Olusegun Kehinde/
One wouldn’t have expected a church service on a work-day Monday morning in Lagos to record much attendance, but there was a large congregation at St. John’s Anglican Church, Iju-Ishaga on August 29, when a Thanksgiving was held for the diamond jubilee and successful retirement of a leading light in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), AIG Sholla David fdc, Psc (+).
Impressed by the attendance, the officiating Minister, the Lord Bishop, Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Reverend (Dr) James O. Odedeji expressed surprise at the number of clergymen at the service, wondering if AIG David had become one of the Apostles to have received such solidarity.
The Lord Bishop was assisted by Revd Adewale Sonuga, Revd Henry Ogundoro, Ven. Edmond Alieu, and Ven. Taiwo Arowolo, who is the Vicar/Archdeacon, Iju-Ishaga.
“Sixty years is not a joke,” the Lord Bishop said as he described AIG David as an outstanding officer and prayed for him and his family. He described the event as a Service of Joy.
Three days earlier, AIG David had celebrated his birthday with gifts, songs of praise, and dance at Little Saints Orphanage, at the Strong Tower House, Palmgrove Estate, Lagos.
Starting from 10 am, the service at St. John’s Anglican Church was buoyed by songs and sermons, sharing of the Holy Communion, amid benediction and episcopal blessings, before the ceremony later shifted to a reception at 15, Oba Ladejobi Street, GRA, Ikeja where friends, members of his church societies – Ambassadors in Christ, old schools’ alumni (St. Finbarr’s College and University of Ibadan), his Cadet Course 14 mates and professional colleagues had a field day of merrymaking, exchanging banters, and talking about their days in the service after the opening prayer by Prof. Soji Ilori.
Guests were also treated to cultural dance and recitations.
The Alumni Associations of the University of Ibadan and St. Finbarr’s College celebrated AIG David with songs and presented him with gifts.
The St. Finbarr’s team was led by veteran actor and broadcaster, Patrick Doyle.
“Eri omo wa bi… (Can you see our child?),” members of the UI Alumni Association chorused a song flaunting AIG David as a worthy Ambassador at the reception.
The UI Alumni Association, Lagos Branch, led by the Chairman – Otunba Salau Folaranmi, spoke about AIG David’s days at the Independence Hall of the Premier University and his social and sporting activities.
He said that the retired officer was a strong union member at UI, and he was the Sports Secretary.
While making a special presentation, Otunba Folaranmi and his team prayed that the rest of AIG David’s days shall be peaceful and in good health.
“Bookertee!”
That was the chorus when colleagues were asked at the reception to describe AIG David whom they have known for 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) with just one word.
The circle erupted with laughter, and the meaning of the nickname remained within the circle.
AIG David was described as a jolly good fellow, a God-fearing officer, and a kind man.
At the Church Service, Bishop Odedeji recited several bible passages to support his sermon, as he told the laities all he knew about the retired police officer.
He shared the AIG’s citation with the congregation and described him as a child of destiny from the first day he was born.
He said that he was attracted by his simplicity from the first day that he met him.
The AIG was accompanied by his wife, Tolulope, and one of his children – Mrs. Olaoluwa David Komolafe.
Bishop Odedeji congratulated the children for having a father that everybody is proud of. He prayed for the children that where their father has reached will be the beginning of their height.
At a point, the AIG and his wife were given trophy-like golden cups, that shone with brilliant effulgence, and asked to walk with the family down the aisle to the altar where the congregation joined them for the Eucharist administered by Bishop Odedeji.
Quoting copiously from Psalm 100, 103, John 15: 16, Matthew 25: 16, and Luke 10: 17, Bishop Odedeji taught the congregation how to appreciate God and why He is worthy to be praised.
On AIG David, he said, “He’s a man who started from nowhere. His parents were not poor, but his father died when he was 4.
“You’re in an attitude of gratitude, and your attitude will define your altitude.
“He has walked through many, many hazards. Is it professional hazards you want to talk about? Is it unfriendly friends? There are some before you’re born, who wish you dead. To God be the glory, you are here today.
“Is it as a fatherless child? Is it that of retiring without blemish and EFCC is not looking for him? Is it scandal?
“When I heard he was 60, I said wow!”
He thanked God for giving AIG David good children and that at 60, it’s a thing of joy for him to be carrying his grandchild.
The Lord Bishop added, “There’s no formula to stay alive, but God has kept his covenant and you are here today.”
He said that in Psalm 100, the bible tells us how to thank God, where to thank God, and why we must thank God.
“Psalm 100, verse 1 tells us how to thank God. It says: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
“Number 2: How do you serve God? Serve the Lord with gladness, which you have been doing. Come before his presence with singing.
“Why must we thank God? Verse 3 says ‘Know ye that the Lord is God. It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”
He also quoted verses 4 and 5 to support the sermon.
He told AIG David, “You have expectations from God, and God also has His expectations from you. Your being alive is not accidental. It is providential.
“Your lifestyle must continue to generate his praise. John 15: 16. Jesus said you have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and I have ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
Bishop Odedeji said that AIG David had been doing all that God required, so the provision from God will never seize in his family.
He urged him to ensure a continuous, uninterrupted relationship with His maker.
“The God that has kept you for 60 years deserves all your services; deserves all your gratitude,” he said. “At 60 is not a time to relax, join a secret cult, increase the number of your wives, not a time to become conceited and feel that I have achieved all.
“In Luke 10: 17 – The 72 returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ After 35 years of meritorious service to your nation, you have returned today. I don’t know what God can do for you that he has not done for you. Many people see you today as a role model.”
Guests at the event included retired AIG James Olatunji Olufemi Caulcrick and his wife; DIG Peter Ogunyanwo Rtd; AIG Olushola Subair Rtd; AIG Kenneth Ebrimson Rtd and his wife; AIG David Akinremi Rtd; AIG Imohimi Edgal Rtd and his wife; retired CP Olusola Amore and his wife; CP Bolaji Fafowora Rtd and his wife; CP Austin Odion Rtd; CP Abiodun Odude Rtd; CP Fimihan Adeoye Rtd; Mr. Taiwo Brown, and Mr. Christopher Akintemi.
Read More about AIG Sholla David’s life and career as presented by Rt Revd (Dr) James O. Odedeji: