By Aishat Adejo
The newly appointed Vice Chancellor of Federal University Lokoja, Professor Gbenga Ibileye and his family, recently rolled out their drums in appreciation to God for the appointment as well as commit his tenure unto God’s hands.
The dual thanksgiving, tagged “Grateful Heart” at the University Chapel of Grace and “Marvelous in Our Eyes” at Living Faith Church, Lokoja, drew members of the University community, clergy, family, friends, and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate with the Vice-Chancellor in an atmosphere of worship, praise, and thanksgiving
The first service, held at the University Chapel of Grace within the University campus, was a solemn yet joyous assembly of staff, students, principal officers, and members of Senate. The theme, “Grateful Heart,” underscored the Vice-Chancellor’s deep appreciation to God for divine guidance, institutional progress, and personal milestones.
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In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for His faithfulness, wisdom, and strength in steering the affairs of the University since he was inaugurated.
He acknowledged the support of the University, Management, staff, and students, emphasising that every recorded success of the institution was a product of collective effort and divine grace.
The officiating Minister, Bishop Olukayode Ajibade, prayed for continued wisdom, sound health, and greater accomplishments for the University leadership.
The service featured special hymns, scriptural exhortations, and intercessory prayers for sustained peace, unity, and academic excellence within the institution.
The atmosphere was marked by reflection and celebration, as the University community joined in thanksgiving for visible strides recorded in less than a week that he assumed office.
The second thanksgiving service took place at Living Faith Church, Lokoja, where the theme “Marvelous in Our Eyes” highlighted testimonies of divine favor and remarkable achievements.
The congregation received the Vice-Chancellor and his entourage warmly as he shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness, stressing that it was God Himself that gave him (the VC) the most coveted position.
In a deeply symbolic and humbling gesture, the Vice-Chancellor publicly offered himself to serve in the church’s Sanctuary Unit, volunteering to carry offering bowls during services as an act of gratitude and commitment to service in God’s house.
This declaration was met with admiration and applause, reflecting the congregation’s appreciation of his humility and willingness to serve beyond his official responsibilities.
The Presiding Pastor, Pastor Israel Olajumoke, commended the Vice-Chancellor’s heart of service, describing it as a demonstration of true leadership rooted in humility and gratitude.
The sermon emphasised thanksgiving as a pathway to greater blessings, while prayers were offered for continued success, divine protection, and greater impact in both academic leadership and personal life.
Across both services, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that leadership is a sacred trust that demands humility, accountability, and reliance on divine guidance. He noted that thanksgiving is not merely a celebration of achievement but an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and the support of people. He vowed not to fail the church, the University and ultimately, God.
The dual thanksgiving services not only reflected personal gratitude but also reinforced the Vice-Chancellor’s commitment to servant leadership, both within the University and in faith communities.
