By Sola Ojewusi
The Celica Church of Christ International Headquarters, Ibadan, was a hive of spiritual joy and celebration on Sunday, 21 December 2025, as it hosted its 33rd Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service. The well-attended programme was marked by vibrant worship, heartfelt gratitude, and reflections on faith, service, and legacy.
Founded in 1992 by Reverend Adetunji Adeonigbagbe, the annual Adult Harvest has become a major fixture on the church’s calendar, attracting members and guests from across its branches. This year’s celebration lived up to its reputation, with the auditorium filled to capacity. Various church groups offered coordinated praise dances, joined by friends and well-wishers in an atmosphere of colour, unity, and thanksgiving.
Arrival of the Founder and Supreme Head
The tone of the gathering rose palpably with the arrival of the founder’s convoy. As Reverend Adeonigbagbe, accompanied by the Supreme Head, Reverend Olujimi, made his entrance into the auditorium, congregants lined the aisles to receive blessings. The Hosanna Golden Voices choir rendered soulful hymns that deepened the sense of reverence and celebration.
Members spoke warmly of the founder’s humility, unwavering devotion to God, and pastoral openness. Known for his simple lifestyle and familial approach to leadership, Reverend Adeonigbagbe is widely regarded as a shepherd whose doors remain open to all, irrespective of status or circumstance.
Reception of Special Guests
Following the church anthem and the Thanksgiving offering, the founder formally welcomed distinguished guests, including members of his secondary school alumni association and senior elders who have rendered years of loyal support to the ministry.
Tribute to Reverend Agnes Adeonigbagbe
In an emotional moment, Reverend Adeonigbagbe paid glowing tribute to his late wife, Reverend Agnes Adeonigbagbe. He acknowledged her indispensable role in his personal life and in the growth of the church, describing her sacrifices and steadfast support as foundational to the evolution of Celica Church of Christ into an international mission.
The Sermon: “Vanity Upon Vanity”
Delivering a sermon titled “Vanity Upon Vanity, All Is Vanity,” the founder urged Christians to persevere in generosity and righteous living, even when appreciation seems absent. He reminded the congregation that divine reward often comes in God’s own time and manner, sharing personal testimonies of kindness repaid through unexpected channels.
Upholding the Legacy of the Prophets
Concluding the service, Reverend Adeonigbagbe addressed the importance of honouring the legacies of God’s servants. He expressed concern over what he described as growing disrespect toward revered prophetic figures, notably Reverend Bilewu Oshoffa, founder of the Celestial Church of Christ. He further referenced a spiritual vision in which Moses Orimolade, Ayo Babalola, and Reverend Oshoffa appeared to confer upon him a staff of authority for his ministry—an experience he cited as the basis of his lifelong commitment to defending their names and spiritual heritage.
The 33rd Adult Harvest Thanksgiving Service thus closed on a note of deep reflection, renewed commitment, and collective gratitude—reaffirming Celica Church of Christ’s enduring emphasis on faith, service, and reverence for spiritual legacy.
