Activities marking the 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland (DLAM) reached their climax at the weekend, with Team Laity emerging victorious in the novelty football event. They defeated a hard-fighting Team Clergy 2-1 in the match played at CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

The novelty football match, attended by top officials of the Diocese, including Bishop Akinpelu Johnson, saw Team Laity coming from behind to win 2-1 with goals from Okey Odom and Akonam Obiefuna.

Team Clergy had taken the lead in the first half through Rev. Izuchukwu Obi, with an assist provided by Rev. Canon Segun Oloju.

The 20th anniversary celebration had started with a table tennis competition in April, with its preliminaries (inter-Archdeaconry) held between May 2 and 9 at All Saints Church, Yaba.

The grand finals of the table tennis event took place on May 16 at CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

Other activities, like the School/Young People’s (Girls and Boys Guild) celebration, took place on Friday, June 12, at the CMS Grammar School, Bariga.

The novelty football match on June 13, at CMS Grammar School, Bariga, was organised by the Christian Men’s Fellowship.

Speaking with journalists at the end of the football match, Bishop Akinpelu Johnson said that the 20th anniversary was an opportunity for members of the Diocese to come together.

“The spirit behind this 20th anniversary celebration is good because it afforded everyone an opportunity to come together, laugh and share ideas on how to move our country forward.”

He urged all members of the Diocese to always be their brother’s keeper, just as he praised organisers of the novelty football match for a job well done.

Earlier, the president of the Men’s Christian Fellowship (CMS), Henry Oranusi, expressed his appreciation to all members for gracing the occasion.

On his part, the secretary of the organising committee, Anuoluapo Adeseso, thanked the members, particularly the players, for their role in ensuring the novelty football match was well attended.

He disclosed that the Chorale concert (Classical Music), which is part of the 20th anniversary, will be held on Sunday, July 19, at the Cathedral Church of St Jude Ebute-Metta, Lagos, while the Women Conference is slated for July 24, at Archbishop Akinde Events Centre, Bariga.

Adeseso also hinted that the dinner/gala night/book launch will be held on Friday, August 14, at Shell Hall Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.