15 YEARS AFTER: ELDER JOHN A IKELEGBE REMEMBERED..... As Children Hold Memorial and Anniversary Service

"The Late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe was a man of peace and strong believer in God, and will be proud knowing that his children have carried on strong despite his demise, 15 years ago"..... Presiding Pastor Rev. Adeoluwa.

Family and friends of the Late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe gathered on Sunday, 31st January, 2021 to remember their patriarch who passed on to be with his Maker, on January 28, 2006.

The memorial service and anniversary which was held at the Chapel of Praise international church, Barnawa Kaduna, saw the children expressing their gratitude to God Almighty for keeping them going in spite of the obvious challenges in the society.

In his sermon, the Senior pastor Rev. David Okonnah of the Chapel of Praise international church commended the children of the late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe for remaining ever so united and strong in the presence of God Almighty and the Church.

The Presiding Pastor Rev. Adeoluwa also enjoined the children to remember that their father, the Late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe was a man of peace and strong believer in God, stressed that their father will be proud knowing that his children have carried on strong despite his demise, 15 years ago.

He urged them to continue to be of good behaviour as the Church will forever remember them in their prayers and wished them the best in life.

Responding on behalf of his siblings, the first Son of the John Ikelegbe Dynasty, Mr. Isaac Oniovosa Ikelegbe thanked the Church, family and friends for the honour given them to stand by them all through these years.

He noted that the prayers and kind thoughts of the members of the Chapel of Praise church, Kaduna has been of immense support to them over these past 15 years especially when their beloved mother, Abigail Ikelegbe went to join her husband and best friend in the presence of the Lord, in the year 2020.

"We cannot thank the Church, its wonderful members and of course, the Pastors, Elders and leadership enough, for all of their prayers and well wishes, which we shall forever appreciate and hold dear".

"God Almighty, in His awesome goodness and infinite mercy shall forever be with you all", he prayed.

In her appreciation, Ms Frances Oghale Ikelegbe, first daughter of the late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe, described Chapel of Praise as home to her and her family.

"This is home", she said.

"Everything I have learnt about God and Christ started from this very auditorium of the Chapel of Praise church, Barnawa Kaduna as a very young child and I am very grateful to the entire Church for their love and support", she stated.

"I thank everyone who took out time to be here with us, stronger and united throughout these 15 years of our father's passing on to Glory. I pray that the good Lord will also stand by everyone of you as you have been with us".

She prayed for the Lord's mercies to accompany everyone back to their various homes safely.

Mr. Hobson Oghogho Ikelegbe thanked the Church and its members, including family and friends for their show of love in honouring their invite to remember their father; a wonderful friend, teacher and counsellor.

He prayed for God to remember everyone for their immense support, prayers and counsel over these 15 years.

"We cannot thank you enough for being by us, in prayers and thoughts. Our God will bless you all and make your life, pleasurable", he prayed.

For Ms Joy Ajiri Ikelegbe, the last child of the late Elder John Ikelegbe, it was all gratitude to the Church, the Presiding Pastor and every member gathered.

"I recall, as a young child, seeing my beloved father close his eyes for the last time. That memory still sticks in me", she stated.

She however said that God Almighty, in His infinite mercies has never abandoned them or caused them to grieve.

"He is a Merciful and Wonderful Father for He has remained ever faithful and true to us", she noted.

"Chapel of Praise Church,  Barnawa Kaduna remains home to us the children of Late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe. Your support and kind thoughts and presence in all our activities is highly appreciated so much that it cannot be quantified. The good Lord bless you all", she said.

Mr. Jerry Okeoghene Ikelegbe, the second child of the Late Elder John Anorutai Ikelegbe, in his speech, noted that the Church has indeed played its expected role of being home and school to the fatherless. 

"The Chapel of Praise Barnawa Kaduna and its leadership has remained a strong pillar behind us in all of the past years. On behalf of my siblings and i, we say many thanks for everything you represent in our lives. The Lord Almighty bless and keep you going for everyone here", he said.