• Chairman, Access Holdings PLC, Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, presenting an award to Dr Yomi-Sholoye…at the event
The Iya Aladura General and Founder of The New Seraph, Dr. Oluwaseye Yomi-Sholoye, has called on the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church to intensify its focus on youth empowerment and unity, describing youths as the future of the church and Nigeria.
She spoke at the C&S Centenary Celebration Award and Gala Nite held at Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos, where she was honoured for her outstanding contribution to the growth and stability of the church globally, alongside her philanthropic initiatives.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, she said her award recognised not only her service to the C&S Church, but also her efforts in pioneering and funding peaceful activities, fostering unity and love among members, and supporting empowerment initiatives.
“Youths are very important to us. They are the future of our church and the future of Nigeria,” she said. “I will only encourage our youths to be steadfast in the way of the Lord and in their sectors where they belong so that they can excel. With our students, they should focus more on their education. The church must invest more in them and their unity activities.”
Dr. Yomi-Sholoye reflected on the evolution of the church over the decades.
She noted that while the C&S was once known mainly for its healing and miracle traditions, today it has become more deeply rooted in evangelism and the teaching of the word of God.
“In this current dispensation, C&S is big time into the word of God. Today, we are very thorough and detailed in evangelism, while also adding value to our youths more than ever before,” she said.
She further highlighted the church’s commitment to unity, pointing out its membership in the Organisation of African Indigenous Churches (OAIC), which represents indigenous churches across the continent.
The event also featured goodwill messages, including one from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde.
Sanwo-Olu lauded the Cherubim and Seraphim Order for a century of faith, service and impact, describing it as a vital partner in nation-building.
“It is a privilege for me to be here with you tonight as you mark a remarkable milestone, a hundred years of faith, service and the impact of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraph,” he said. “For a centenary, this great Order has been more than just a spiritual decision; it has been a reliable ally in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.”
He praised the church for its social interventions, including support for orphanages and families in need, provision of clean water through borehole projects, health missions to underserved communities, and youth empowerment through education and training.
“These initiatives, embodied in the centenary corporate social responsibility programme, resonate deeply with the government’s goals of promoting welfare, opportunities, and inclusive development,” the governor said.
“The awards we celebrate tonight serve as a powerful reminder that serving God truly finds its essence in serving humanity.”
Sanwo-Olu extended his congratulations to the leadership and members of the C&S, praying that the next hundred years would be filled with “abundant grace, impact and divine purpose.”
Chairman of the Centenary Anniversary Steering Committee, Dr. Harold Demuren, described the 100 years of the Cherubim and Seraphim (C&S) Church as a testimony of God’s grace, unity of purpose and principled leadership.
He said since its founding in 1925, the church had continued to expand globally, while staying true to its mission of spiritual growth, moral discipline and social impact.
He said C&S had earned respect and recognition across the world, with membership in bodies such as Organisation of African Indigenous Churches (OAIC) and World Council of Churches.
“Our unity of purpose and principled leadership have sustained us for a hundred years despite many challenges,” Demuren said. “We give all glory to God, whose presence has been with us throughout this journey. Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen this church and make it grow stronger.”
The Centenary chairman paid tribute to past leaders who, through moral, financial and spiritual support, laid a foundation that had enabled the church to flourish within and beyond Nigeria.
He said the centenary celebration was not only to honour the church’s history, but also to recognise individuals and institutions that had contributed to its growth and expansion globally.
The centenary gala brought together clerics, dignitaries and faithful, who celebrated the legacy of the first indigenous African prophet, St. Moses Orimolade Tunolase, founder of the C&S, and reaffirmed the church’s place as a cornerstone of indigenous Christianity and social development in Nigeria
