’Yinka ADETUNJI
Success attracts honour and glory, this cliché recently came to life in the life trajectory of Reverend Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), following the launching of an album titled, “Ogo Baptist” (The glory of Baptist), dedicated to him, by Alula Gospel Music International.
The launching ceremony held at Agboye Baptist Church, Oyo, was attended personally by Rev’d Supo Ayokunle (who doubles as president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC), alongside some other eminent Baptist clergies including presidents of the Oyo Baptist Conference, Rev’d Dr. Samuel Eyitayo; Ogbomoso Baptist Conference, Rev’d Dr. Niyi Ojo; Ibadan Baptist Conference, Rev’d Dr. Stephen Adeyemi Adekunle and Osun Baptist Conference, Rev’d Dr. Kolawole. Pastor of Agboye Baptist Church, Oyo, Rev’d Dr. Adeolu Adegboyega, was also on ground to host the guests.
Speaking at the event, Rev’d. Ayokunle commended Ambassador Kehinde Aworinde a.k.a. Alula International and his wife for their thoughtfulness in honouring him through the album.
He enthused that the couple were the first to produce an album dedicated to the NBC while praying for them for greater glory.
“This is the first album dedicated to the Baptist in Nigeria. I am proud and I am very happy. I am as well surprised that something like this happened. I pray the producer will continue to wax stronger.”
Delivering the sermon, with passage from Hebrew 6:9-12, Rev’d. Dr. Adekunle, president, Ibadan Baptist Conference, eulogized the honouree reminding him that God would not forget his work and the love he had demonstrated to God’s people urging him to remain steadfast in the Lord.
The programme also witnessed inauguration of patrons and patronesses of the gospel group.
The album, which has three tracks, namely, “I’m proud to be a Baptist,” “Ogo Baptist” and “Ijala Ogo Baptist,” is very engaging and well produced.
In a chat with ogbomosoinsightonline.com, Aworinde, who is in the Nigerian Police Force, disclosed he was inspired to produce the album to honour Ayokunle for his contributions to the growth of the Baptist and Christianity generally.
“We are inspired to wax the album because he is completing his term soon. The album is to honour him in view of his contributions to the NBC and CAN as a whole.”
He expressed joy that Ayokunle attended the programme in person stating, “It is uncommon grace we received, many did not believe he would grace the programme but he surprised everybody. To God be the glory.”
He continued, “The title of the album is very deep – Ogo Baptist (The glory of Baptist) – it arouses people’s curiosity. I advise people to be committed to seeking the glory of where they come from. The preacher that day said, ‘someone has produced Ogo Baptist, what will be your own contribution to uplift your denomination?’”
Aworinde, who emerged the national chief (president) of the Association of Professional Drummers of Nigeria, APDON, by defeating his challenger from Lagos state, submitted that his goal is to move the association to the next level and be an inspiration to its members.
He pointed out that musicians mindlessly cheat drummers asserting that he is poised to improve on the situation by engaging musicians.
Asked how drummers are cheated, he stated, “In many ways, artistes take huge invitation fee but hand peanuts to drummers, thereby pauperizing our members. That is part of what we want to correct, they need to realize that we are partners, that without drummers they can’t perform.
“That is why they say, “Ilu ni Baba orin, laisi ilu, olorin o le da orin ko, ilu ni baba orin (Drum is superior to singing, without drumming, the musician can’t sing, drum is the father of singing).”
Aworinde popularly called Alula, was full of gratitude to all those who attended the programme assuring that more albums would come from his stable.
