By Ambrose Ologide.
It was celebration galore as Bishop Professor Michael Oritseweyimi Udi celebrated his diamond anniversary of his membership of St Akpata New Jerusalem Church of God, Divine Order International with a colourful thanksgiving service at the church cathedral at his country home of Ogunu in Agbarha Warri Kingdom, Warri South Local Government Area on Sunday 26th April, 2026
The only lesson of the thanksgiving service was taken from the bible book of Matthew Chapter 25 verse 14 read by Donatus Olise.
The Special Guest Preacher of the thanksgiving service Arch-Bishop Joshua Efe ( JP), in his sermon quoted severally from the said bible verse as he noted that it is a remarkable feat for Bishop Professor Udi to be in the church for over sixty years without breaking away to other churches.
Arch-Bishop Joshua Efe JP also praised Bishop Professor Michael Oritseweyimi Udi for establishing a branch of St. Akpata New Jerusalem Church of God in Ogunu Community.
It is also interesting to note that the early life of the celebrant laid the foundation for his extraordinary work with God .
However, the defining turning point of his life came through a divine encounter during a period of severe illness as indicated in his citation read by his son , Senior Pastor Sam Udi .
It was stated however that Bishop Professor Udi became a member of the church. The citation reads: ‘ In 1966 in search of healing, he ( Bishop Professor Udi) was introduced to Arch-Bishop J. O. Akpata ( the founder of the church of bless memory) at an all night service held in Iyara Road, Warri. During the encounter, Arch-Bishop Akpata under divine inspiration, prophesied over him ( Bishop Professor Udi) , declaring that he saw him doing the work of God ‘ .
The thanksgiving service featured a traditional dance group from Bishop Professor Udi maternal Okere Itsekiri side
The thanksgiving service was attended by the General Overseer of St. Akpata New Jerusalem Church of God Divine Order International Bishop Godwin Akpata ( JP ) , Senior Prophet Ambassador Augustine Akpata JP, members of College of Bishops, distinguished personalities who he taught in kindergarten in Sapele, chiefs from Uvwie and Okere Urhobo kingdoms, members of his paternal family of Udi in Ogunu, members of his maternal family of Uku in Okere Itsekiri among others.
High point of the event was a special thanksgivings by Bishop Professor Udi and cutting of his diamond anniversary of his membership cake of the church as he donated ten quality chairs to the church in the process.
Eight of the chairs were donated on behalf of each of his children and the other two were for himself and his wife, Deaconess Mary.
