It was a beautiful morning on Friday the 27^th of September, 2024, as hundreds of clerics and religious, together with lay faithful from all walks of life and various parts of Ibadan province and beyond filled the beautiful compound of the Church of Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, for the 75^th birthday celebration of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan and Chairman of the Seminary Commission, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ’Leke Abegunrin. The celebration, which was well graced by the Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins, Bishops of Ibadan and Lagos Provinces, Bishop Bulus Yohanna of Kontagora Diocese together with Emeriti Bishops of Ibadan, Ilorin, Oyo and Ondo dioceses, began at 10am. The seminary was well represented with the presence of the Rector, Very Rev. Fr Dr Anthony Igbekele, and his Vice, Very Rev. Fr Dr Hubert Opara, along with many other formators at the ceremony. In attendance too were many members of various religious congregations which had presence in Ibadan Archdiocese, both male and female, Knights and Ladies of St Mulumba and St. John International, former Senator and former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Hon. Iyiola Omisore, amidst many other state and Church dignitaries. In his homily, Very Rev. Msgr John Aniagwu, a good friend and former classmate of the celebrant, extolled the good virtues of the Archbishop as he clocked 75. He described the leadership style of the celebrant as that of a servant-leader and prayed for the continuous good health of the celebrant.

The celebration was followed by a grand reception which again was well attended by many important persons from all walks of life. The Archbishop has always been so dear to the heart of the seminary because of his fatherly role and personal concern for the growth and success of the Seminary. As His Grace marks this significant anniversary, the Seminary wishes him abundant health, overflowing grace and multiple blessing from God.