“Human beings are not created for fun but to be fruitful, productive and ready to fulfill God’s plans for humanity.”
This was part of the sermon delivered by Rev’d Canon Samuel Olayinka Omoyayi during the wake- keep service for late Surveyor Joseph Segun Oladejo at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Surveyor Oladejo died at the age of 70.
According to the preacher, in a statement by the Ibadan North Anglican Diocesan Communicator, Comrade Solomon Olugbemiga Ayoade, God created humans to bear the fruits of peace, love for one another, to be of assistance to the needy, be responsible at any position they find themselves and be law abiding and give respect and honour to the constituted authorities.
Quoting the scriptures in Luke 13:6-9, he read: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came and sought fruit thereon and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, behold these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none, cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground? And he, answering, said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it and dung it, if it bear fruit, well and if not, then after that, thou shall cut it down.”
The preacher said that the scripture passage meant that God is giving everyone the opportunity, with the hope that they would amend their ways and repent of their evil doings.
“This means that whoever receives God blessings and mercies but refuses to use them for God and humanity will be removed like the fig tree that bears no fruit,” he said.
The Rev’d Canon urged the congregation to use their wealth for the betterment of all and sundry, especially the needy in the society.
“We are all equal before God. For you to be richer than others is through the grace and opportunity. You should not misuse it by being self centred,” he further stressed.
Describing late Oladejo as a shining example of Christianity, cheerful giver and a role model in the field of survey, the Canon charged those left behind to emulate his good deeds.
Other officiating ministers at the service were Venerable Jire Adekunle and Venerable James Ajayi (Canon residentiary).
The occasion was attended by dignitaries such as the president of Aremo Christian Fellowship (ACF), Engr. Odeniyi Alao and his exco members; as well as traditional rulers such as Chief and Mrs Folorunso Akanmu and.
Others were Chief Diipo Gbenro; professional colleagues in the field of survey which included Oyo State Surveyor General, Surveyor Okunlola Amos Oyewale; former Surveyor-General, Surveyor Akintola Femi, retired Permanent Secretaries; society members; children; family members, church members and other well wishers.
Prayers were offered for the deceased, his children, family, his society, the congregation and all those attended the service.
