More than 7,000 people across Ondo State and its environs joined the maiden edition of the Owo Praise the Lord, a community worship gathering convened by entrepreneur Bukunyi Olagbegi yesterday.

It featured ministrations from Yinka Ayefele, Bidemi Olaoba, Funmi Aragbaiye, Adeyinka Alaseyori, and Elijah Daniels. The cleric Wole Oladiyun delivered a prophetic message, with gospel comic Woli Arole as the host.

Yinka Ayefele’s appearance drew the loudest response of the night as the veteran musician led the crowd in sustained worship. With Owo Praise the Lord, the philanthropist designed the gathering as a homecoming: an occasion for the indigenes across the country and the diaspora to return to a town whose Christian traditions and cultural identity have shaped its place in the Yoruba southwest for generations.

The three-hour programme, which was held at the Methodist Primary School, Owo, was attended by industry and political leaders in the state.

Olagbegi, who is the  CEO of FBSS Nigeria Limited and also serves on the board of Altheus Limited, said: “Our goal is to bring more attention to our historic hometown, while we also gather and praise the Lord. We’ve invited some of the finest voices and performers in Nigerian gospel because this town deserves an evening filled with joy.”

In 2019, the United Nations named Olagbegi among the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent. He has chaired the Central Working Committee for both The Future Awards Africa and SME100 Nigeria.

An Owo indigene, Iremide, said:  “We are grateful to Bukunyi Olagbegi for bringing this to Owo,” said Iremide. “It shows his kind heart and love for the town. I pray God continues to bless him and bless Owo.”
Adeola, who travelled from Ikare, described the night as one she would not forget.

The evening concluded with prayers for peace and progress in Owo and Ondo State.