By Qudus Oloriebi
In many religious settings, especially in churches, thanksgiving is often seen as a time to appreciate God through joyful dancing and financial offerings. However, with Primate Elijah Ayodele, thanksgiving takes on a much broader meaning.
Primate Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, is widely known as a prophet. But beyond his prophetic ministry, one thing everyone should know about him is that thanksgiving is not just an annual event—it is a lifestyle.
Within a span of three months, it is almost impossible for members of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church not to have new clothes because the church regularly holds thanksgiving programmes and other celebrations. For Primate Ayodele, thanksgiving does not have to follow a fixed schedule. He can wake up on any day and declare a thanksgiving service simply because he believes every day is another opportunity to appreciate God.
Like many churches, members of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church are encouraged to present tangible offerings to God as an expression of gratitude for His faithfulness. There is absolutely nothing wrong with offering gifts to God in appreciation for His goodness, protection, and countless blessings. In fact, Primate Ayodele consistently teaches that thanksgiving offerings are not meant to enrich the church but to demonstrate genuine gratitude to God.
The principle of thanksgiving through sacrifice is deeply rooted in the Bible. Several biblical figures offered their best to God in appreciation, including Cain and Abel, whose story reminds believers that God values sincere and worthy sacrifices.
However, one unique practice in INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church that is rarely seen elsewhere is thanksgiving to men—honouring individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving God and His work. While many churches focus solely on giving to God, Primate Ayodele also believes in appreciating the people God has placed around him. This is a commendable culture that deserves recognition.
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, the church held its mid-year thanksgiving programme, filled with heartfelt praise, worship, and thanksgiving offerings to God. But beyond the spiritual celebration, the programme became a special moment of appreciation for men and women who have faithfully served in the vineyard of God.
Recognising and rewarding committed workers has always been part of Primate Ayodele’s ministry, and this year’s edition surpassed previous ones.
The highlight of the event was the honour bestowed on his second-in-command, Apostle Joshua Olubunmi Ajewole, the Shepherd-in-Charge of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church. Primate Ayodele showered him with glowing tributes, celebrated him with songs while he danced, and crowned the moment by presenting him with a fully furnished house in Lagos.
Such a gesture speaks volumes about humility, gratitude, and genuine leadership. In a time when some religious leaders are accused of suppressing the growth of those around them, Primate Ayodele has consistently demonstrated that he desires the success and advancement of those who work with him. For years, it has been widely known that he has regularly changed the official vehicles of his second-in-command, and the gift of a house was simply another expression of that longstanding generosity.
The thanksgiving programme also witnessed the distribution of about seven vehicles to deserving church members who had distinguished themselves in various departments. This was not an isolated gesture. Earlier this year, in February, Primate Ayodele gave out about four vehicles. Last year, he reportedly distributed about nine vehicles during different thanksgiving programmes, and similar acts of generosity have continued over the years.
Unlike some ministers who prefer to present expensive gifts to popular gospel musicians for publicity, Primate Ayodele has chosen a different path. Rather than seeking attention through celebrity associations, he prefers to empower members of his own church. He often engages his church musicians to minister and rewards dedicated workers instead of focusing on famous personalities.
Even among his pastors, appreciation was evident. Two pastors received a Mercedes-Benz and a Lexus SUV respectively during the thanksgiving celebration, reflecting his commitment to rewarding faithful service.
Beyond the vehicles, virtually every department in the church received financial gifts. Many workers went home with at least ₦50,000, personally handed to them by Primate Ayodele as a token of appreciation for their commitment and dedication.
Although the programme was primarily organised to thank God, Primate Ayodele demonstrated that appreciating the people God has placed around you is also an act of thanksgiving. After all, no ministry, organisation, or vision succeeds without committed individuals working behind the scenes. Recognising their sacrifices is, in itself, an expression of gratitude to God.
Indeed, Primate Ayodele has established a remarkable culture of appreciation. If more religious leaders embraced this approach of celebrating and rewarding faithful service, the church would undoubtedly become an even stronger and more encouraging place for those labouring in God’s vineyard.
