By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
A Gombe-based businessman and philanthropist, Chief John Agbata, has dedicated his triplets to God at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Gombe, as part of activities marking a combined celebration at the weekend.
The thanksgiving service also featured the 50th birthday anniversary of Mrs. Otolorin Olamide Ogundele, a teacher at St. Peter’s Diocesan School, Gombe, as well as a thanksgiving service for students of the school who recently graduated from the Senior Secondary School, Bolari.
Agbata, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Gombe Pharmaceutical Company Nigeria Limited and a multi-million-naira hospitality business in the state, is also known for his philanthropic activities in Gombe.
The celebrations attracted captains of industry, parents, politicians, businessmen and women, children, friends and relatives, who gathered to rejoice with the celebrants and graduating students.
The combined thanksgiving and dedication service was presided over by the Bishop of St. Peter’s Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Cletus A. Tambari, assisted by other clergymen.
Delivering the sermon, the Vicar and Cathedral Administrator, Ven. Philip Bature, highlighted the spiritual significance and benefits of offering one’s first fruits to God.
Bature said genuine honouring of God with one’s first fruits attracts divine protection over families and property, while also providing spiritual strength against forces of evil.
According to him, God honours the first fruit through His divine presence, stressing that those who acknowledge God in their endeavours would receive blessings for their labour.
He further said that honouring God with the first fruit could bring “open heaven” and unlock divine blessings, adding that God also grants establishment and stability to those who dedicate their first fruits to Him.
The clergyman urged Christians to remain committed to God and acknowledge His benevolence in their lives, families and endeavours.
In their separate remarks, the celebrants expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life, family, good health and His continued benevolence, while appreciating family members, friends and well-wishers for joining them in the celebrations.
