Apostles of Peace Society International is a HUMANITARIAN, EVANGELICAL and PHILANTHROPIC Society inaugurated on the 17th January 1998, registered with Corporate Affairs Commission and has about 30 Chapters within Nigeria as at July 2024 while four Chapters outside Nigeria are awaiting inauguration.
Apostles of Peace Society which was initiated and founded by SIYANBOLA ADERINOLA OLADAPO, is a response to a rather tense situation but emerged as a beacon of hope from the hallowed halls of Saint Paul's Anglican Church in Isagatedo, Isolo, with the purpose of intervening and maintaining peace .
The other Founding fathers are Oba Dele Orisabiyi, Mrs Kemi Sotuminu who drafted the first constitution and Rev. Gabriel Fawole now a Venerable .
MISSION
It steeped in the tenets of AOP Tripod: Humanitarianism, Evangelism, and Philanthropy, echoed the timeless teachings of Jesus Christ. With this mission in focus, it is expected this will be the engine to bring peace into our Homes, Community, Nation and the World.
OBJECTIVE
To serve as instruments of reconciliation in a world fractured by strife and division through the TRIPODAL initiatives, in alleviating suffering and bringing hope to the marginalized and oppressed.
FIVE WAY TESTS
The character codes guiding our endeavors, ensuring alignment with the principles of love, compassion, and service to humanity are:
i) Will it glorify God?
ii) Is it Christ like?
iii) Will it bring peace to the body of Christ?
iv) Will it contribute to the upliftment of the Church?
v) Will it bring peace to the next Man?
ACTIVITIES
a) HUMANITARIAN
Our various chapters are involved in welfare programs regularly throughout the year which include distribution of food items, clothings, medical outreach, within the church and our communities. Care for our retired/sick priests. Also care for widows of deceased priests, etc.
b) EVANGELICAL
The Society has been involved in church planting, AOP intervention in completion of some church projects etc. During the COVID-19 AOP organized a 72Hour Prayer Chain and a Church program captioned "A WALK WITH GOD THROUGH THE BOOK OF REVELATION".
Sponsorship of Night Vigils, Spiritual and pragmatic evangelical Activities. Our members occupy strategic positions in our various parishes. AOPI initiated THE ANNUAL PRAYER CONFERENCE in the Lagos West Diocese which has now been adopted by the Diocese and takes place the second Saturday of every year to usher in the new year. It is still being organized and sponsored by AOPI.
c) PHILANTROPIC
AOPI is involved in Philanthropic activities which include provision of boreholes in various communities, where our chapters are located, two of such boreholes were constructed at Emmanuel Seminary College Ibadan where Anglican and other priests are trained and another one in an orphanage here in Lagos.
AOP PEACE CADET/YOUTH VANGUARDS
With the objective of catching our youths at a young age the Society has established a Youth Vanguard which was inaugurated by the Lord Bishop in 2022 to be replicated in all our chapters. These are young undergraduates and graduates from our various institutions.
The establishment of AOP Peace Cadet in secondary schools for ages 10-18 years is in progress.
AOP PEACE AWARD
The Society instituted peace award to deserving individuals in order to promote peace.
Of the Peace Awardees to date are:
1)Most Rev. Abiodun Adetiloye (late) the 2nd Primate of Anglican Communion who was honoured at the service held at St. Paul's Ang. Church Ishagatedo, Isolo in year 2005.
2) Chief Okey Okechukwu (Late) ( Former Chairman, Fidelity Bank Plc and Parishioner St. Paul's
Oke Afa, Isolo)
3) Chief Olusegun Osunkeye CFR, CON (Former MD/ Chairman NESTLE, LAFARGE)
4) Hon.(Dr) Uche Ogah ( Former Minister of Mines)
5) Mrs Gladys Fawehinmi ( Human Right Defender) Widow of Late Gani Fawehinmi
6) Prince Bambo Adesanya ( Registrar,Diocese of Lagos West. The only Fellow, Peace Awardee is Chief Steve Akinretoye.
APOSTLES OF PEACE FOUNDATIONS
A)Peace Trust to cater for retired Priests
B) SIYANBOLA ADERINOLA OLADAPO ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION : Set up to economically empower our youths and others who need help to make a living in line with its
Vision.
AOP PEACE HOUSE
AOP has secured a parcel of land for the erection of her National Secretariat
(PEACE HOUSE) which shall contain:
•Conflict resolution Hall
•Peace Prayer Huts
•Conference rooms
•Offices amongst others.
AOP PATRONS AND MATRONS
Rt. Peter Awelewa was installed the first Grand Patron while the indefatigable Rt. Rev.’d. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji is the current Grand Patron and Dr. Mrs Lydia Odedeji the Grand Matron.
Chief Steve Akinretoye is the Patron and Chief Mrs. P. A. O. Adebiyi is the Matron.
NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
The Global Lead in charge of all International Chapters is Arc Gbenga Babington
National President (NIGERIA) is Chief (Engr.) Paul Duro Ajisafe
NEW CHAPTERS
AOPi is a non denominational Society. Interested people who desire the establishment of Chapters can contact:
MR. RAYMOND OFILI: 08034430001
REV. DAVE OLOGUNDU: 08126404358
MRS. HELEN AWORETAN: 08033021811
CHIEF ABIDEMI IBIGBAMI: 08034075118
