By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu paid a working visit to Lagos State on Thursday, using the opportunity to felicitate with prominent Nigerian religious leader, Bishop David Oyedepo, on his 71st birthday. The visit highlighted the President’s commitment to engaging with influential leaders across sectors while advancing his administration’s development agenda.
While in Lagos, President Tinubu attended key meetings on economic initiatives and infrastructural projects aimed at boosting the state’s development. He used the occasion to personally extend best wishes to Bishop Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.
In his message, the President described Bishop Oyedepo as “a patriotic Nigerian whose work has touched countless lives across the nation and beyond.”
Bishop Oyedepo, widely recognized for his philanthropic activities and educational initiatives, turned 71 on Thursday. The celebrant has spent decades contributing to religious, educational, and humanitarian projects, including the establishment of Covenant University and several healthcare initiatives across Nigeria.
President Tinubu praised the Bishop’s dedication to faith, education, and nation-building. “At 71, Bishop Oyedepo has demonstrated that faith and service can transform communities. We are proud of his contributions to Nigeria’s social and spiritual development,” the President said.
Aside from the felicitation, Tinubu’s working visit focused on reviewing ongoing projects in Lagos, including the expansion of road networks, flood mitigation programs, and initiatives to support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking to reporters, the President emphasized that Lagos continues to play a pivotal role in driving national economic growth. “Lagos is Nigeria’s commercial heartbeat. My administration is committed to ensuring that projects in the state benefit both residents and the wider national economy,” he said.
News of Tinubu’s visit and the birthday felicitation generated excitement across social media platforms. Many Nigerians applauded the President for taking time to recognize leaders who have positively impacted society.
“Bishop Oyedepo turning 71 is a significant milestone, and it is heartwarming that the President acknowledged his contributions. This is a celebration of faith and nation-building,” said Chinyere Okafor, a Lagos-based entrepreneur.
Others highlighted the President’s engagement with Lagos-focused development projects. “It’s encouraging to see the President combine a working visit with recognizing social and spiritual leaders. It sends a message of inclusivity,” tweeted @NaijaPoliticsDaily.
Since founding Living Faith Church in 1981, Bishop Oyedepo has grown the ministry into one of the largest in Africa, with branches in several countries. Beyond religious work, his foundation has been instrumental in education, providing scholarships, and fostering entrepreneurship among youths.
Covenant University, founded in 2002, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s top private universities, attracting students from across Africa. The university emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, and leadership, reflecting Oyedepo’s vision of holistic development.
President Tinubu’s visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between government, religious leaders, and civil society in promoting national development. By recognizing leaders like Bishop Oyedepo, the administration seeks to highlight role models who contribute to social cohesion, education, and economic empowerment.
The Lagos visit and birthday felicitation exemplify a blend of governance and societal engagement. As Bishop Oyedepo celebrates his 71st birthday, the recognition from the President underscores his enduring influence on Nigeria’s spiritual, educational, and social landscape.
President Tinubu’s visit serves as a reminder of the role of leadership in bridging faith, community service, and governance for national progress.
