was the first old student to teach at his alma mater. He is a staunch member of the Church and a role model in selfless and Community service deploying his talents and resources to the development of his immediate society particularly the Church.
No wonder many who have been following the trajectory of his history in the Community, The Church and his meteoric rise within the ranks and file of the Church and Public Service of Ondo State were not surprised with his elevation to the enviable position of the Lay President of the brand new Diocese.To them it is a well deserved appointment.
Born over 50 years ago at Odode-Idanre to the family of Pa Isaiah Akinnagbe his grand father and one of the early converts to the Methodist Church of Nigeria at Oke -Idanre, the young Akinbamidele has laid his hand on the plow and never looked back following the footsteps of his grand father and later that of his father Hon chief Samuel Akinnagbe and growing in the vineyard of God under the tutelage of several men of God. His mother Chief Mrs Christiana Akinnagbe, the Iya-Egbe Idapo elect of Wesley Methodist Church, Idanre is a woman of virtues.
The in coming Lay President started serving in the Church as member of Choir for years at Methodist Church, idale, Idanre now the seat of the Bishop. He was also a member of Boy’s brigade, first Idanre company, Patron Boy’s brigade, MCN, Gbogi, Akure and President Men’s Fellowship Methodist Cathedral Gbogi, Akure.
Chief Akinbamidele who has served in many capacities in the Church was the Chairman harvest committee Gbogi, Akure for many years and Secretary Working Committee for the creation of MCN, Diocese of Idanre.
As part of the activities line up for the inauguration.of the new MCN Diocese of Idanre include a welcome ceremony for the Prelate His Eminence Oliver Alli Aba and dedication of the new Bishop’s House, built and donated by one of the illustrious sons of the Church, by the Prelate on Sat. 13th January, 2024 by 4pm.
After his primary and secondary education at idanre, Chief Akinbamidele Akinnagbe attended the Federal School of Art & Science Ondo, FSASON for his Advanced Level (A/L) between 1988 & 89 and Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU as well as Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba -Akoko where he graduated with Bsc Hons in Political Science and Masters in Public Administration respectively.
Chief Akinbamidele Akinnagbe is a long standing member of the Chattered Institute of Personnel Management, Nigeria Institute of Management and Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria where he has been conferred with the fellow of the Institute in 2021.
*Prince Bolu Diesel Ajijo*
Director of Press & Public Relations
Ondo SUBEB
