Maxey, others extoll virtues of late WATS Provost, Femi Martins

Founder, West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), Rev. Professor Gary Maxey has advised Christians as good soldiers of Christ Jesus to run the race triumphantly and ensure that they finish well. He said pursuing the goal and spending eternity in the presence of God is what matters most for every child of God. Maxey gave the admonition in Lagos, during the wake service organised in honour of WATS’ Provost, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins, who departed recently to be with the Lord.

Extolling the virtues of late Martins, WATS founder said he met the deceased when he (Martins) came to enroll for theological studies at WATS Seminary in Ipaja, Lagos. The deceased, according to him, who stood out among his peers and showed determination to make up for the lost kingdom work.

Maxey said: “In September 2008, he was appointed as a member of the WATS Governing Council even before he completed his Master of Divinity work at WATS. He came to the forefront as the primary foot soldier in five major Nigerian cities and into Liberia and Sierra Leone and excelled in leadership.

“He was appointed as WATS Provost in April 2019 and down to the end of his life, he put duty above comfort and sort to be a faithful soldier and steward. I thank God that allowed Femi Martins to be such a beautiful and inspiring part of my life, who has triumphantly finished his race.”

He described Martins as a man of hard work, loyal, highly dependable, a man of high moral ethical standard and integrity with financial dependability, adding that he was someone who had personal commitment with God, among other qualities.

The Diocesan Bishop of Ilesha Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, in his sermon, themed: “He does as He likes” reminded Christians that it is only grace that keeps everybody alive, warning those in government to stop playing God. He described life as a borrowed one and as a shadow ready to disappear. He called on Christians to heed the warning of Jesus on heaven and hell.

Chairman, WATS Governing Council, Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Oluwayemi also described the deceased as a devoted provost. Director of Administration, WATS, Dr. Tosin Awolalu in his submission said the deceased was a selfless pastor and committed provost. According to the Fundraising/External Relations Manager, WATS, Bolarinwa Omotosho, Martins was an undoubted lover of God.

General Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN), Pastor Samuel Sanusi on behalf of the organization, described Martins as a passionate and committed Christian.

Martins’ Sister, Titi Aboyade Cole, who spoke on behalf of the family said that Martins’ vacuum would be hardly filled. The Theological Seminary used the occasion to launch Oluwafemi O. Martins Scholarship Endowment Fund in his honour as well as dedicated the Administrative Building to immortalise his name.