Army of Salvation Band Flags Off Centenary, Celebrates 100 Years of Service

The Army of Salvation Band of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church has officially commenced its centenary celebrations, marking 100 years of service, discipline, evangelism and commitment to the work of God.

The centenary was formally flagged off on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the International Headquarters of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ijaiye, Ojokoro, Lagos State, during an International Press Conference attended by church leaders, senior officers, members of the Band and representatives of the media.

The anniversary, which marks a century of the Band’s contribution to the life and activities of the Church, is being celebrated under the theme, “Be Ye Ambassadors of Christ,” drawn from 2 Corinthians 5:20.

In the keynote address, the General Leader of the Army of Salvation Band, General Leader V. A. Adesioye (JP), traced the history of the organisation to 1926, when it was established through the pioneering ministry of the revered founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Saint Moses Orimolade Tunolase.

Adesioye described the centenary as a celebration of 100 years of “standing in the gap” for the Church and the work of God. She noted that the Band was established not merely as a uniformed organisation, but as an instrument of order, discipline, service and spiritual commitment.

According to her, the pioneers of the Band served under difficult circumstances and made significant sacrifices in support of the evangelistic ministry and growth of the Church across Nigeria.

She said the contributions of many of the early members might not have been documented in history books, but their sacrifices remain an important part of the Band’s century-long journey.

The General Leader urged present-day officers and members to remain committed to the values that have sustained the organisation across generations.

“You are carrying a flag that is one hundred years old. You are not merely serving yourselves. You are custodians of a legacy,” She said.

Adesioye also warned members against allowing generational differences, personal disagreements and contemporary challenges to undermine the unity, discipline and commitment that have characterised the Band over the years.

Speaking on the centenary theme, Adesioye challenged officers and members to understand their responsibilities beyond wearing the Band’s uniform. She said every officer of the Army of Salvation must represent Christ both within and outside the Church, stressing that members should demonstrate their faith through character, commitment, conduct and compassion.

“An ambassador represents his or her nation wherever they go. In the same way, every officer of the Army of Salvation must represent Christ—in uniform and out of uniform, within the Church and outside it, in public and in private,” She said.

She further called on members to ensure that the centenary becomes more than a series of ceremonial activities, but an opportunity to renew their dedication to God, strengthen fellowship and prepare the organisation for the future.

While celebrating its historic journey, the Army of Salvation Band also used the occasion to look towards the future. Adesioye said the next century must produce a Band that is stronger in faith, deeper in discipline, broader in service, united in purpose and more relevant to the challenges of a changing world.

She stressed the need to preserve the values inherited from the founding fathers while embracing innovation and transformation. “We must honour our heritage while embracing innovation. We must preserve the values handed down to us by our founding fathers while remaining open to transformation that will enable the Band to serve God and humanity more effectively in the years ahead,” She said.

The General Leader called on officers, members, leaders and friends of the Army of Salvation to actively participate in the centenary programmes and support the activities lined up to commemorate the historic milestone.

Also speaking at the press conference, the Chairman of the Centenary Anniversary Planning Committee, Snr. Captain Oluyemi Adewusi, described the celebration as both a milestone and a responsibility for the present generation.

Reflecting on his personal journey with the Band, Adewusi recalled joining the organisation as a young child and being part of the generation affectionately referred to as “Omo Ogun Igbala abe bench”, a reference to children who often fell asleep under the church pews during services.

Now in his early 50s and still proudly wearing the Band’s uniform, Adewusi described his appointment as chairman of the centenary planning committee as an honour and a solemn responsibility.

He said the centenary was not simply about organising anniversary events, but about commemorating a heritage built through the sacrifices of generations of men and women who devoted their time, resources and energy to the service of God and the Church.

Adewusi called on members and officers of the Band worldwide to take ownership of the centenary celebrations and participate actively in the programmes, both spiritually and materially.

The Secretary of the Centenary Committee, Snr. Captain Michael Ogunyemi, also outlined activities scheduled to commemorate the 100th anniversary. According to him, the programme will include a Seminar and Workshop on October 1, 2026, at St. Moses Orimolade Cathedral, Ikotun. A Parade Rally is scheduled for November 8, 2026, in the Republic of Benin, while another parade will take place on November 15, 2026, at Apongbon, Lagos. The activities will culminate in the Grand Celebration on November 28, 2026, at the International Headquarters of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim in Ijaiye, Ojokoro, Lagos.

The General Leader also encouraged members and the general public to follow the centenary programmes online and across the organisation’s various platforms.

Among dignitaries present at the press conference were His Eminence J. O. A. Oladapo (JPIL), Vice Baba Aladura of the Church; Supt. Gen. Apostle Prof. M. A. I. Oyetakin, General Secretary of the Church; Supt. General Apostle J. A. Esan (JPIL), Board Adviser to the Army of Salvation Band Centenary Committee; Snr. Supt. Apostle Muyiwa Adeyemi, spokesperson of the Church; Deputy General Leader C. A. Bayode (JPIL); Deputy General Leader Shola Odusanya; Deputy Leader I. H. Goungo (JPIL); National President of the Eternal Army of Salvation Band; Area Commander Oluwarotimi Jones, Secretary of the Eternal Army of Salvation Band, as well as other board representatives, including Supt. General Apostle S. A. Dahunsi and Supt. General Apostle M. B. A. Ottun.

With the formal flag-off, the Army of Salvation Band has entered its centenary year with a renewed commitment to preserve its history while preparing for the future.After a century of service, the message from the leadership is clear: the heritage must be preserved, the values must endure, and the flag must continue to fly.

“One hundred years have passed, but the flag is still flying,” Adesioye declared.

The centenary celebrations are expected to provide an opportunity to commemorate the Band’s history, honour those who contributed to its development, strengthen fellowship among members and inspire a new generation to continue its legacy of faith, discipline, service, unity and evangelism.