To many of us, AYF/ASF is a significant part of our journey at Obafemi Awolowo University. For some, it was where they made friends who became family, while for others, it was a training ground for future leadership positions. Among us are people in various industries, making landmark achievements.

What brought us together is love—as echoed in the fellowship anthem: “We are the people of God, bound by the love of Jesus.” The faithfulness of God to the fellowship is evident. Generation after generation, the vision keeps getting sharper, the passion keeps growing stronger, and the love keeps getting deeper. Our commitment to the vision of the founding fathers—mission and reaching lost souls—has been the hallmark of every tenure and every citizen. This is something to be truly proud of.

I was in the fellowship between 2005 and 2010 and served in multiple capacities. My first reunion as a Senior Friend was in 2011. I remember introducing myself at the covered pavilion and listening to the roar from the students as each Senior Friend was introduced—it gladdened my heart. The younger generation looks up to the Senior Friends. The students understand that there is a lot to be learned and come with longing hearts, eager to sit at the feet of those who were once students in the same environment. They see mentors, role models—what they aspire to become—in the Senior Friends.

Since then, I told myself, I will always partake in the reunion—not just to see old friends, but to inspire a generation, and to tell the story of many Senior Friends who are representing God and the fellowship in academia, banking, manufacturing, IT, politics, and many other niches out there.

Doesn’t God love us so much? AYF/ASF which began as a gathering of people has transcended generations to reach this hallmark moment: Jubilee! This year marks 50 years of existence as a body. It is a celebration of God’s faithfulness, the labour of our founding fathers, and everyone who has passed through this fellowship.

The theme, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, is “Outpouring.” A lot has been accomplished in the last five decades, but I hear the sound of abundance of rain. God wants to reach the nations through us—to take the gospel to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, and declare the acceptable year of the Lord (Luke 4:18–19). It is time for the Spirit of God to overflow through us—with sharper vision and the fulfilment of prophecy (Joel 2:28).

Whatever your reason has been for attending—or not attending—past reunions, I implore you this year to please mark your calendars. Here’s why:

• A generation will be inspired because you show up—they’re looking up to you.
• To fellowship with the brethren—the Bible admonishes us not to neglect the gathering of the saints.
• To celebrate God’s faithfulness over 50 years of existence.
• To be refreshed by the Spirit of God for a sharper vision and deeper walk in the years ahead.

The event outline is phenomenal. The reunion will hold live in Ife, with full online participation available for those in the diaspora. The committee is working hard to ensure full inclusion and active participation.
The beauty will be in witnessing the highest attendance and participation ever in AYF/ASF history. Come October 3rd–5th, 2025, all roads lead to Ife—and your mobile devices (for those abroad 😄).

I look forward to a reunion where we will celebrate past victories and accomplishments, and together seek fresh anointing, divine experience, and grace for the next phase of our lives—individually and as a fellowship.

Don’t be on the sidelines—participate!

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In His service,
Olusola Olawoye
Vice President, Senior Friends Christian Network.
Chairman, 2025 Jubilee Reunion Committee