… INAUGURATES ACTING DIRECTOR, LT COL OGBONYOMI
By Okosun Dennis
The All Saints’ (AHQ) Cathedral, Abalti Barracks, Surulere was filled to its capacity on Sunday, 26th November, 2023, as Lt Col (Ven) Titilope Eyonrotu Ogbonyomi, was inaugurated as the Acting Director, Directorate of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army.
The inauguration which was the climax of activities marking the Platinum celebration, (70th anniversary) of Chaplain Services Protestant, had in attendance senior military officers both serving and retired, former Directors of Chaplain Services gracing the anniversary.
In his sermon before the formal inauguration, the Most Reverend Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) adored God for the appointment, noting that the Nigerian Army has stood as a force of unity to our nation.
Adding that the Armed Forces have provided and nurtured responsible leaders by giving courageous leadership at all levels, he called on serving officers and soldiers to remember the memories of those who have led as Chaplains; for those who are alive, and those colleagues who have died and use it as a springboard to advance the course of man.
While reassuring members of the congregation, he noted that as they blow the trumpet of jubilee, whoever the enemy has held bound will be released. The theme of the anniversary service was: “Thus Far The Lord has helped Us.”
According to the Most Rev. Ndukuba, “After 70 years of captivity, it’s a year of restoration and all the dry bone will rise, there will be recovery and healing.”
He observed that life is a mix of good and bad; and implored the congregation not to give up because God has not given up on our situation.
“After 70 years, there is always restoration and a new beginning. Nigeria is at a crossroads and at a time like this, God is looking for a man like Samuel,” while he rounded off his ministration with the song: “Who can battle with, I say nobody.”
In his address, Lt Col (Ven) Titilope Eyonrotu Ogbonyomi, Ag. Director Chaplain Services Protestant, Nigerian Army, expressed joy and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja for finding him worthy to lead the directorate.
“There is simply no justification that qualifies me to be here. God is not a man but he is deliberate in his ways. Being inaugurated after 50 years my father was a Director, it’s a manifestation of his faithfulness.”
In an interview with our correspondent, Lt Col (Ven) Ogbonyomi said, “Is very sentimental for me to serve as the Director 50 years after my father served in the same directorate.
“I will keep his legacies and the legacies of all that served after him. This platinum celebration (1953 – 2023) will only make me more committed as much as possible.
“The army is very independent and the Chaplain will help grow the spiritual needs of the troops and their wives.
“To my subordinate and senior, as we mark 70 years, it has invoked in us a new sense of responsibility to make sure that we stand in supporting the vision of the COAS and ensure that all protestants are not barracks churches but to serve the army.
On assisting barracks youths to meet their potential, Lt Col Ogbonyomi explained “We have the approval to go online and we would use that to reach the barracks children as our publications are online and it’s a great advantage to the youths and we would nurture them accordingly.
In his exhortation, the Vicar General/Chief of Staff, Directorate of Chaplain Services, Lt Col (Rev) ML Kumle, reminded the serving soldiers that their contemporaries are no longer alive and it’s by his mercies that they see today and, as such, they should strive to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.
Calling on the congregation to intercede for those combating terrorists in the North East, bandits, kidnappers, and other organised crimes, he emphasized, “Some have been battling an insurgency in the North East, pray for them, their children, and wives. While you sleep they are fighting terrorists, also pray for the children and families of fallen heroes, pray for their protection. As a country, we are at a critical time in our history.
“Let God use those at the helm of affairs in the country to bring succour to the people. There are crimes, hunger, starvation, and all manners of evil manifestations in the land. Pray that we would end the year in safety and peace,” Lt Col Kumle reiterated.
Commending the choice of the acting Director on his appointment by the COAS, Maj Gen Chalse Ofoche (retd), a guest described him as “a fine and seasoned officer,” stressing that “we are hopeful that he will add value to the spiritual growth of the Nigerian Army at large.”
Lt Col (Ven) Titilope Eyonrotu Ogbonyomi who was later inaugurated beside his wife, Mrs Ayooluwa Ogbonyomi, was born on 18th September 1972. He hails from Kabba — Bunnu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from West African Theological Seminary, and a Masters in Theology from Crowther Graduate Theological Seminary Abeokuta.
Lt Col Ogbonyomi attended the Nigerian Military School, (NMS) Zaria, and thereafter was posted to the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery. He was commissioned on 8th December 2007 as a Lieutenant into the Directorate Chaplain Services Protestant.
Historically, the formation of the Chaplaincy in the Nigerian Army dates back to the period of the West African Frontier Force, when priests were seconded from Britain to Nigeria to attend to the spiritual needs of troops.
This could be a result of contact with Nigerian Army soldiers who participated in the World War with some European Chaplains. It is believed that some of those soldiers could have served as Assistants to those British Chaplains during the war. The said contact might have informed the drive towards the establishment of a chaplaincy to serve Nigerian troops.
In attendance at the inauguration were former Directors of Chaplain Services, Brig Gen MC Bulus; and Col Rev. Jibowu. Others were Maj Gen Chalse Ofoche; Maj Gen SO Olabanji; the Director of Chaplaincy, Headquarters, Nigerian Airforce, Abuja, Air Commodore (Rev Dr) DB Gani, the Vicar of St. Stephen’s Protestant Church, NAFRC, Oshodi, Flight Lieutenant (Canon Dr) DJ Moses.
