Pastor Captain Afonja: An icon turns 81
Femi OGUNLANA
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Today, August 5, marks the 81st birthday of an icon, a retired naval officer, clergyman, businessman and wonderful dad, Pa Ebenezer Adedokun Afonja a.k.a. Captain Ben.
The father of Pastor Henry Newman (PHN) of Jesus Assembly of All Saints Int’l, Grace Plaza, Osogbo, Osun state, Nigeria, Captain Ben has led an eventful life spanning two worlds, Nigeria and Ghana, where he was born on August 5, 1943. He is a man who is devoted to whatever he commits himself to, no wonder he moulded a life worthy of praise and being celebrated. A life built on integrity, he personifies goodness and esteem. His beautiful nature manifests in many fronts such as is found in Pastor Henry Newman, his son, an amazing chip off the old block.
“We are celebrating an icon of perfection, well groomed, and with the fear of God and love for humanity,” PHN gleefully declares, adding, “Ladies and gentlemen, join me celebrate my father and my friend.” It is unarguable many such tributes will pour in in his honour and celebration today as a token of love and his laudable attributes.
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A short profile provided by PHN indicates “Baba Henry was born in Sunyani Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. He was educated both in Ghana and briefly in Nigeria. He went back to Ghana after he lost his father late Pa Daniel Adeniran AFONJA of Olukumopa’s compound Taraa, Ogbomoso. He got commissioned into the Ghana Armed Forces and served in the Ghana Navy in Takoradi in the Western region.
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“He voluntarily retired and returned home. In Ogbomoso, he started his electronics shop known as Captain Electronics at Papa Ajao. The business thrived for many years. He however later joined British American Insurance Company, Ilorin, Kwara state as their agent for the entire Ogbomoso. He left the insurance company to return to Ghana in the 90s to work at Sabell Timbers Takoradi.
“Again, he returned to Ogbomoso to establish another company GIMAG Enterprise which specialized in production of interlocking and fancy blocks and got some major contracts in LAUTECH. These contracts were well executed before finally retiring to his home in Olopemarun, Ogbomoso.”
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He is now enjoying a blissful retirement. It is grace of God. Those who live peacefully with positive impacts on humanity often are blessed with a stress-free life at old age. Our celebrant today, Pa Ebenezer Adedokun Afonja, Baba Henry, “an icon of perfection,” exemplifies this. We rejoice with him on this occasion. We wish you long life, health, peace and greater prosperity sir.
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