‘Model of humility’: Bishop Odedeji lauds Osunkeye at 85th birthday celebration

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, has described former Chairman of Nestle Nigeria Plc, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, as an outstanding Nigerian whose life reflects service to God, the church and humanity.

Odedeji made the remarks during a sermon at the 85th birthday thanksgiving service of the corporate icon held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos State, on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

The event drew dignitaries from across the country, including political leaders, business executives and senior clerics.

Speaking at the event, Bishop Odedeji commended Osunkeye for combining excellence in industry with humility in God’s service.

He recalled how, despite being CEO of Nestle, Osunkeye served as an altar assistant in the cathedral, inspiring many with his dedication.

“Your life has been a sermon to many people. They saw the humility and the way you carried yourself, and were inspired to serve,” Odedeji said.

Odedeji also highlighted Osunkeye’s contributions to churches and organisations, noting that his philanthropy and leadership had touched countless lives.

He further commended the celebrant’s good health, saying: “If you are walking with Chief Osunkeye, you may be the one trying to catch up with his pace. That is evidently the grace of God.”

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Drawing from Psalm 103, the Bishop urged the celebrant to continue living in gratitude and deepen his spirituality.

Odedeji said: “When David says, Bless the Lord oh my soul, he was not preaching to anybody. He was talking to his soul and telling his soul to wake up. There is a tendency for man to forget the goodness of God.

“So David was commanding his soul to rejoice at the generosity of God. Our forgetful nature focuses on the trouble we face. But David warned his soul not forget because it is easy to take God for granted.”

He urged the celebrant to look back and recall God’s interventions in his life, saying: “Gratitude requires memory. It is not natural. If a man is not intentional about giving thanks, he will not see reasons to appreciate God.”

Among the dignitaries present were Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth; former President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Bola; former CBN Governor, Chief Joseph Sanusi; former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi; former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Revd. Dr. Jasper Peter Akinola; former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; and former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo.

Also in attendance were captains of industry from Nestle, UAC, Lafarge, and other leading companies.

The Star