Prominent traditional rulers, politicians, professionals and clerics on Thursday converged on the Abeokuta residence of Dr Gbenga Adeoye to mark the 2026 New Year thanksgiving, an annual event hosted by the chartered accountant and his wife, Mrs Kemi Adeoye.
The gathering, held on January 1, featured prayers, worship, music, dancing and testimonies, drawing dignitaries from across Ogun State and beyond.
This year’s celebration was described by guests as unique, coming barely weeks after Adeoye emerged as President of the Egba Economic Summit, a position he will occupy for a two-year tenure.
Leading the dignitaries was the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, who charged Nigerians to embrace hope for the new year, citing Psalm 126. The monarch expressed optimism that 2026 would mark a turning point for the country, particularly in the area of security.
According to him, Nigeria would return to a place where citizens could travel freely without fear, adding that ongoing efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies, in collaboration with international partners, would yield positive results.
The guest preacher, Pastor Funmi Kushimo of Alleluia Christian Chapel, urged Nigerians to draw closer to God in 2026, describing the year as one filled with promise.
Also speaking, the founder and General Overseer of Alleluia Christian Chapel, Pastor Paul Adeniyi Daniel, gave a testimony, thanking God for his recovery from a severe illness that threatened his life in July 2025.
Former senator representing Ogun Central, Gbenga Obadara, said attending the Adeoyes’ New Year thanksgiving had become a tradition for him, praying that the host would continue to receive the grace to open his home to guests every January 1.
Other dignitaries at the event included Dr Tokunbo Gbadebo, the Olori of the Alake of Egbaland; the immediate past President of the Egba Economic Summit, Mr Yinka Chris Coker; Prof and Mrs Odebunmi and their family; Mrs W.M. Soleye, widow of former Finance Minister, Dr Onaolapo Soleye; and Elder Samuel Shittu of Mushilab Limited.
The event also attracted professionals from the oil and gas, legal, accounting and medical sectors, alumni associations, business leaders, as well as staff of Gbenga Adeoye & Co., Global Legal Partners and Rejoice Supermart.
Musical performances by Bukky Emmanuel, Titi Esan and her band kept guests on their feet, while others engaged in indoor games such as table tennis, creating a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
In his remarks, Adeoye thanked all guests for their presence, describing it as a demonstration of love. and fellowship. He noted that sharing food, music and dance helped to strengthen bonds for the year ahead and pledged to make the celebration even better in 2027.
The Adeoye family also used the occasion to showcase Adire fabrics in various designs, highlighting the cultural heritage of Egbaland and promoting local textile craftsmanship.
Guests described the celebration as symbolic of hop
e and joy for the year 2026.
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