In search of true leaders
It was another moment of celebration for a man of God who succeeded in documenting certain virtues for posterity. These virtues, which focus mainly on leadership, would continue to be of benefit to Christendom and humanity in general. Recently in Lagos, friends and members of the Foursquare Gospel Church assembled at Mainland Hotel to honour their leader in a special book presentation tagged Leading: How to Do it Right.
The ceremony rallied notable clerics, scholars and friends of the author who came in large numbers to be part of the historic event. Acting General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev Goddey Ebojie was the subject of this great meeting of men and women who witnessed the official presentation of the book in a colourful, yet modest manner. The large turnout was a robust demonstration of love and affection for Ebojie whose eight-month tenure as leader of the church has produced a great book for humanity.
Opening the event on a delightful style, chairman of the occasion, Deacon Martins Okunfolami reminded the crowd about the relevance of the book whose title poses a serious challenge to most leaders in Africa today. The chairman also used the occasion to call on people to always do things right, just as he stressed the need to celebrate people who have been doing things right in society.
Apparently enthralled by the author’s choice of subject and mission, Okunfolami rasone that there is need for people to think and reflect on what contributions they can make to facilitate development of their nation and the world. He also warned people against being part of a consuming generation, adding that time has come for Nigerians (nay Africans) to manufacture products that can make society grow positively.
In his goodwill message, Dr Adebola Olubanjo described the ceremony as a special and timely one. The message of the book, which focuses on leadership, was also considered apt, as there is dearth of good leadership in most parts of the globe today. The book, according to Olubanjo, is capable of teaching people at all levels how to do it right, particularly in view of the 50th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.
Olubanjo also lamented failure of leadership even in churches today, just as he observed that the author’s choice of subject was a demonstration of his love and deep concern for the people and their welfare. As a servant-leader, Ebojie’s decision to write a book on leadership underscores the great virtues for which the Foursquare movement is reputed.
A humble looking Rev Ebojie was flanked by his wife at the ceremony, beaming with smiles as each of the speakers reeled out tributes in his honour. The author’s joy was palpable when he joined the crowd at intervals to appreciate the jokes or interjections by some of the speakers. For example, a rather long but interesting keynote address by Prof Stephen Owa provided an illuminating assessment of leadership in the church.
The address tagged Leadershpi, the Christ Way, cautioned leaders of the church against intolerance and discrimination. The cleric-lecturer also asked the church to accept the youth and treat them with wisdom, just as he urged Christ-like ways that are imbued with unconditional love and affection. Owa equally tried to speak on some health issues, as a form of teaser for Christians on how to live comfortably and peacefully without being fallacious or extravagant.
A critical moment of the presentation came when Prof Isreal Adu stood to read his review of the book. In his objective review, Adu disclosed that the author addresses humanity through his book, but that he focuses more on the virtues that his Foursquare congregation holds in high esteem. According to the reviewer who pointed out a few contentious issues in the publication, the book essentially describes leadership as the bane of development in Africa. It also stresses the need for real leaders who fear God and who respect the people they leader. The book equally mirrors on church leadership and the principles, which guide leadership. It concludes that a Christian leader is not a ruler or king but Jesus in a modest form.
Expectedly, the book launch paraded people of modest and humble profiles who preferred not to announce their donations. Although they were happy and proud to associate with the author, many of them elected to be anonymous in monetary donation. One of these was Mr Paul Ibidun who represented the chief launcher, Deacon John Obaro. But the ceremony was graced by top clerics from the Foursquare Gospel Church, including Amos Ajayi, Rev Rotimi Andrew, Rev M.A Olanrewaju, Rev Solomon Ojo, Rev Gbenga Osokoye, Rev Sam Badejo, E O Oluwagbesan, Dr Tope Oni and Tunde Ojo (Compere) among many others.