Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, have praised Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, founder of the Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC), as a “global icon of faith and humanitarian service.”
The tributes were delivered on Monday at the International Gospel Centre, Warri during a ceremony marking the WLBC’s 38th Jubilee Word Festival and the 80th birthday of its founder, Pastor Oritsejafor, who is also a former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Addressing the congregation, Chief Obasanjo hailed Pastor Oritsejafor as a “man of God” whose life is a daily example of purpose.
“For him and for me, every day is a day of celebration.
“God has given you the opportunity to subdue, replenish and multiply and we thank God for what He has made you achieve and the impact you have made on the community, the state, the nation and worldwide.
“To all of you who are gathered here today, serve God and humanity to the glory of God,” the former President said.
Governor Oborevwori, whose goodwill message was delivered by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, FCA, described Pastor Oritsejafor as a “father in the faith” and a “towering pillar of spiritual leadership.
“Today, we gather in joy and thanksgiving to celebrate the life of a man whose influence spans generations.
“We honour you not merely for the years you have lived, but for the enduring legacy you continue to build—a legacy of steadfast faith, fearless ministry, and boundless compassion.”
The Governor specifically lauded the celebrant’s courage in public service, highlighting his commitment to “speaking truth to power, comforting the weary, and lifting the banner of Christ with unwavering conviction.
“You are a precious gift to the Church, to our dear State, the nation, and to humanity.”
The event drew thousands of church members, clergy, and dignitaries who filled the International Gospel Centre to celebrate the dual milestone of the church’s 38 years of ministry and the influential octogenarian’s eight decades of living.
