•(Photo L-R): CSM Uduakabasi Idem, Major David Chasia (CO), Victor Bassey, Mrs Bola Bassey and Ms Eva Bassey, during the presentation yesterday
By OUR CORRESPONDENT
The Salvation Army, Lagos City Division, has honoured some outstanding comrades who have contributed immensely towards the growth and advancement of the work of God in its Lagos State chapter.
One of the awards categories was Posthumous for those comrades who have passed away.
One of the recipients of the Posthumous award was Corps Sergeant Major (CSM) Asuquo Bassey, a devoted member and a renowned insurance practitioner before his demise.
The actual award ceremony was part of the 2025 Carol Service held in Surulere, Lagos, in December but Mrs ‘Bola Bassey, later flew into the country to receive the late husband’s award, together with two of her children and other members of the family.
She was publicly presented with the award plaque yesterday, Sunday, January 11, 2026, during Service at Igbobi Corps hall in Lagos.
Making the presentation, Major David Chasia, the Corps Officer, said, “I present this award on behalf of the Divisional Commander, Major John Okpalaihedi, to honour Brother Asuquo Bassey who served God and humanity in The Salvation Army diligently during his lifetime.”
Responding on behalf of the family, son of the late award recipient, Victor Bassey, thanked the leadership of The Salvation Army in Lagos City Division for honouring their late father and husband, and commended the Movement for striving hard over the years to maintain its position as the largest denomination known internationally for its humanitarian services. Moreso, Victor said he was grateful to God for sustaining the family since the death of their father more than 10 years ago.
Yesterday’s presentation was an offshoot of the larger event held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, graced by the Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Friday and Glory Ayanam, and other senior Officers of the Movement.
•Commissioner Friday Ayanam (right) presents award to Corps Secretary Sunny Okim (rtd)
During the award ceremony which came in four categories, Bro Benson and Sister Victoria Uzoekwe were honoured for their financial support to the Division via some building projects.
•CSM Alex Udeokoro (rtd) receives his Special Award
The second category of “Outstanding Achievement Award” was given to Leading Comrades of the organisation who served the then Lagos Division in different capacities, some of them since the late 70s, into retirement namely: 1. Envoy (Dr) Ibeabuchi Ijioma, 2. Envoy Ruben Umeugoji, 3. CSM Andrew Adegun 4. CSM Alex Udeokoro 5. CSM Stephen Agbasiere 6. CSM Akinbode 7. CS Sunny Okim, 8. BM Bankole Williams and CSM Clement Okpalaogu.
•Outstanding Achievement Awardees
The third category was Posthumous awards given to: 1. CSM Macaulay Chiezokwa rtd, 2. Pa Omole, 3. CSM Etop Okoko, 4. CSM Asuquo Bassey, 5. Dr. J. S Okpaluba, 6. CSM Micheal Ogunnusi, and 7. CSM Ikechukwu Dim.
•Posthumous awards representatives
The Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of The Frontier online newspaper, Sunny Okim, responded on behalf of all the award recipients in a speech which drew a loud ovation from the jam-packed hall.
Okim served The Salvation Army, particularly in Lagos Division, in various capacities over the years including Divisional Youth Chairman, National Vice President of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), and later, Divisional Finance Board Secretary.
Said Okim on behalf of the awardees, “I want to express our profound gratitude to the Leaders of The Salvation Army in Lagos City Division, Majors John and Veronica Okpalaihedi, for this wonderful occasion. You have done what Napoleon could not do for his people in his days. Napoleon could not deliver France. But you (Major Okpalaihedi) have delivered Lagos City Division. I dare say that it is the very first time a genuine award event of this nature would happen in this Division. Our prayer for our leaders is that God Almighty will guide them and direct their footsteps to do more to continue to spread the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”.
•Awardees and the retirees (down row) with the Leaders (up row)
During the event, over 100 packs of foodstuff were distributed as palliatives to members from all the Corps in the Division, aimed at bringing joy and relief to those in need during the Yultide. This gesture reflects The Salvation Army’s commitment to supporting its members and the community.
The well attended occasion also featured the retirement ceremony of the Divisional Home League (women’s ministry) Executive Committee members and inauguration of new executives; enrollment of new Senior Soldiers, among other items.
•Newly inaugurated Divisional Home League Executive Committee
The musical sections of the organisation were on duty to bless the congregation all through the epoch-making event.
(Additional reports by Ntiense Williams)
