It was a great honour for the Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Abolade Adeosin Job, on Friday 3rd July 2026 as the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan in Oyo State was filled up with Cardinal, Archbishops, Bishops, Monsignorii, Priests, Deacons, Dignitaries, family members and Lay faithful from within and outside Ibadan Archdiocese for the 3-in-1 celebration: 88th Birthday, 60th Priestly Ordination and 55th Episcopal Anniversaries Thanksgiving Mass of His Grace.

A total of sixteen Bishops were physically present with not less than four Bishops represented; uncountable number of priests; Consecrated persons (Male and Female); Family members of the Celebrant; former Presidential Candidates of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi; Prof. Pat Utomi; Oba Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja represented by Otun Olubadan, Oba Edward Oyewole; Representatives of different Lay Organizations in the Church; Felix Alaba Job (FAJ) Foundation members; Archbishop J.K.A. Aggey Foundation members; SERRAP to mention but a few.

All the guests were officially welcomed to the celebration on behalf of the Chief Host, Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin by the Vicar General, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami.

The Chief Celebrant, who presided over the Thanksgiving Mass went down the memory lane of how the journey of his life started till date and concluded by saying: “God’s ways are not our ways.”

The homilist of the day was Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins. He gave God the glory and also appreciated the great man that has brought many people from across Nigeria to the thanksgiving Mass.

Archbishop Martins, who has just been appointed by Pope Leo XIV as a member of the Dicastery for Evangelization enjoined all to sing the song “Count your blessings….” Even though there are many things going on in the lives of Nigerians but in the midst of all these, there is still need to pay attention to that hymn.

“Poverty puts a wide gap, not talking of balanced diet but even the pains of hunger. The hymn asks us to keep faith and hope alive. We must never stop challenging the country’s leadership and arms of government to live up to their responsibilities.” His Grace stated.

The homilist commended the celebrant, who has put in his best to the Church’s development and that of the society in general; praying that God bless him for his labour all these years. “You changed the landscape of the Church in Nigeria. May your labour and sacrifices not be in vain.” His Grace prayed.

Making reference to the readings for the celebration, Archbishop Martins pointed out that the gospel (Luke 1:39-55) teaches that the most transformative people in history are not those with huge number of followers, sharers, likes, comments but those that genuinely bring Christ to others in their words and actions for many years like Archbishop Job, whom many people described differently.

The homilist affirmed that keeping the faith is what is important and this is the legacy Archbishop Job is going to leave. He invited all to thank God for the great celebrant and pray that God grants him the grace to be faithful till the end. Archbishop Martins also acknowledged elder leaders who have served the Church.

The celebrant was later joined in thanksgiving, followed by the reading of goodwill messages from Papal Nuncio, Most Rev. Michael Francis Crotty and CBCN by Most Rev. Peter Odetoyinbo of Abeokuta Diocese. Governor Seyi Makinde also sent in his goodwill message.

The Pastoral Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade gave a vote of thanks. Nevertheless, Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin also gave a remark, appreciating everyone for joining in the celebration.

The celebrant in his remarks acknowledged everyone for coming to honour him with their presence and concluded by appealing that all continue to say the prayer for Nigeria in distress even as he distributed to all a leaflet containing “Prayer of Thanksgiving after Mass”.

A reception was also organized at Pope John Paul II Hall, University of Ibadan; where many still showered encomiums on the celebrant. Other highlights of the reception included presentations by HCA and CAEAN, cutting of the anniversaries cake, entertainment and dancing moment.

The reception was chaired by Dr. Samson Adegeebo and was hugely attended by Bishops, priests, family members and lay faithful. 

Most Rev. Felix Alaba Adebola Adeosin Job was born on 24th of June 1938 in Esure, Ijebu Imusin in Ogun State to the family of Pa & Mrs Augustine Ade Osinlana Job. He was ordained priest on 24th of December 1966 at Esure, got appointed as Rector of his Alma Mater, St Theresa Minor Seminary from 1969-1971.

On the 4th of July 1971 at the age of 33, he was installed Bishop of Ibadan and became first indigenous Bishop of Ibadan between 1974 and 1994. On the 16th July 1994 became the first Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan till January 24, 2014 when he retired as the Archbishop and handed over to Most Rev. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin.