The 60th birthday celebration of Rear Admiral (Pastor) Elkanah Oyeleye Jaiyeola RTd mni at Movenpick Hotel Ikoyi Lagos was indeed a joyous and memorable event. The celebration, which took place on February 8, 2024, was filled with laughter, love, and appreciation for the life and achievements of the celebrant.

MC Stylo Sayo and Mr Wale Rhythm and Sound live band set the mood of joy and appreciation to the Lord as the celebrant was ushered in, and Pastor Tonye Cole added the fragrance of prayer to the day.

The event was graced by friends, family, colleagues, and well-wishers, including members of the Government College Lagos Old Boys Association (GCLOBA), Members of the Nigerian Navy, and the Episcopal body of the RCCG from Abuja, Festac, Ibadan, Ghana. The children who were in the UK and unavoidably not on-site joined via zoom video internet.

OreOluwa delivered the citation about the celebrant, and many took turns to share their goodwill messages. Pastor Lanre John from Ghana, Alhaji Deji Lawal, Pastor Ema. Odun from Abuja, Commodore S.A Oguntade Rtd, Pastor Isaac Ogbehinde, Mr IK, the younger brother to the celebrant's wife, Mr Osaro, Pastor Bayo Kolade from RCCG Festac, Pastor Oye John from RCCG Apapa, Tokunbo Olukunle, Pastor Lanre John from RCCG Ghana, and Mr Joseph Laoye Jaiyeola, the celebrant's immediate elder brother, all took time to share goodwill messages.

Mrs. Sholedemi led the celebrant and his wife in the cutting of the cake, and the celebrant, in his vote of thanks, appreciated everyone from all walks of life who had come to honor him with their presence and presents. He also reminisced on his near-death experience when he was shot 17 years ago while still active in service but thanked God that he got out alive after 8 hours of exploratory surgery at a hospital in Owerri.

In an interview with CEO Africa, the celebrant, Pastor Rear Admiral Elkanah Leye Jaiyeola RTd mni, expressed elation and gratitude for witnessing the day, especially when he thinks about how he could have died 17 years ago. He attributed his successes to God and his family, whom he described as a pillar of support.

Pharm. Mrs Osareti Jaiyeola, wife of the celebrant, described him as heavenly built for her and always there for her, the family, and the country, and above all, loves God. She prayed that he would grow more intimate with God.

Mr. Tonye P. Cole, one-time gubernatorial candidate under the APC umbrella in River State described the celebrant as a calm, patriotic, and loyal gentleman. He holds dear the celebrant's commitment to not mincing words and being very truthful.

Mr Adeniyi Ademolaron, who preferred to call the celebrant "Leyyo," a name he is used to calling him back then at Government College Lagos 45years ago, described him as peaceful and always says it as it is. Pastor Odun Emmasiare described him as one of the few good men he knew and advised him to continue to wait on God as he usually does.

The event was also characterized by heartfelt messages from others, including Engr Abimbola Akinajo, Managing Director of Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority.

See photos below: