BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
The ancient and historic town of Ilaro-Yewa, headquarters of Ogun West Senatorial District, was on Saturday, January 3, 2026, agog with celebration as the Distinguished Senator representing Ogun West at the National Assembly, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), hosted eminent personalities from all walks of life at his 22nd End-of-Year/Thanksgiving Service.
Held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, the event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, clergy, captains of industry, friends, associates, supporters, and well-wishers from across Nigeria.
The thanksgiving service, widely described as talk-of-the-town and carnival-like, was a remarkable blend of deep spiritual reflection, heartfelt gratitude, joyful worship, and a grand, celebrity-style reception.
From the early hours of the day, Ilaro-Yewa wore a festive look as hymns, prayers, fellowship, and songs of praise filled the atmosphere, celebrating God’s faithfulness in the life and political journey of Senator Adeola Yayi.
Delivering the sermon, the Diocesan Bishop of Yewa, Anglican Communion, Rt. Revd. Michael Adebayo Oluwarohunbi, PhD, congratulated Senator Adeola Yayi on the successful hosting of yet another thanksgiving service, noting that it was not just a celebration of life, but of divine preservation, good health, and increasing responsibility.
The Bishop observed that since the last thanksgiving, many people had passed on, while others were grappling with serious health challenges.
He stressed that God, in His mercy, spared the life of Senator Adeola Yayi, his wife, children, and loved ones, granting them the privilege to witness and celebrate another season of thanksgiving.
Commending the Senator for returning to God in gratitude, Rt. Revd. Oluwarohunbi described thanksgiving as a divine principle that attracts greater blessings.
“Gratitude is not optional. It is mandatory. It is a necessity. It is foundational. It is the key that opens the door to divine guidance”, the Bishop declared.
Drawing lessons from the biblical account of King Solomon and the grateful leper who returned to give thanks, the cleric noted that Senator Adeola Yayi had once again publicly rededicated his life and public service to God.
Speaking on the theme of the thanksgiving service, “Gratitude That Will Raise Endorsement”, Rt. Revd. Oluwarohunbi admonished the Senator to sustain his partnership with God, remain intentional about thanksgiving, and never cease to acknowledge God in all his endeavors.
Preaching from Luke Chapter 3 and 1 Kings 3:1-15, the Bishop described Senator Adeola Yayi as a good ambassador and diligent public servant who had not spared his hands in service to humanity, urging him never to relent.
According to the Bishop, thanksgiving remains the secret behind the Senator’s consistent success, stressing that continual gratitude to God would secure even greater heights.
Rt. Revd. Oluwarohunbi also commended Senator Adeola Yayi for his exceptional political ingenuity and his commitment to delivering dividends of democracy, not only to Ogun West, but across the entire Ogun State.
He noted that while not all politicians possess such a large and compassionate heart, Senator Adeola Yayi has consistently spread the benefits of good governance far beyond his constituency.
Calling on other political office holders to emulate the Senator’s inclusive approach to governance, the Bishop emphasized that “givers will never lack the good things of life.”
In his address, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His unfailing mercy, divine guidance, and abundant blessings upon him, his family, and his supporters since the beginning of his political journey.
He affirmed that he would forever remain grateful to God for His constant guidance and pledged his continued dedication to serving his constituents and humanity at large.
The Senator particularly acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a pillar of support and a political mentor whose influence and tutelage shaped his journey.
“I want to firstly thank God for His kindness and mercy since I started my political journey till date, and for being my Guardian towards the Promised Land”, Senator Adeola said.
He continued, “My heartfelt gratitude also goes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, for his tutelage in the political space and the unwavering support that brought me to where I am today.
“Honestly, I cannot thank Mr. President enough, but I pray that God will continue to guide and protect him and his family.”
Senator Adeola Yayi praised President Tinubu’s development-driven policies, describing them as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s economic transformation.
“At least for once, Nigeria is getting it right. We can now predict the kind of economy we are running. The micro-economies are improving, and we are also working on the macro-economy”, he said.
Senator Adeola Yayi expressed confidence that Nigerians would soon feel the full impact of the President’s bold reforms.
“I believe that in the not-too-distant future, Nigerians will feel the full benefits of the beautiful reforms introduced by Mr. President”, he said.
The Senator further noted that the President’s policies were already yielding results, with the economy projected to grow by 4.49% in 2026, while inflation is expected to ease to 12.94%.
According to him, reforms such as tax harmonisation and fuel subsidy removal, though controversial, are aimed at boosting revenue, improving efficiency, and simplifying compliance.
Senator Adeola Yayi also extended his appreciation to Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State for his numerous developmental initiatives, noting that landmark projects such as the Gateway International Airport and the Seaport have significantly boosted Ogun State’s economy.
He equally thanked traditional rulers in Ogun State, most especially the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle and his chiefs, political leaders, associates, and colleagues who have stood by him since the inception of his political career, acknowledging their collective roles in his journey.
Senator Adeola Yayi and his family later led the congregation in a joyful procession to the altar for prayers and thanksgiving, with visible excitement and gratitude.
The atmosphere inside the Cathedral Church, Ilaro-Yewa was charged with joy, reflection, and celebration as worshippers lifted songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving, creating a deeply spiritual and uplifting experience.
After the church service, celebrations moved to the Asade Agunloye Pavilion, where dignitaries and guests were treated to a superlative, celebrity-style reception befitting the stature of the celebrant.
In his post-event message, Senator Adeola Yayi once again returned all glory to God and thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the thanksgiving.
“ALL GLORY TO GOD. I want to use this opportunity to thank Almighty God, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, the Anglican Church clerics, traditional rulers, the good people of Ogun State, well-wishers across Nigeria, and the press for their participation and support which ensured the success of my Thanksgiving and New Year party.
“Eyes on the ball. God rules still. Thank you all. Effective and exceptional representation continues”, he posited.
The massive turnout of supporters and well-wishers at both the church service and the reception further underscored Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola Yayi’s far-reaching influence, popularity, and contributions within Ogun West and beyond.
Indeed, the 22nd Thanksgiving Service stood not just as a celebration of personal milestones, but as a powerful testimony of gratitude, faith, service, and an enduring commitment to good governance and humanity.
. AbuSatar Hamed is the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, and Publisher Editor-in-Chief StarTrend Int’l magazine and online platform.
