>By Sanmi Falobi <

When faith embeds business in an atmosphere of praise, it creates a powerful synergy where spiritual principles and professional endeavours align. That was what played out as Mr. Sunny Beyioku, District Coordinator, South West 3 of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, led accomplished career and business men in praising God at the International Praise Day 2025 which held on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Airport hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

Gratitude to God, fellowshipping for greater impact

The event, which brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals from across the city for a transformative day of worship, inspiration, and empowerment was a powerful fusion of faith and business, including series of heartfelt testimonies, intermittent prayer sessions, electrifying praise and deep worship sessions in appreciation to God for His faithfulness over the past year, while also thanking Him in appreciation ahead of wonderful things to manifest in the new year.

The event also provided the opportunity for the consolidation of friendship, networking, fellowship and strategic business connection under an atmosphere of worship and prayer within the fold of members across several chapters.

Joy overflowing as men danced to the lyrics, hymnals and worship sessions

It was a ‘no-holding-back’ session as men, not minding their social status, positions or financial prowess danced and swayed to the rhythm and beat of melodious songs and high praises by renowned Gospel Artists which included Bukola Bekes, Dancia Ngozi and Joy Ogbetere.

Dancing to the melody and serving as anchors of sessions and as persons executing tasks at the event were accomplished and distinguished businessmen, career professionals and leaders across 17 zones and almost 100 chapters under SW3, most of whom were present with their wives. They include: Dr. Wole Olufon, Engr. Charles Aladewolu, Ambassador Tony Ewelike, Engr. Banjo Adeyoju, Mr. Fola Aguda, Barr. Tunji Omole, Pharm. Ifeanyi Atueyi, Sir. IK Onyemekara and Pharm. Jude Elue.

Others were: Mr. Biola Ayeni, Engr. Femi Adesanya, Mr. Akin Oluwole, Mr. IK Obazee, Dr. Dapo Collins, Dr. Taiwo Makinde, Engr. Titus Abiola, Dr. Muna Chira, Dr. Kehinde Makinde and Engr. Olasina Giwa, among others.

The annual international praise day is a way of ushering members into the new year, thanking God for His wondrous works, what He has done and the anticipations of greater things in the new year.
It is to be noted that the members of FGBMFI, who are also called the ‘Happiest People on earth’ is not only for men, as women are well integrated to play strategic roles under the Ladies of the Fellowship (LOF) platforms, hence the event had women; wives of members and other guests in attendance.

Sharing insights and a testimony about his work and membership as a member of FGBMFI for over 30 years, Engr. Charles Aladewolu related the vision of the founder of the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Demos Shakarian, who upon receiving the vision of the FGBFMI in 1952 had to go through phases of trails and undertook intense prayers, seeking the face of God for intervention in manifesting the vision. According to Engr. Aladewolu, he too had to depend on God upon his election as Vice president of a chapter and then later as president, when he became a member, some 30 years ago.

“The person who brought me to the Full gospel fellowship about 30 years ago is my friend who is still with me today. God used him to bring me to the fellowship and since that time, till now, God has been faithful in taking me from one height of accomplishment to the other” he said.

Looking Ahead

FGBMFI SW3’s Praise Day 2025 has undoubtedly set the tone for a new year of faith-centered business practices. The event demonstrated that when faith is embedded into business environments, it leads to greater prosperity, ethical leadership, and, most importantly, a deeper sense of purpose.

As the event wrapped up, attendees left feeling renewed, inspired, and ready to take on the challenges of their industries, armed with both faith and renewed mindset to accomplish greater success in respective endeavours.

With the 2025 Praise Day event, FGBMFI chapters under SW3 are now buoyed and inspired to commit to greater service in implementing chapter programmes and initiatives and advancing the gospel under the unique mandate of the FGBMFI principles, in both the marketplace and the communities.

Here are snapshots of pictorial and video highlights.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WlOn4_TXLZGF91txyaKSAyuU3Bkk3A-V/view?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZiVZKYrBvsM1cuC0Gj5To5NPTrGn0gqz/view?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/15Ej_3j8fODqu9ktA28l0rN1hcDSCzKhN/view?usp=drive_link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/11yeZyexXGOtBnXFOxjoQPFOskf-OCCXg/view?usp=drive_link

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* Picture credit: Olasina Giwa