Felix Mbata, Lagos state
Rev. Dr. David Rabu Aya of ECWA Good News, Ikeja, has described DSP (Rtd) Rev. Olugbenga David Egunsola as a “workaholic for the Kingdom of God” whose 35 years of honourable service in the Nigeria Police Force and unwavering ministry have left an indelible legacy of faithfulness and truth. Speaking with Christian Events Watch at Egunsola’s retirement, birthday, and thanksgiving service held at the Police College, Ikeja, Rev. Aya said the celebrant’s life proves that God never forgets those who serve Him faithfully.
Rev. Aya, who has known Egunsola for three years as colleagues in ministry at the Police College, described him as “a unique person” whose zeal for the gospel is “top notch.” “He is an understanding person, easy to relate with, and a workaholic. His drive towards the gospel inspired me, and I have gained a lot from being with him,” Aya said. He noted that Egunsola’s commitment saw him “spend” to make the thanksgiving a reality, calling the event “a celebration of faithfulness.”
On lessons from the celebration, Rev. Aya stressed: “When one is faithful in serving God, God will never forget that person, and you will see people genuinely come around such a person. Pastor Egunsola sacrificed his resources. Today is proof that faithfulness pays.” He described Egunsola in one word: “Workaholic. He works for the Kingdom day and night, a great evangelist winning souls for Christ.”
To upcoming police officers, Rev. Aya urged emulation of Egunsola’s legacy of mentorship, faithfulness, and truthfulness. “He has stood as a mentor to many policemen who passed through this institution. His legacy lives in the hearts of many policemen and women. When you are in the Force, if you keep being faithful to God and serving Him faithfully, God will never forget you. God will always reward you. Instead of putting money first or doing dubious things for commercial gain, serve God faithfully.”
In his message to the congregation, Rev. Aya said Egunsola’s retirement after 35 years “without a bad record or physical challenge is by God’s grace.” He added: “He faced challenges and overcame them, and those challenges added value to his life. This celebration is not the end of his career, but the opening of another chapter. He has moved from employment to empowerment of other people.”
Citing St. Paul’s words, “I have finished the race,” Aya said: “We are celebrating Rev. Egunsola’s impact in the Police and in the Body of Christ. There are two kinds of battles: good and bad. Rev. Egunsola fought a good battle and succeeded, and that is why we are celebrating him today. What battle are you fighting? If you are fighting to honour God and humanity, you are fighting a good battle. He is set to refire, not retire. We thank God because he kept the faith.”
Rev. Aya concluded by appreciating all who graced the occasion, including Bishop Chidi Anthony, Chairman of the occasion; AIG Omolara I. Oloruntola, Commandant, Police College Ikeja; CSP/Ven. Ezekiel Ugbotor; Evangelist James Olatunji Caulcrick (AIG Rtd); CSP Joseph Egwuonwu, representatives of the Nigeria Military Christian Fellowship; and a host of others from across Lagos. “We are celebrating him with gratitude today,” he said, “because his life shows that faithfulness to God in service brings honour, legacy, and divine reward.”