Felicia Hall, Jogor Centre, Ibadan, on Sunday, July 28, 2024, was filled to the brim as monarchs, political bigwigs, movers and shakers in the entertainment industry, business stakeholders, academia and a host of others gathered to celebrate the 70th birthday of gospel music legend, Evangelist (Dr.) Funmi Aragbaiye.
Aragbaiye also dedicated a foundation for the less privileged, called the Zion Foundation, and launched her biography during the event.
The event kicked off at precisely 1 p.m. with a prayer from Pastor Oyelaja, an opening hymn performed by all guests in attendance, and an exhortation from the spiritual leader of the day, Pastor Enock Adejare Adeboye, ably represented by the national overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande. Pastor Sunday Akande then invited the celebrant, Evangelist Funmi Aragbaiye, to the stage for prayer.
Thereafter, the welcome address was delivered by the celebrant, Evangelist (Dr.) Funmi Aragbaiye. In her address, she appreciated all the dignitaries present at the occasion, including the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), and the former Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Dr. Issa Yuguda. Evangelist Aragbaiye said in her statement, “Today is an epoch occasion for me, a day to give glory to God for over four decades in the gospel music ministry. A day for the official launch of my biography, a day for the formal dedication of my foundation for the less privileged in our society, called Zion Foundation and a day to thank God for attaining the age of 70.
Aragbaiye continued, ” I am filled with gratitude and excitement to share this journey with each of you today.” Writing this book has been a labour of love, a journey of self-discovery and a testament to the power of perseverance, a culmination of late nights, early mornings and countless moments of doubt and triumph.”
She added that she held onto the unwavering belief that her story needed to be told, hence, it stands before everyone in the form of the book.
She rounded off the welcome address by singing one of her evergreen records,
assisted by Evangelist Dr Toun Soetan
Thereafter, less privileged (blinds) came on stage to render their special songs, followed by the speech of Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi who lauded the gospel music Icon, Dr. Funmi Aragbaiye, pointing out that despite his tight schedule, he rushed down from Abuja and would still go back that day. He stressed that Mama Aragbaiye paid her due and is now reaping the fruit of her labour. He prayed for her long life before Oba Adeyeye now faced the guests and asked who could sing 10 of Evangelist, Funmi Aragbaiye’s album.
A woman came out and sang all the songs and won N500,000.00 from Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, who later presented an award courtesy of Evangelist (Dr) Funmi Aragbaiye.
The former president of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Okikiola Obasanjo, the former governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency Dr. Issa Yuguda, and other significant dignitaries all received additional awards.
During an interview with REPORTERS AT LARGE, the woman who won N500,000 from Ooni said she was very happy to get such money on that day. She stated that she had three events to attend, but her mind told her to cancel the other two and attend Evangelist Aragbaiye’s birthday.
She disclosed that when Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi came, it struck her mind that something positive was going to happen to her.
“Sir, I was excited because I never expected this. “Thank you very much, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni of Ife,” she exclaimed.
Following that, Chief Ebenezer Obey was invited to the stage to perform, and he dazzled all of the guests in attendance, while the former governor of Bauchi State, Dr Issa Yuguda, coordinated the cake cutting, which was followed by performances by popular juju musician Taiwo Omotunde and rising gospel musician Kenny Ologoara.
During an interview with the Queen of the Red Carpet, Fola Slim, children, friends, and family praised the gospel music legend, Aragbaiye, as a brave woman who always sets a good example for those who want to be like her in the future.
Former chairman of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), Mr Yanju Adegbite, anchored the event, assisted by Feranmi Babalola and Funmilayo Ilesanmi.
