It was an atmosphere of praise and joy when jurists, family members, friends, colleagues and well-wishers gathered at the Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Ogba District Headquarters, Lagos, to celebrate Justice Kehinde Ogundare on his appointment as a Judge of the Federal High Court.
Justice Ogundare and 22 others were recently elevated and sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.
Some Federal High Court Judges, Magistrates and legal practitioners, who spoke at the event, described Justice Ogundare as a lovely, humble, diligent and dedicated person who served diligently through the ranks as a lawyer and Magistrate before his elevation to the Federal High Court.
They described Justice Ogundare as a very brilliant judge, and a pride of the legal profession, who despite his busy schedule, also serves as a pastor in the Church.
They noted that the act of thanksgiving is an indication that one is God-fearing, dedicated, committed to things of God by appreciating the provision and guidance of the Almighty in his or her life.
While alluding to the significance of appreciation, the Head, GOFAMINT Youths and Campus Ministry, Pastor (Dr) (Engr) Tunde Ojo, in his sermon noted that elevation comes from God.
Citing copiously from the scriptures, he noted that it pays to serve the Lord, to be a man of integrity, uncompromising and prayerful.
The General Secretary, GOFAMINT, Pastor Femi Omowumi, said that he was overjoyed that Justice Ogundare has a good reputation not only in the church but also among his professional colleagues.
He prayed that God would endow the jurist with good health, Solomon-like wisdom, and courage to carry out his new assignment.
The Deputy General Overseer, GOFAMINT, Pastor (Dr.) Emmanuel Oluwayemi, prayed for Justice Ogundare, his family and well-wishers.
In his vote of thanks, Justice Ogundare appreciated God for raising helpers who stood by him through thick and thin.
He also appreciated his immediate family members, especially his wife, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundare, whose support and endurance, he said, cannot be quantified.
Federal High Court Judges at the event included Hon. Justice A. Lewis Allagoa, Hon. Justice A.A. Demi-Ajayi, Hon. Justice M.O. Olajuwon, Hon. Justice A.O. Awogboro, and Hon. Justice O. Oresanya of the Lagos State High Court.
Other dignitaries were Chief Magistrates Abiodun Akinde, Chief Magistrate Olabisi Kusanu, Chief Magistrate Salamah Matepo, Chief Magistrate Mobolaji Tanimola, Magistrate Temitope Are, Magistrate Oluwatosin Daodu.
Others in attendance were Mr. Lanre Ogunlesi, SAN, Olusegun Sonaike, Olayinka Olajuwon Esq., Oluwole Omolegan, Queen Akpa-Umah, Lanre Ilori, Temitope Ogundare, Kehinde Abudu Esq., Abbas Oyewale-Freeman Esq., and Kayode Ademuwagun Esq.
Also, Pastor Oluwayemi & His wife, Deaconess Blessing Oluwayemi, Pastor Omowumi, Pastor Gbenga Ayejuyole (Regional Pastor, Gofamint Region 12) & his wife, Deaconess Taiwo Ayejuyole, Pastor Ojo & his wife, Deaconess (Dr) Titilayo Ojo, Pastor JAS Oluwagbemi (Gofamint Deputy Director, Audit) and his wife, Deaconess Sarah Oluwafemi, Pastor Francis Omoniyi (District Pastor, Ogba), Pastor Emmanuel Oluwagbemi (District Pastor, Akowonjo) & his wife Deaconess Moni Oluwagbemi, Pastor Taiwo Adebayo (District Pastor, Alagbole), Pastor Bayo Alonge (Gofamint Chapel of Glory), Pastor Iyiola Adeagbo (RCCG), Pastor Francis Ibirinde, Pastor Ebenezer Ajayi (ADP, Ogba), Pastor H.I.A. Oluwaseye, Rtd. Assistant General Overseer, Welfare, Gofamint, and his wife, Deaconess Esther Oluwaseye among others.
Family members at the event include Chief Bolu Ogundare and his wife, Mrs. Doris Ogundare, Mrs. Mojisola Oladele (Sibling), Mrs Esther Adeyemo, Mrs Adeola Ogundare, Mrs. Abimbola Ogundare (Wife), and children-Toluwani, Tiwaloluwa, Temitayo and Oluwatomisin .
Also present at the event were the chairman of Ijaiye Medium Housing Estate Phase 2, Mr. Funso Ibitoye, celebrant’s childhood friends, Mr. Gbenga Lasore and his wife, and Mr. Tunde Adu, brother-in-law, Mr. Babatunde Adeyemo and his wife, Jumoke, among others.