HISTORY OF 2ND LAGOS COMPANY, WESLEY CATHEDRAL OLOWOGBOWO LAGOS

BRIEF HISTORY OF 2^ND LAGOS COMPANY (Source of BB in Nigeria)

WESLEY CATHEDRAL OLOWOGBOWO, LAGOS

FOUNDED ON THE 9^TH SEPTEMBER, 1908

 

Methodist brought Christianity into Nigeria in 1845. Therefore, the history of Methodist Church Nigeria cannot be completed without mentioning the vital role played by Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo hence, oft referred to as the Mother Church in the Conference Area.

 

In the same stream, that of The Boys’ Brigade Nigeria will never be achievable without a mention of the role played by the 2^nd company attached to Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos.

 

It all began in the first quarter of 1908, when the Late Bro. Frederick Ibikunle George, MBE, JP founded the Boys’ Brigade at Methodist Church, Olowogbowo. BB practices were held on weekdays and weekends. He was the first person to process and submit all the necessary paper works for the registration of BB Olowogbowo but was unable to get the final paper works duly signed in England as it was the tradition then due to the tight schedule in the nature of his work, which held him back in Nigeria. Thus, BBN 2^nd company became second to be registered in England in 1908.

 

In view of the fore mentioned, our Boys’ Brigade became the undisputed source and pioneer foundation of Boys’ Brigade in Nigeria. In this regard an award is been instituted to immortalize this erudite scholar and founder, Late Bro. F. I. George, MBE, JP.

 

The second Captain of the company was Late Bro. F. V. Simpson (1921-1933). He contributed immensely to better the lot of the foundation laid by his predecessor.

 

The third, Late Bro. J. O. Coker (1933-1964). He was an educationist and a disciplinarian to the core, having it on records to have put in his best for the rapid development of both The Boys’ Brigade and the Church.

 

The fourth Captain was Late Bro. M. Olutola Dada, HOA (1964-1996). He was a former Battalion President, State President, State Sole Administrator, National Vice-President, Ex-officio West African Regional Council and a member of the World Council at some point. He contributed so immensely to the upliftment of The Boys’ Brigade both in Nigeria and overseas having risen from a company boy to the highest level in BB. The company had also instituted an award in his name and honour.

 

The fifth Captain, Bro. Olumide Ajose-Adeogun (1998-2006). He was also a former President of Methodist Youth Association, Lagos Diocese, Past Circuit President Olowogbowo and Past President of Association of Methodist Students, Olowogbowo.

 

The sixth Captain is Bro. Taiwo A. Akinya, NTO, the out-going captain on this occasion. He was a former Games Officer of the Methodist Youth Association, Past Secretary Local Youth Council Olowogbowo, Past President Association of Methodist Students, Past Vice-Chairman Wesley Youth Club, Vice President Association of Methodist Brigade, Lagos Diocese, Past Chairman Lagos Battalion Council, former Band  Leader Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo and presently the Vice President of AMB Archdiocese of Lagos, President AMB Diocese of Lagos and the current Secretary Harvest Committee, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos.

 

The seventh Captain is Bro. Adeyinka Shyllon, whose installation take place today, Sunday, 10^th November, 2019 at Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo, Lagos.