It was an atmosphere of encomiums as children, family members, friends and well-wishers rolled out drums to celebrate the 70th birthday of Pastor Joshua Abiodun Faleye of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala-Irorun, Akure in a grand style.
Pastor Faleye was described as a man of impacts whose life has changed stories of many positively.
A colourful birthday party was held at Blissword Resorts and Hotels, Ijapo Estate Akure, Ondo State capital on Saturday January 8, 2022 shortly after a thanksgiving service as dignitaries extolled the virtues of Pastor Faleye at 70.
While speaking with journalists at the reception Architect Olumide Faleye, the first son of the celebrant said: “I am very happy today to celebrate my father during his life time. My father has been living a simple life of humility but with great impacts in all aspects of lives.
“Where ever I get to I always like to display some of the qualities my father inculcated into me while I was much younger. He has been a very honest man and he is a peace maker.
“We pray for him that God will bless him with long life and prosperity
On his part, Mr. Gbenga Obadaru, an in-law of Pastor Faleye, said: “Baba is a builder; he encouraged me to start up my farm business and many other people. We really appreciate him and we pray that God will grant him long life and sound health and that God will continue to help him to make heaven at the long run after his quality life.
Also speaking, Bode Omoye said: “Baba Faleye has impacted our lives positively and all the people around him. Today everybody is speaking well of him, it is because he took time to disciplined himself.
In is good will message, Mr. Kolawole Akintade popularly known as Wolab prayed that God will keep him to celebrate more years in good health and prosperity.
Also speaking, Mr. Mutau Olaitan Bolarinwa said Pastor Faleye has been working hard to give his children the best things of life which he said is worthy of emulation.
Also speaking Engr. Olamijulo Benjamin, a cousin to Pst. Faleye said Baba has been providing good leadership to the family with integrity praying for more of God’s grace for him and his entire family.
He said that the quality characters of Pastor Faleye are worthy of emulation pray for more prosperous life ahead.
The Wife of the celebrant, Mrs. Christiana Oluwaseun Faleye thanked God for the success of the occasion which she said has been a meaningful one following the challenges he went through in life
According to her,: “The Children, grandchildren and I encouraged him to have this kind of celebration because God saved him from three major accidents that could have made him to be on the wheel chair.
“Secondly God called him out of darkness into His Marvellous light, he went to theological School not because he wanted to be a pastor but God himself called him into His vineyard. For these and many other reasons we have to thank God.
She described her husband as a man who is accountable, handsome within and outside and a crown of her head.
“My prayer for him is that God in His infinite mercy will grant him long life and good health to see many years to come.
In his chat with journalists, the celebrant Pastor Joshua Abiodun Falyeye described his 70 years as a long journey with different challenges saying that he had seen thick and thin in life but God saw him through.
“I thank God for the journey so far, there are challenges and hard times but God helped me and I returned all the glory to Him. Jesus made it known to us that He has overcome on our behalf.
“To the glory of God I can say that I am fulfilled and I pray that God will continue to help my children to follow the noble path of righteousness.
“My future projection is to continue to make positive impacts in the life of people and my community and to make heaven ultimately.
He also used the occasion to appreciate all his guests that came from far and near and wish them journey mercies back to their various destinations.
The high point of the celebration was opening of dancing floor as people joined Pastor Faleye in giving thanks to God as guests were entertained with assorted food and drinks.