By joshua The ISELOWO’S Celebrates the AKANJI’S on Their Birthday and Retirement Service
_Celebrating a Legacy of Sacrificial Leadership, Selfless Service and Lasting Impact_
ISELOWO’S proudly celebrates Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, FAR (ZAKI), and Rev. (Mrs.) Victoria Sunshine Akanji on the occasion of Rev. Dr. Akanji’s birthday and retirement from active pastoral ministry.
The celebration was a fitting tribute to a couple whose years of service, sacrifice, leadership, and commitment to the work of God have left an enduring mark on the Nigerian Baptist Convention and the wider Christian community.
The occasion was graced by distinguished Christian leaders, academics, clergy, colleagues, friends, family members, and well-wishers from within and outside the country.
The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. David Olushola Idowu, and his wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Folasade Idowu, were present at the celebration, with the President delivering the message titled “Personal Sacrifices and Selfless Service.” The message underscored the importance of sacrificial leadership, selflessness, courage, and total devotion to God and humanity—virtues that have been evident in Rev. Dr. Akanji’s years of ministry and leadership.
The NBTS Set of 1995, through its Vice-President (Ministerial), Rev. Prof. John Oluchi Enyimaya and his wife, also graced the celebration, adding to the warmth and significance of the occasion.
Also present was Emeritus Professor Yusuf Ameh Obaje, former Chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa and former President of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. An indigene of Kogi State who taught both Rev. Dr. Akanji and Rev. Dr. Francis K.F. Iselowo, his presence added a special dimension to the celebration.
Retired Archbishop John Onaiyekan, also an indigene of Kogi State, alongside many other distinguished personalities, equally graced the occasion.
In recognition of the Akanjis’ remarkable contributions to Christian leadership and the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Francis K.F. Iselowo and his wife, Mama Joy Bulomile Iselowo, sponsored some attendees to grace the celebration and presented a beautiful plaque on their behalf. Faith Pavilion Inc., Arlington, Texas, USA, was also represented through a special presentation to the Akanjis.
Comrade Sunday Adeola Simon, the National President of National Association of Kogi State Students (NAKOSS), accompanied by a delegation, formally presented the award on behalf of the Iselowos, as a demonstration of the honour and appreciation extended to the Akanjis for their years of distinguished service.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to reflect on Rev. Dr. Akanji’s remarkable legacy. His ministry has been characterised by sacrificial leadership, selfless service, courage, pastoral commitment, mentorship, peacebuilding, ecumenical engagement, and an unwavering devotion to God and humanity.
The outpouring of testimonies, tributes, gifts, and goodwill messages from Christian leaders, institutions, colleagues, friends, and family members was a powerful testament to the lives he has touched and the impact of his service.
The launch of Newness Mandate, documenting Rev. Dr. Akanji’s sermons, publications, and press releases from his years of active service, further provided a lasting record of his contribution to the ministry and the Church.
The Akanjis expressed their deep appreciation to the Iselowos for honouring them and recognising their contributions to the leadership of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. They also conveyed their gratitude to members of Faith Pavilion Inc., Arlington, Texas, USA, and expressed the hope that, if the Lord permits, they would have the opportunity to visit them in the nearest future.
Indeed, it was a well-deserved honour and a memorable celebration of a life devoted to God, the Church, and humanity.
As Rev. Dr. Akanji begins this new chapter, we pray that the Lord will grant him and his dear wife renewed strength, sound health, deeper peace, greater fulfilment, and many more fruitful years of influence and service.
May retirement mark not the end of impact, but the beginning of a new season of wisdom, mentoring, writing, reflection, and greater kingdom influence.
Happy Birthday, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, FAR (ZAKI).
Congratulations to you and Rev. (Mrs.) Victoria Sunshine Akanji on this remarkable milestone and retirement celebration.
May your latter years be greater, more fulfilling, and richly blessed.
To God be all the glory!
Signed;
Rev’d Dr Francis & Mama Joy ISELOWO,
Arlington TX. USA
19th August, 2026
📷Garnet Studio Nig.