It was another impressive turnout of Christians in Ijebuland for the annual over 25-years old gathering at Ijebu-Ode Tunwase Court palatial mansion of the late banking doyen, Otunba Subomi Balogun to offer praises and prayers to the Almighty God for a joyous 2025 year.
The occasion is also used to pray for the late banking doyen, who was the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland and the host of the annual gathering during his life times.
This year's message was tagged 'Hope for the nation and things shall get better for the year.
The event which had in attendance the wife of the late business mogul and some of his children also attracted former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Remoland and Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district as well as the newly installed Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland, Chief Chris Osinowo.
Other dignitaries at the occasion were the Olor'oogun Sonny Kuku, Prof. Toyin Ashiru as well as array of traditional rulers and High chiefs both from Ijebu and Lagos State.
Speaking after the words of exhortation delivered by Rev. Ayeni, the CAN Chairman for Ijebu-Ode South Local Govt Rev. Wasiu Olalekan in his address to the congregation described the late Subomi Balogun as a man of faith and religion during his life times.
The clergyman said, "Baba Subomi has lived a good life and left a good Christian legacy for all of his children, the family as well as the the Christians across the country.
"It's another year of greater hope for the federation, Jesus is the hope for our salvation, as we are proceeding in the journey of this year, let's gather more to continue in praying for the nation, this country deserves prayers from us.
"Let's continue to be praying for our leaders, in our churches, let's be praying and seeking for God's grace".
"We are glad that baba has gone to be with his creator, this is the second time we are celebrating this glorious event in his absence, we all missed his dancing steps like what we all just did, dancing to appreciate God.
"But like I said earlier, we are quite excited with the legacies of Godliness that baba Subomi left behind, this remain a challenge that each and everyone of us must emulate so that we too can reign with Christ when the time comes."
Speaking briefly during the programme, Olori Abimbola Balogun appreciated the large turn-out for the annual prayer gathering.
"She said "This is another event after the death of Otunba, I appreciate the clergymen for your supports, all royal fathers present as well as the children who are doing so much to preserve the worthy legacies of their father".
In his remark, one of the late Subomi Balogun's children who doubles as Group Chief Executive of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Mr. Ladi Balogun appreciated the royal fathers, and all invited guests present at the gathering.
Mr Balogun said "Ijebus has always been staying with us, I sincerely appreciate everyone present at this yearly meeting, I pray for the realisation of Ijebu State, may God answer all our prayers in this new year of 2025".
The Senator representing Ogun East senatorial district, Otunba Gbenga Daniel while speaking at the event urged the people to hold unto God and believe that this new year will usher in great and manifold blessings for them.
Senator Daniel said "I personally appreciate everyone who have taken their time to be at this yearly gathering of the children of God, the royal fathers have never disappointed us, they have always been part of this new year programme.
"I want to thank everyone on the side of our late father too, the wife, her junior sister, Mrs. Atere, the children and other dignitaries here seated.
"Otunba Subomi was a great man when he was alive, he made an indelible impact in the life of the people, he left behind for us legacies of selflessness, steadfastness, dedicated service to God and love for others, and thank God that we are all here to keep the dream alive.
"My prayers is that the Almighty God will continue to uphold us all and preserve us to celebrate many more years".