The Diocese of Ilesa has successfully concluded its 2026 Jesus Celebration, from 18th January to the 25th, a week-long spiritual programme marked by vibrant worship, powerful teachings, unity among Christians, and renewed commitment to Christ. The celebration officially commenced at St. Margaret Anglican Girls’ School, Oke-Ooye, Ilesa, with a colourful opening ceremony led by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Prof. Dapo F. Asaju, alongside Mama Ilesa.
The opening day featured grand processions from the Archdeaconries, energetic praise, thanksgiving, and joyful dances by clergy, laity, youths, and children. Declaring the programme open, the Bishop unveiled the theme of the 2026 celebration as “Christ the Giver of Light,” explaining that activities would run for one week across Ilesa and the various Archdeaconries. Royal fathers, church leaders, and dignitaries graced the occasion.
Day Two was characterised by intense worship and a widespread diocesan participation, as worshippers gathered both at the central venue in Ilesa and in their respective Archdeaconries. Guest minister, Rev. Dr. Sunday Ajayi-Majebi, preached on “Light and Darkness,” teaching that light symbolises God’s presence, truth, and life, while darkness represents the absence of God. Drawing from John 1 and Genesis 1, he urged believers to allow God’s light to shine in every aspect of their lives, declaring that darkness cannot withstand divine light.
The Bishop also admonished Christians, particularly the youth, to walk in the light of Christ, deepen their prayer lives, and remain committed to evangelism, stressing that believers belong to the kingdom of light through Jesus Christ, the only source of salvation.
Day Three continued with joyful worship and renewed faith as Rev. Dr. Ajayi-Majebi preached on Christ as the Light and Hope of the World. Using biblical examples, he emphasized that Jesus came to destroy the works of darkness and that no past failure disqualifies anyone from God’s saving grace. The day featured prayers for healing, restoration, and personal breakthroughs.
Day Four marked a historic moment of unity as Anglicans and Pentecostals gathered in a powerful show of Christian oneness. The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, ministered on “Unusual Exploits” (Daniel 11:32b), sharing testimonies of salvation and encounters with Christ. He emphasized that true Christianity is rooted in genuine salvation and new birth, reinforcing the message of unity and revival across Ijesaland.
Day Five focused on praise, worship, and spiritual illumination under the theme “Let There Be Light.” Musical ministrations by the Diocesan Praise Team, the choir of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Isona, and the Diocesan Mass Choir created an atmosphere of deep worship. Guest preacher, Ven. Dr. Paul Omosuyi, taught that divine light dispels confusion and produces extraordinary results through God’s intervention, urging believers to walk in righteousness and spiritual authority. Earlier in the day, the Diocesan Bishop visited several outstations around Igangan and nearby communities, encouraging members to remain steadfast as bearers of Christ’s light.
Day Six featured the ministration of His Royal Majesty, Oba Adebanji Ajibola, the Elesure of Esure Ekiti, who preached on “From Darkness to Light.” Through prophetic prayers and biblical teachings, he emphasized that true deliverance comes through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He urged believers to renounce sin, embrace prayer, and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit. The day concluded with intense prayers and rejoicing over Christ’s victory over darkness.
The celebration reached its grand finale on Day Seven with an all-praise service dedicated entirely to thanksgiving and prophetic worship. The Joint Diocesan Choir and Diocesan Mass Choir led powerful praise sessions, while testimonies stirred gratitude among the congregation. Addressing worshippers, the Diocesan Bishop emphasized balance in the Christian life, highlighting the importance of the Word, prayer, and praise, and reminding believers that soul-winning and godly living remain the core of Christianity.
Guest minister, Baba Joseph Adebayo Adelakun (Baba Ayewa), ministered through soul-lifting songs and prayers, emphasizing praise as a powerful tool for deliverance and restoration. The service concluded with prophetic prayers, consecration of anointing oil and water, and joyful thanksgiving.
The 2026 Jesus Celebration left worshippers spiritually refreshed and united, reaffirming Jesus Christ as the Light of the world and strengthening faith across Ijesaland.
More details later on the Thanksgiving at the Cathedral Church of St. John's, Iloro, Ilesa.
More Photos: (All Photos Credit: Ilesa Anglican Diocese Media Team
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