Rev'd Zacch Akanni, produce buyer: 'I was born 16 days after my father's death,' as he celebrates Golden Jubilee

Rev’d Zacch Akanni, produce buyer: ‘I was born 16 days after my father’s death,’ as he celebrates Golden Jubilee

Jeremiah OYELEKE

A clergyman in Ogbomoso Oyo state Rev’d Zaccheus Olausanjo Akanni has disclosed that he was born 16 days after the demise of his father, a fate he said condemned him to a life of intense struggles.

Rev’d Akanni who is also a produce buyer dealing in trading of cashew nuts, cocoa seeds and other farm produce told ogbomosoinsightonline.com, last week after celebrating his 50 years birthday.

An NCE holder he said it was tough navigating life with the passage of his father which left his upbringing solely to his mother, a peasant who had to engage in lots of menial labour to ensure he made a headway, expressing gratitude to God for how far he has gone today and described the occasion as a thanksgiving and not a party as such.

The thanksgiving programme held at St. Stephen Anglican Church, Atala, Wednesday, August 20, was attended by the creme-de-la-creme in the society including the Aresapa of Iresapa Oba Moses Olayiwola Ajiboye lll, his Olori and chiefs; the Bishop of the Anglican Communion Ogbomoso Diocese Rt. Rev’d Titus Babatunde Olayinka, Provost of St. David Anglican Church Agbonin and others.

Recalling, Rev’d Akanni narrated his life journey to Ogbomoso Insight.

“I was born on August 20, 1975 in Agbakun family, Ogbomoso, that was 16 days after my father’s death. My father passed away on August 4.

“My mother, Mama Oladoja Abeni Akanni who is now late faced a lot of challenges raising me, there was no one, she raised me all alone.

“I finished primary school at the age of 14 in 1989 and l had to attend four different primary schools before finishing at Oro DC Primary School near Iresapa in Surulere local government. This was due to inadequate finance. The chance of proceeding to a secondary school was bleak but thank God l won in 1989 a scholarship as one of the ten pupils with best results in the Primary School Leaving Certificate Examination offered by Surulere local government. Thus, l entered secondary school, Iresaadu Community High School.

“However, the scholarship was thwarted. But l managed with the efforts of my mother and due to my engagement in all manner of labour and farming to fund my secondary school education. I passed out in 1995.

“After secondary school, l joined the produce business (cocoa and cashew nuts trading) of my brother, Mr. Sayo Alagbe, as an apprentice. I did freedom in 1999.

“Thereafter, l was admitted to the St. Andrews College of Education, Oyo, on part time basis for my NCE finishing in 2002 (or 2003). I then got employment in Surulere local government during the tenure of Governor Lam Adesina. But the next governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja disengaged us in 2003. I thus faced my produce buying business.

“I got married in April 2005 to former Miss Christianah Oluwatoyin Ayano and the marriage is blessed with good children. In 2015, l received theological training at Emmanuel College of Theology, Samanda, Ibadan and obtained BE in Theology. I was ordained a pastor of the Anglican Communion in Ogbomoso by Rt. Rev’d Dr Titus Babatunde Olayinka, Bishop of Anglican Diocese Ogbomoso in 2019.

“After my graduation l was posted to pastor Good Shepherd Anglican Church Ile-Iwe and later got posted to where l am presently serving, Christ Anglican Church, Ogbegun. God has been good to me. It’s mercy l have received not by my power.”

He expressed gratitude to all who attended the event saying “they all made my day.