“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you, and to regard them very highly in love because of their work.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
The Lagos church recently announced the transitions of Chris & Rolayo Ogbonnaya, Emmanuel & Henrietta Emeh, and the retirement of Fred George from paid ministry employment. In an effort to “give them their flowers,” we humbly and wholeheartedly honor these remarkable leaders, whose unwavering dedication, faithfulness, and service have profoundly impacted our church community.
Celebrating Chris & Rolayo Ogbonnaya
Chris and Rolayo Ogbonnaya’s journey of faith began in 1989 when they were baptized, and they married in 1993. Their early commitment saw them serve as interns from 1992-1994, and they led the Accra Church in Ghana from 2001-2003. Returning to Lagos, they became the lead evangelist and women’s ministry leader from 2004 to 2021 – the longest-serving leaders in the Lagos church. They also served as Regional Family Chair couple for West Africa during this period.
Currently, they continue to serve as Director and Women’s Coordinator of the Onyechi Emeka Oguagha School of Missions (NEOSOM) West Africa and as Directors of the CHORD Leadership Center. Throughout their years of service, Chris and Rolayo exemplified servant leadership, embodying humility, love, and a passionate pursuit of God’s kingdom. Their mentorship, outreach, and spiritual nurturing have cultivated a vibrant, caring, and spiritually strong church family. Their legacy reminds us that true leadership is rooted in love, humility, and purpose.
Honoring Emmanuel & Henrietta Emeh
Emmanuel and Henrietta Emeh’s leadership journey began in Ilorin in 1997 and later in Onitsha before relocating to Lagos in 2000. They have led various regions, including Islands, Shomolu-Mushin, Campus, and Ikeja-Ketu-Maryland, demonstrating steadfast commitment across years of service.
As the Director of Academics at NEOSOM West Africa, Emmanuel and Henrietta have made significant contributions in curriculum development, faculty management, and student guidance. Emmanuel was appointed a Kingdom Teacher in 2018. Their leadership has ignited spiritual revival, especially among campus ministries, raising leaders who now serve across West Africa and beyond.
Their devotion to prayer, discipleship, and community building has been a beacon of grace and perseverance. They have played an integral role in hosting the International Campus Leadership Conference (ICLC) for over a decade, uniting thousands of students and young leaders from multiple countries.
Their service exemplifies humility and love for God’s people, inspiring us all to lead with integrity and faith.
Celebrating Fred George
Fredrick Rotimi George, born in 1960 in Ibadan, was baptized in 1989 and dedicated his life to Christ and service. From his early days as a Bible talk leader and teens’ leader in Ikeja, Fred’s leadership grew as he served in many capacities, including administrator, regional leader, teacher, and full-time evangelist.
Fred’s career took him beyond Lagos, leading churches in Accra, Ghana, and multiple Nigerian cities. His passion for building strong marriages and families led him to pursue specialized training in marriage therapy and parenting, becoming a pioneer in these fields across Africa.
He earned a Master’s in Bible and Theology from Lincoln Christian University and was the first disciple in Africa to do so, and he was also appointed a teacher in 2018. His leadership extended to organizing the first Africa International Youth & Family Conference in 2018, and he served as the first academic director of NEOSOM.
Fred’s wisdom, counsel, and steadfast commitment have helped shape the spiritual fabric of our church. As he steps into retirement, we honor his legacy – one marked by dedication, humility, and a heart committed to God’s kingdom.
Indebtedness
To all these leaders, we say thank you. Your sacrifices, faithfulness, and leadership have inspired us to run our race with perseverance. As Philippians 2:29 encourages, we honor you in the Lord with great joy and celebrate your impactful service.
May God’s richest blessings be upon you as you enter this new season, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age; they will stay fresh and green.”
– Psalm 92:12-14
Thank you for your exemplary lives of faith, service, and leadership. Your legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
