It was a historic and deeply inspiring moment filled with thanksgiving, testimonies, joy, and renewed hope for longevity as the Diocese of Ilesa gathered to celebrate the 110th Birthday Thanksgiving Service of Mama Rachel Abiodun Kolawole. The thanksgiving service was held on Sunday, 28th December 2025, drawing clergy, family members, friends, and well-wishers from far and near.
Present at the remarkable celebration were the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo F. Asaju; the Provost of the Cathedral Church of St. John, Very Rev. Akintunde Morakinyo Fademi, and his wife, Mrs. Olufunke Fademi; clergy of the Diocese of Ilesa; as well as members of Mama Kolawole’s family and friends, all united in gratitude to God for a life of uncommon grace and faithfulness.
The celebration fulfilled a promise made by the Diocesan sometime in the previous year during his pastoral visit to the aged in the Diocese. During that visit, Mama Kolawole—then aged 109—astonished everyone as she spontaneously chanted the canticle “A wa yin O, Olorun” from memory, without recourse to a hymn book. Deeply moved by her strength, clarity, and faith, the Bishop promised to personally celebrate her 110th birthday—a promise joyfully fulfilled.
The thanksgiving service began with the opening hymn Hymn 557: “Emi E ba legberun Ahon”, after which the Provost of the Cathedral led the first part of the Holy Communion service. Ven. Adewuyi read the Old Testament lesson, Rev. Asp Adetona read the Psalm, Rev. Canon Titilayo read the Epistle, while the Gospel lesson was read by Rev. Oyebode.
The sermon was preached from Philippians 4:9, highlighting Mama Kolawole’s exemplary Christian life. The preacher described her as a sound and devoted student of the Bible, noting her long-standing representation of the Diocese of Ilesa at Bible Quiz competitions, where she consistently emerged victorious until age limited her physical strength. Her life, it was emphasized, stands as a testimony to disciplined faith, spiritual commitment, and godly living.
Speaking on the theme “Be a Perfect Appearance to the World,” the Provost, Very Rev. Fademi, stressed that the appearance and conduct of today’s believers shape what the next generation will learn and imitate. He urged the congregation to live lives of integrity and godliness that would positively influence generations yet unborn.
Ven. Adewuyi led the congregation in the Creed and Intercessory prayers, offering special prayers for Mama Kolawole, the Diocesan, the clergy, and Mama’s children and family. The Provost thereafter celebrated the Holy Communion on behalf of the Diocesan, and many communicants partook in the Lord’s Supper.
In his remarks, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo F. Asaju commended Mama Kolawole for her unwavering faith, steadfast commitment to the work of God, and lifelong service in the Cathedral. He thanked God for preserving her life to witness her 110th birthday and prayed for long life and divine strength for all members of the Ilesa Anglican family.
The Bishop also presented the celebrant with the birthday cake he had promised the previous year, alongside other gifts. In recognition of her faithful and meritorious service, the Cathedral Church of St. John presented Mama Kolawole with an award of honour.
Responding with profound gratitude, Mama Rachel Abiodun Kolawole lifted her voice in songs of praise, thanking God for the grace to witness her 110th birthday. She offered earnest prayers for the Diocesan, his family, and the clergy, and repeatedly sang “A wa yin O, Olorun wa”—“We praise You, our God”—as an outpouring of thanksgiving.
The service came to a close with thanksgiving offerings, prayers, the Diocesan’s benediction, and group photographs, marking a memorable celebration of a life that continues to glorify God and inspire generations.
