20th May, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Pastor John Dada Obafemi, oldest living Nigerian ex-soldier celebrated his 110th birthday bash on Saturday as well wishers, his children and grandchildren fete with him.
Obafemi, born on 20 May, 1913, is a war veteran, having fought in the Second World War before retiring from the Nigerian army to pitch tent with the founder of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Apostle Joseph Babalola.
He became the President of CAC Worldwide in 1993 and retired in 1997.
At his apartment at Millennium Estate, Ojokoro area of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, a short birthday celebration was organised for him as he sat all through the celebration and the cutting of the cake.
Speaking through his son, Shola Obafemi, the celebrant wished Nigeria a prosperous time and wished that the incoming president, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has a successful reign in office.
He prayed for economic prosperity for the nation and the growth of infrastructure.
In his sermon, Pastor James Abe of Christ Apostolic Church, Babalola Experiment 1930, said the celebrant, Pastor John Obafemi joined the Nigerian Army on 10 January, 1943 and left the army on the 31st of July 1946 after the end of World War Two where he took part in.
He said the celebrant was appointed as the President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide in 1993, lamenting that despite being a Second World War Veteran, he is staying in a rented apartment.
“I Pastor Abe feel ashamed, I should cover my face in shame because of that, all our Leaders here present retired or in service should please cover their faces in shame for such negligence. The High-Ranking Officers of the Nigerian Army should feel ashamed and their Commander in Chief that a World War 11 Veteran is living in a rented apartment.
“Though our father is at closing chapter of his Life, something worthwhile needs to be done for such a Gallant Soldier in the Military and also as a Christian Soldier,” he said.
Abe said there was the need to build an orphanage in his name to serve as remembrance, while calling for the launch of such orphanage immediately.
He said the celebrant retired from the Service and from the Office as the President of CAC Worldwide in 1997.