By Michael Adetunji
It was a moment of singing, dancing, and euphoria as Pastor Francis Ayo Olaniyi arrived at the Main Campus of the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary (CACTS), Ile Ife in grand style.
Following the retirement of the erstwhile Provost of CACTS, Ile Ife, Pastor Professor C.O. Oshun on July 26, 2024, Pastor F.A. Olaniyi was appointed the Acting Provost with effect from August 1, 2024, by the authority of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas.
Pastor Olaniyi and his amiable wife who were accompanied by some staff and students of CACTS, Ile Ife, Lagos Campus, friends and lovers from Lagos, were received with great excitement at CACTS, Main Campus, Ile Ife, being the seat of the Provost, on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Upon the arrival of the Acting Provost, a welcome service was held at the CACTS Chapel of Peace, Ile Ife, to mark the historic event. The Deputy Provost, Pastor Dr M.O.A. Oluwaniyi who led staff members and students on campus in offering a warm welcome to Pastor Olaniyi, said the Seminary has indeed experienced a new era, thanking God for the safe arrival of the Acting Provost and his entourage from Lagos.
While addressing the audience in response to the honour done to him, Pastor Olaniyi appreciated God and the authority of CAC for the privilege to serve in the new capacity as the Acting Provost of the Seminary. Pastor Olaniyi said he graduated as a student of CACTS, Ile Ife forty years ago, precisely 1984, and he is the first alumnus of the Seminary to become its Provost.
Pastor Olaniyi added that he was happy and grateful to leave CACTS, Ile Ife, Lagos Campus, peacefully, against the concern of some people. He said his appointment and assumption of duty as Acting Provost is a divine call to a higher assignment, as he would have been the last person to vie if the appointment was subjected to application.
Pastor Ayo Olaniyi eulogised the labour of the workforce he met on the ground, assuring that his administration would be characterised by inclusivity, love, obedience and total dependence on God to take the Seminary and all its affiliates to the next level of glory. With high optimism and faith in God, Pastor Olaniyi added that “beyond what we see, we will still see what God can do.” He therefore pleaded for the maximum cooperation of staff and students for all-round success. After the address, prayers were led by the Registrar, Pastor L.B. Akinyosoye for the success of Pastor Olaniyi’s tenure.
Pastor Francis Ayo Olaniyi, holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan. He is an experienced Christian educator, counsellor, author, and public speaker. Until he was appointed the Acting Provost of Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Ile Ife, he was the Coordinator of the Lagos Campus. He is also the Chairman of the CAC Printing Press.
Photo Speaks
