Church remembers Sesebo, extols his virtues

By Victor Ebimomi

Reporter, Lagos

The late Group Business Editor of Daily Independent Newspaper, Joseph Ayanfe Sesebo, was literarily awakened from his grave on Sunday as the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Osho Drive Parish, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos, held a first year remembrance in his honour.

The colourful event was used by the church to reflect on the life, time and contributions of the late Sunday school teacher to the church in particular and humanity at large.

Speaking at the event, the Shepherded-in-Charge, Superior Evangelist Fala Irawo, said though he did not meet the deceased when he was transferred to the church, he heard and saw the marvelous contributions he made to the growth of the church.

“The elders talk about him. The children talk about him,” he said, adding: “ The seeds he sowed in the church have started germinating and we can all see it.”

One of the seeds, according to him, is the training and guidance he gave to the students as a Sunday school teacher, which he said propelled them (the students) to organize a colourful remembrance for him.

While advising others to emulate the deceased, he asserted that Sesebo had already secured a place in the bosom of the Lord because of his good work. He lamented that such humble and Godly man like Sesebo do not usually live long on earth.

The church leader later offered special prayer for the members of Sesebo’s family.

Speaking earlier, a member of the church, Superior Leader Gabriel Oyedeji, noted that Sesebo was so devoted to the church course that for a long time the church would greatly miss him. He added that he was a man who was always willing to contribute to the development of the church and people around him.

Mrs. Elizabeth Harrison, also a member, who read a brief history of Sesebo’s life, described him as an all-round man of God who worshipped in the church, his house and place of work, stressing that he would forever be remembered by all and sundry.

On the church notice board, a large poster was pasted headlined ‘Out of Sight is Not out of Mind’ on the life and times of Sesebo. 

Among the comments on it were: “ Brother Sesebo, it is a year just like that. A source of happiness to many, a great counselor to the grief, a teacher of the words of God. Your memory will last forever”. “Who will be the next teacher?” and “Joebest the great. Unforgettable memories of this great icon of Christendom”.

After the church, the activities moved to his house at Jakande Housing Estate. Amuwo Odofin, where a service of songs was also conducted and a brief sermon was preached by Rev. (Dr.) Fidelis Itsuokor.

Friends, church members and former colleagues at the Daily Independent Newspaper including the Executive Editor of the newspaper, Barrister Ted Iwere, were at his house for the remembrance.