As Taraba Province 1 Bids Farewell, Rivers Province 1 Prepares to Welcome a Distinguished Servant of God

By Abraham Maina Joda | NewsNexus

The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Taraba Province 1, is bidding farewell to a remarkable servant of God, Pastor Samuel Ajayi, following his transfer to take up a new assignment in RCCG Rivers Province 1.

For members of the RCCG family in Taraba, the development represents more than a change of location. It marks the departure of a leader, shepherd and father whose years of service have left a lasting impression on the church and many lives.

As Provincial Pastor of RCCG Taraba Province 1, Pastor Samuel Ajayi provided spiritual leadership, guidance and direction to pastors, ministers, workers and members across the Province.

But his leadership was never defined simply by the office he occupied. It was defined by the way he served.

He was a pastor to pastors, a father to many, a counsellor to those in need and a source of encouragement to countless members of the church.

A Father, Shepherd and Leader

Pastor Samuel Ajayi will be remembered by many in Taraba not only for his preaching and pastoral responsibilities, but for his fatherly approach to leadership.

He demonstrated that spiritual leadership is about more than occupying a position. It is about touching lives, building people, encouraging others and creating an environment where individuals can grow in their relationship with God and fulfil their God-given assignments.

To many ministers and members, he was approachable and willing to listen. His words of counsel, prayers, encouragement and pastoral concern made him a leader whose influence extended beyond the pulpit.

His departure therefore leaves a significant gap in the hearts of those who came to regard him as a spiritual father.

A Record of Dedicated Service

During his time in Taraba Province 1, Pastor Ajayi devoted himself to the advancement of the work of God.

Through preaching, prayer, counselling, leadership, evangelism and pastoral care, he contributed to the strengthening of the RCCG family in Taraba.

The true measure of a leader is often found in what remains after the leader leaves.

In Pastor Ajayi’s case, what remains are the people he encouraged, the ministers he guided, the families he supported and the lives touched through his ministry.

His legacy is therefore not confined to structures or programmes. It lives in people.

Celebrating Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi

Any tribute to Pastor Samuel Ajayi would be incomplete without celebrating the woman who has faithfully stood beside him throughout his ministry journey—Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi.

Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi is known to many as a kind mother, a virtuous woman and a supportive partner in ministry.

The demands of pastoral ministry often extend far beyond the responsibilities visible to the public. Behind the work of a pastor is a family that shares in the sacrifices, pressures, prayers and responsibilities of the assignment.

Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi has stood firmly beside her husband, providing the love, encouragement and support that have accompanied their ministry journey.

She has also played a motherly role among members of the church, touching lives with her kindness, warmth and caring disposition.

Her contribution to the ministry of the Ajayis deserves recognition and appreciation.

As the couple leaves Taraba, the Province is therefore bidding farewell to not only a Provincial Pastor but also to a pastoral family that has become an important part of its story.

Rivers Province 1 Ready to Receive the Ajayis

While Taraba Province 1 prepares to say goodbye, RCCG Rivers Province 1 is preparing to receive Pastor Samuel Ajayi and Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi with joy and gratitude to God.

A special Welcome and Reception Service has been scheduled to formally receive the couple into the Province.

The invitation carries the message:

“With great joy and gratitude to God, we warmly welcome our Daddy & Mummy, Pastor & Pastor Mrs. Samuel Ajayi.”

The welcome service is scheduled for:

Venue: Open Heaven Province HQ Parish
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM

The occasion is expected to bring together members, ministers, families and friends to celebrate the arrival of the Ajayis and officially welcome them into their new field of service.

The organisers say they look forward to a “blessed and memorable time in God’s presence.”

From Taraba With Gratitude

For Taraba Province 1, the departure of Pastor Samuel Ajayi is understandably emotional.

However, the movement should also be seen as another chapter in a continuing journey of service.

In God’s vineyard, servants may be moved from one field to another, but the seeds planted in previous assignments remain.

Pastor Ajayi leaves Taraba with the prayers, appreciation and goodwill of the people he served.

He leaves as a leader who led, a father who cared, a shepherd who nurtured and a servant who gave himself to the work of God.

And Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi leaves with the appreciation of those who have experienced her kindness, motherly care and steadfast support for her husband’s ministry.

Go Well, Daddy and Mummy

Pastor Samuel Ajayi and Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi, as you begin this new chapter in Rivers Province 1, we pray that God will grant you greater grace for the assignment ahead.

May He strengthen you, guide you and enlarge your influence for His Kingdom.

May Rivers Province 1 receive through your ministry renewed spiritual strength, unity, growth and greater impact.

May God continue to use you to raise leaders, strengthen families, win souls and advance His Kingdom.

Taraba bids you farewell with gratitude.

Rivers welcomes you with joy.

And we trust that the same God who ordered your steps to Taraba is the God who is ordering your steps to Rivers.

Go well, Pastor Samuel Ajayi.

Go well, Pastor Mrs. Emiola Rachel Ajayi.

Your assignment has changed, but your calling remains.

May your new chapter in Rivers Province 1 be greater, more fruitful and even more impactful.

Welcome to Rivers Province 1, Daddy and Mummy Ajayi.

— NewsNexus