Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ita-Iyalode, Abeokuta, has announced a week-long programme to commemorate its 40th anniversary, climaxing in the launch of a N100 million Church Growth Fund aimed at expanding its mission work, infrastructure and social development initiatives.
The milestone was unveiled at a press conference on Monday, where the Senior Pastor, Reverend Williams Ojo, and the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Elder Tunji Akoni, outlined the church’s four-decade journey of faith, growth and community service.
Speaking at the briefing, Reverend Ojo said the church, founded on December 15, 1985, has recorded steady growth “under God’s guidance,” describing the anniversary as both a moment of reflection and a call to greater service.
“The past 40 years have been a journey of God’s faithfulness, guiding us through growth, spiritual development, and impactful community service,” Ojo said.
He added that the celebration was not only about looking back but also about preparing for the future.
“As we celebrate 40 years of God’s continual presence, we are not only reflecting on our journey but also intentionally positioning the church for greater impact in the years ahead,” he stated.
The cleric also acknowledged the generosity of the family of the late Baba Ayorinde, whose donation of land, he said, laid the foundation for the church’s permanent site at Ita-Iyalode.
According to Ojo, Emmanuel Baptist Church has remained committed to “spiritual growth and discipleship, community development, youth and family initiatives, and mission and evangelism,” a commitment he said has “solidified its role as a pillar of faith and service in Abeokuta and beyond.”
On his part, Elder Akoni described the church’s history as “a story of faith, sacrifice, and divine guidance,” recalling that the founding members initially worshipped at Owu Baptist Church before moving to Akinolugbade Social Centre (now Foodco), then to the Boys Scout location, and finally settling on the land donated by Baba Ayorinde’s family.
He explained that the theme of the anniversary, “Celebrating God’s Continual Presence with His People” (Joshua 1:1–9), reflects the church’s enduring mission of thanksgiving, evangelism and community outreach.
“Over the years, Emmanuel Baptist Church has planted several daughter churches,” Akoni said, listing EBC Kobape, Living Faith Baptist Church, Onikoko, EBC Abule Otun, EBC Kotopo, EBC Mango Oke Ata, EBC Agunna in the Republic of Benin, EBC Idi Ori, Ile-Ise Awo, and the recently established EBC Ogo Titun, birthed by EBC Mango Oke Ata.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the anniversary celebrations, scheduled to run from Friday, December 12 to Sunday, December 21, 2025, will feature a series of spiritual, social and outreach activities. These include a Pre-Mission to Imala Odo (December 12–13); Flag-Off, Tract Evangelism and a Historical Journey of the Church (December 14); Anniversary Service and a visit to the Olowu (December 15); a Special 40th Anniversary Christmas Carol (December 16); Revival Sessions (December 17–18); Novelty Matches (December 18–19); Jesus Market and Health Talk (December 20); and a Grand Finale on December 21.
A major highlight of the celebrations is the launch of the N100 million Church Growth Fund, which Akoni said would support building expansion, mission work and other mission-driven programmes of the church.
“The fund is designed to strengthen our mission-driven programmes while ensuring sustainable growth,” he said.
He added that the grand finale would also double as a thanksgiving and fundraising service. “It will bring together the Conference President, traditional rulers, community leaders, friends of the church, and brethren in the Diaspora,” Akoni said, inviting members of the public to be part of the historic celebration.
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