Apostolic Faith Church cleric Falola receives surprise birthday bash, musical equipment donations in his honour
By Julius Alabi, Akure
The Ekiti State Headquarters of the Apostolic Faith Church came alive with joy and heartfelt tributes as a renowned cleric and former Music Director, Dr. Jide Falola, was treated to a grand surprise to mark his 70th birthday anniversary.
The celebration, meticulously planned by his biological and adopted children within and outside the church, turned out to be more than a birthday event, as it became a moment of deep reflection on a life of impact, mentorship and unwavering commitment to the gospel through music.
Among those who played a pivotal role in the planning was Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo Herbert, his niece and daughter of his late sister, who travelled from the United States. She worked closely with his children, taking them as her own siblings in organising what many described as an unforgettable celebration.
The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of assorted musical instruments, including keyboards valued at millions of naira, donated to the church in honour of the celebrant.
The gesture, observers noted, underscored Falola’s enduring legacy in the music ministry of the Apostolic Faith Church.
The event began with a 45-minute thanksgiving service, discreetly organised in collaboration with the church’s leadership, including the Area Overseer, Rev. Oba Fatoba.
The service, described as unprecedented in the history of the church in Nigeria, drew admiration from congregants and guests alike.
Following the church service, the celebrant and his wife were presented with traditional Aso Oke attire, which they adorned to a grand reception held at a beautifully decorated hall later in the day.
Guests were treated to an array of delicacies, as family, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Visibly overwhelmed, Falola expressed profound gratitude to God for witnessing such an honour in his lifetime.
He described the celebration as a humbling experience, noting that the outpouring of love and the level of secrecy maintained by the organisers, including his wife, left him astonished.
“I had no idea. I am absolutely blown away by the love shown to me. Reaching 70 is a milestone, but celebrating it with such wonderful people makes me feel truly blessed,” he said.
He also extended appreciation to individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the event, including family members, church leaders, the Ekiti Area Choir and Orchestra, and other supporters.
Special mention was made of the church leadership for granting approval for the thanksgiving service and celebration.
Falola commended the church’s Overseer, Rev. Oba Fatoba, for fostering an atmosphere of love that rekindled the interest of younger members in the gospel, describing it as a significant achievement for the church community.
Tributes poured in from admirers, including Tope Johnson from the United States, who described Falola as a mentor, inspiration and a pillar whose influence transcends music and has shaped countless lives and careers.
Johnson noted that Falola’s legacy lies not only in the songs he created but also in the people he mentored and the dreams he nurtured, adding that his life exemplifies generosity, discipline and unwavering passion.
As the celebration drew to a close, Falola reiterated his gratitude to God, describing his 70th birthday as “a blessing, not a burden,” while praying for continued grace to impact lives.
The event, held on March 1, 2026, will be remembered as a landmark celebration within the Apostolic Faith Church in Nigeria, symbolising a life dedicated to service, faith and the power of music as a tool for spiritual transformation.
