Ronke Kehinde/
It was a moment of deep emotions, heartfelt appreciation, and joyful celebration on Sunday, May 24, 2026, as members, ministers, leaders, and well-wishers gathered at RCCG Solomon’s Porch for the grand send-forth ceremony in honour of Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Adebowale Orekoya.
The atmosphere in the church auditorium was filled with gratitude to God as the congregation celebrated a couple whose years of sacrificial service left indelible marks on the church and the lives of many members. From the beautifully decorated auditorium to the warm fellowship among attendees, the event reflected the love and honour the church family holds for the outgoing pastor and his wife.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by Assistant Pastor Funke Mogaji, who committed the entire programme into God’s hands. Thereafter, Deacon Adepoju Aderemi warmly recognized and welcomed distinguished guests, ministers of God, elders, church leaders, and members present at the occasion.

Among the highly revered ministers in attendance were Pastor Obed Ademulewo, PICP LP 37 and APICR Region 61; Pastor Samuel Taiwo Olowogorioye, Solomon’s Porch Resident Pastor and APICP Admin LP37; Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Orekoya; and several pastors who accompanied Pastor Orekoya from Lagos Province 49. These included Pastor Osakwe Sunny (APICP), Pastor Osirike Robinson (APICP CSIC), Pastor Odunaike (PICZ), Pastor Alo (PICZ), Pastor Sriggs (PICZ), Pastor Olasugba Idome (PICZ), Pastor Odufunla (PICZ), Pastor Ken Nwosa (PICZ), Pastor Abiola (PICZ), Pastor Olusoga (PICZ), Elder Olugbemi, National Elder, and Pastor Mrs. Bolutayo (HOD).
Delivering the speech on behalf of the planning committee, Assistant Pastor Fagbola described the day as one filled with “mixed emotions — gratitude to God for a life of impact and a sense of parting.” He praised Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Orekoya for their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the work of God throughout their years at Solomon’s Porch.
According to him, Pastor Orekoya served not only as a shepherd, but also as a teacher and father whose wisdom, humility, and sound teachings strengthened the faith of many members and contributed immensely to the spiritual and physical growth of the church. He also appreciated members of the planning committee for their collaboration, sacrifice, and commitment in ensuring the success of the send-forth ceremony.

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by the Redeemer’s School and the Junior Church, as children and teachers expressed gratitude and love to the outgoing pastor and his wife. Their presentations stirred emotions among members who reflected on the tremendous role the couple played in nurturing both spiritual and moral growth within the church community.
The Solomon’s Porch Choir also rendered a powerful ministration that lifted the atmosphere with worship and thanksgiving. The congregation joined in songs of praise as memories of impactful years flooded hearts across the auditorium.
Pastor Obed Ademulewo delivered a short but powerful exhortation titled, “Mind Your Footsteps.” He warned that every mistake made by believers brings reproach not only to God but also to the General Overseer, urging members to guard their conduct diligently. His Bible texts were taken from Psalms 17:5 and Psalms 89:51.
He further charged members to remain steadfast in the faith and to appreciate faithful servants of God while they still have the opportunity. Pastor Ademulewo commended Pastor Orekoya for his exceptional leadership and prayed for greater grace upon the next phase of his ministry.

The reading of the profile of Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Orekoya by Mrs. Essien Humphrey further revealed the depth of their achievements and contributions during their tenure, which began in September 2018 and concluded officially on August 31, 2025.
Under Pastor Orekoya’s administration, RCCG Solomon’s Porch witnessed remarkable infrastructural and spiritual transformation. Among the notable achievements recorded were the reconstruction of the church altar, construction of the church gallery, installation of modern POP ceilings, and the successful relocation of Redeemer’s School from rented apartments to the church premises.
Spiritually, the church experienced revival and increased fellowship through impactful programmes initiated during his tenure, including Super Sundays of Divine Encounter, African Praise Sunday, Hymnal Sunday, Lord Torch My Situation, and Special Time with Jesus. He also demonstrated passion for evangelism and kingdom expansion through the establishment of the Harvesters Group outreach centres.
Pastor (Mrs.) Christy Orekoya was equally celebrated for her compassion and dedication to welfare and family development within the church. Her “Jesus Market” initiative provided support for the needy and less privileged, while the Family Weekend programme strengthened homes and promoted unity among families in the church.
Recorded testimonies from members added emotional depth to the event, as many recounted how God used the couple to transform lives, restore homes, encourage struggling families, and strengthen believers spiritually.
The presentation of gifts by the church and various natural groups, coordinated by Pastor Samuel Taiwo Olowogorioye, became another touching moment as members expressed their appreciation through various presentations and tributes.
In their appreciation speech, Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Orekoya expressed profound gratitude to God and the entire church family for the love, support, and cooperation they received throughout their stay at Solomon’s Porch. They thanked members for standing with them through every season and encouraged the church to remain united and committed to God’s work.
“As you cooperated with me, kindly extend the same support and cooperation to your new pastor,” Pastor Orekoya said.
In his closing remarks, Pastor Samuel Taiwo Olowogorioye paid glowing tribute to Pastor Obed Ademulewo, acknowledging the profound spiritual impact he has had on his life and ministry.
“When I resumed in this parish and discovered that Pastor Obed Ademulewo would be my immediate boss, I prayed to God to grant me a double portion of the grace upon his life,” he said.
“By the grace of God, I have enjoyed divine favour throughout my 26 years in ministry, but within the last eight months of serving here, I have experienced favour on an entirely different level. Today, I am operating in uncommon favour.”
He further appealed to fellow ministers not to take spiritual leadership for granted, warning against the mistake made by the sons of the prophets in the Bible.
“It was only after Elijah was taken away that the sons of the prophets realized what they had lost. We must learn to value and appreciate the grace of God upon our leaders while we still have the opportunity,” he added.
A special prayer session led by Pastor Obed Ademulewo followed, where fervent prayers were offered for divine strength, greater anointing, and continued success in the new assignment ahead of the couple.
The event concluded with a closing prayer by Pastor Mrs. Ademulewo.
Indeed, the send-forth ceremony was more than a farewell gathering; it was a celebration of impactful leadership, faithful service, sacrifice, humility, and enduring love for God’s kingdom. Though Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Adebowale Orekoya may have physically moved on from RCCG Solomon’s Porch, their legacy remains deeply engraved in the hearts of the church family.
As members departed the auditorium, one thing was evident — Solomon’s Porch had not merely hostfed pastors; it had been blessed with shepherds whose footprints will continue to inspire generations to come.
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