The Archbishop of Ondo Province and the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, the Most Reverend Dr. Simeon Borokini, made this known in his sermon during the Thanksgiving service held at the Chapel of Faith Interdenominational Church, FUTA, on Monday, March 4, 2025. The service was in honor of Professor Emeritus Emmanuel Akinyele Olusegun Laseinde, who celebrated his 80th birthday. It was a heartfelt tribute to a man whose life has been defined by faith, academic excellence, and service to humanity.

In his sermon titled God’s Faithfulness, Archbishop Borokini reflected on the divine favor that had sustained Professor Laseinde through Nigeria’s historical milestones, personal challenges, and societal shifts. Drawing from Lamentations 3:22-23, he emphasized that the celebrant’s life was a testament to God’s unwavering mercies. “Through many trials—the Civil War, Nigeria’s independence, the #EndSARS protests, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—God has kept him,” the Archbishop stated. He encouraged the octogenarian to embrace a new role as a counselor and peacekeeper, sharing his wisdom with younger generations and fostering reconciliation within families, the church, and society.

In his reflections, Venerable Laseinde expressed deep gratitude for God’s hand in his life. He recounted key milestones, including earning his PhD from the University of Ibadan, his progression to becoming a professor and later an Emeritus Professor, and his spiritual journey that began with his commitment to Christ in 1969. He also spoke of personal blessings, such as his marriage, children, and the fulfillment of building his home in his hometown.

A significant part of his legacy is his ordination in 1985 and his service as the pioneer Chaplain of the Chapel of Faith, FUTA. Having served for 18 years before retiring as a Venerable in 2015, he was later honored with the title of Chaplain Emeritus. During the celebration, he bestowed a long-awaited fatherly blessing on the Chapel of Faith’s Christian Fellowship (CCF-NIFES), a student body that had branched out independently years ago. Brother Testimony Adeolu John, the 38th generation President of the fellowship, received the blessing on behalf of the group.

Another highlight was the dedication and unveiling of Professor Laseinde’s books—compilations of his tracts on marriage, evangelism, and Christian ethics—offered as gifts to the congregation and the wider community.

The event drew an esteemed gathering, including FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adenike Oladiji, Rt. Rev. Isaac Osunjiyigbe (Lord Bishop of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Akure Diocese), Rev. Michael O. Olufemi (Pioneer Chaplain of Elizade University), and other distinguished guests from diverse backgrounds.

Professor Laseinde’s 80th birthday celebration was not just a personal milestone but a reflection of a life dedicated to scholarship, faith, and service—an inspiring legacy for future generations.

Sources: FUTA