.Sir. Hon Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora KJW
Ogun State President
By Waheed Ogunjobi
SAGAMU- Under a canopy of flags and the sound of brass bands, the Boys’ Brigade Nigeria, Ogun State Council, formally opened activities on Thursday to mark 100 years of raising boys into men of faith, discipline and service.
The 5-day centenary celebration, which began on Wednesday, 9th September and ended with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, 13th September at Rev. Mellor Methodist Cathedral, Agbowa, drew hundreds of boys in crisp uniforms to the Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu.
Only 100 boys and 20 officers were selected for the ceremonial parade — a symbolic representation of the century being marked.
“FROM A SEED TO A MIGHTY TREE”
Presiding over the Parade Review, the State President, Sir Hon. Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora, traced the origin of the Brigade in Ogun to Wesley Church, Agbowa.
According to Justice Ogunfowora “Little would the founders have known 100 years ago that the seed they put in the ground not too far from here would grow into this mighty tree,”.
“That seed was planted by our late father, Rev. Dr. William F. Mellor, whose body lies buried in that same compound. Today, that one company has become 215 companies. Those few boys have become over 3,000 boys.”
Justice Ogunfowora said the anniversary was beyond numbers.
“The Boys’ Brigade exists for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom among boys and for the promotion of obedience, reverence, discipline, self-respect and all that tends to Christian manliness,” he declared.
On the theme “A Century Sure and Steadfast” he charged: “We are not just looking back. We are looking forward. So that in 2126, those marking the bicentennial will say of us: ‘They too were sure and steadfast in their time.’”
CHRONICLING THE GROWTH AND NATIONAL STRENGTH.
Former State President, Prince Adegoke Adekunle, described the growth as divine. “When we came in, we had close to 100 companies. By the time we handed over, we had crossed 150. Today, I’m told we are over 200. That is God. The heart of it all is bringing the little ones to the feet of Christ.”
Also, the Assistant National Secretary of Boys’ Brigade Nigeria said Nigeria remains the largest Boys’ Brigade population in Africa and the world.
“Boys’ Brigade Nigeria started in 1948 at Ebute Meta, Lagos. Today we are everywhere. The first company in Ogun State started here. This is sacred ground for us,”he said.
He identified the secret of 100 years of impact as two pillars: “Religious and Discipline. When you see a Boys’ Brigadw boy, you see a military man in conduct. You won’t find us in the market. You’ll find us in church, because that is where character is built.”
IMPACT BEYOND THE CHURCH
Immediate Past State President, Mr.Olufemi Adeniji said the Brigade’s role is nation building. “Our primary job is nursing tomorrow’s church. But the discipline they learn here goes beyond the church. It enters the society. It produces leaders. If you check well, you’ll find that many judges, professionals and public figures passed through the Brigade,” he stated.
He added that the camp activities of sports, drills, leadership lectures and street evangelism were deliberate.
“This is how we grow them beyond computers. This is how we evangelize. This is thanksgiving in action.”
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CENTENARY
The programme featured a leadership lecture by Mr. Kola Adesina, inter-village sports and competitions, educational excursion to the Airport and Obafemi Awolowo’s Residence, Centenary Night of cultural display and drama, and climaxed with a Thanksgiving and Enrolment Service on Sunday.
As the flags were lowered on Saturday, the charge from Sagamu was clear: the centenary is a baton pass.”A century sure and steadfast. Now, let us be sure and steadfast for the next century,” Justice Ogunfowora concluded.
At the thanksgiving held at the Reverend Mellor Methodist Church, Agbowa, Sagamu.
Ogunfowora not Ogunfowore. editor should please edit