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THIS IS MY STORY IN FUNAAB

Singing… “This is my story, this is my song…”….This is a short account of the events that took place in my 5years stay in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) as an undergraduate of (Soil Science and Land Management (SS&LM) department in College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT).

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a step….

Having scaled through JAMB scarcely with a score that was upgraded from 106 to 204; I got admitted into FUNAAB without knowing almost anybody.

My matriculation day was a beautiful day spent alone and it doubles as my birthday but there was no one to celebrate with. I took to the field, took some pictures alone, ate and drank as I made my way back to my hostel.

My first friends were my roommates and a young man, Lanre Olokunde who is and still remains a covenant friend.

Journey so far!

A rough road it has been in FUNAAB as I caught the vision of a literary group that can be founded in FUNAAB. I related it with my friend, we got the name “Top-Notch Writers Organization” and before long we swung into action in establishing her. Amidst all these, I had a rich academic background and I thought as well this should guarantee me a good CGPA.I was so confident of this that i soon became a tutorial teacher to many of my mates but reverse was the case when I saw my first G.P as 3.44, very suddenly true but worst of it was a PCP 191 carryover due to a departmental mistake which I had to do again.

It has been a long walk into destiny as I continued my self-discovery exercise as I got admitted. I had started few months before I was admitted. I started to know about myself, my likes, dislikes, hobbies, my vision in life, how I hope to get there, etc. I began reading books and ever since, I have read nothing less than 350 books and counting. I didn’t stop there, I read the bible through once and the New Testament severally as I got a rich deposit of Godly values to beautify my life.

I discovered my love for writing quite young, though I gained admission at a tender age of 16, I started writing. I wrote an anthology of 150 poems, I wrote a novelette “despite all odds”, I wrote several books yet unpublished before I published recently a book titled “The Exceptional Leader”, a resourceful piece for leaders that wants to be exceptional.

I had pledged my allegiance to God through Jesus Christ and NIFES became my loved church since part 2 due to their rich lessons on leadership.

I remember a particular day I was watching a student preach and deep inside me I was wondering if I could ever do that because I was a very shy, timid person who lacks the power of expression.

I was easily intimidated and as a result, I usually hid myself but NIFES started to break me through her leaders by giving me things to do, first of it was when I was called to take testimony, I had to first go and rehearse for few minutes before coming to recite my rehearsal and that was it, before long , I started addressing audience of 400, 500, 1000, 2500 capacity and more at different times.

Being someone that knew next to nothing, with a wrong orientation of almost everything, my choice of friends was first to change me. The likes of Adams Kehinde , academic guru who helped put me on a good academic status as he taught me what I don’t seem to understand because I barely attend classes. I do a lot of crash readings for test and exams and I bless God because I get it quite quickly and he explains tough ones that has been why up till my final year. I had a CGPA of 4.22 of 5.0

I came from a background that dad and mum would tell you face your book, be careful of ladies because they can spoil your life and having that orientation, I became distant from ladies, I don’t shake let alone hug them but thanks to Lanre who first introduced me to Pomile Orija, my first female friend who doubles as the deputy director of TWO –Nigeria since 100 level whom became the Chief-Pen/President at 300 level, a lady of inestimable worth.

“Sometimes in 100 level, guys were asking if I would ever kiss my wife, I said NO blatantly! This has always been their usual. They use me as object of discussion because of my odd thinking but it is rather interesting to know that the man with a phobia for ladies became “oko awon obinrin” on FPY. He lived with 25 ladies with 2 other guys and of my first 30 friends, 25 are females. Females, who have a sense of direction, purpose and have a future.

Thank God I stayed in Sango , I have 1001 mentors whom before  I take any reasonable decision I consult –the likes of Mr Olowolade Sola , Mr. Femi Olusola, Mr. Femi Bolaji, Mr. Temilolu Sijuwomi, Miss Tope Olusola, Mr Mathew Ojo, Mr Lanre Ogunnibi, Mr Tola Agboluaje, and many more. I relate all that I do to them, they advise me and weighing them, I chose the best for myself. It has made me make intelligent decisions.

Challenges are Gods way to build us

Early in life, I thought I had a melancholic temperament due to my shy state but as I got to know myself more I discovered choleric, leadership then I began to build myself. The fundamental building stages of my life on campus were during my freshman year, sophomore and a little into part 3.These periods I started cultivating the attitude of resilience, never giving up in the face of  challenges because life challenges for me at those times were enormous.

I lost my mum as far as 2009, I became a son of a single parent and then I got inflicted with a disease that didn’t have a name. I diagnosed almost everywhere, general hospital, airport clinic (dad’s work place), and Indian hospitals spending a huge sum of money yet without any solution. It affected my walking posture because it was a strong killing pain usually felt at the abdominal region. It took about two years before it finally relieved me. I remember going to LUTH in 2011, at 3:30am in the morning of the 10 people they would attend to, I was no 9. God just saved me in all.

I didn’t faint in face of numerous challenge that arouse in my journey, I prayed more, served God more, read more. It was at this stage that I wrote my plan till I will be 80 years if God wills , and it has since been falling in place ever since.

Apart from the skill of resilience, I evaluated my values and delved more into creativity; it earned me the award of the most creative Agricultural students. I enjoined guys to partner in a publication that was done to expose peoples secret without people knowing the authors – it was tagged ‘Shadows’ – Sefe , dami , phago, bertha, Timi, Ay were making it make sense.

One thing I love to do every day is to fill my dairy which I started in my 100 level and I still do it till date, I always fill my diary first thing in the morning to know what to do (Agenda), by evening, I write my reflection of activities done and a record of my financial statement to know how much I have earned for the day and the total expenditure for the day.

It has helped me to estimate my daily usage, monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial statement. In 2013, my yearly financial record recorded an expenditure of #600,000 and monthly varied from #30 – #150,000. My daily accounting has placed me on a pedestal of indebt knowledge of my financial status quo which has been a statutory guide to my daily spending. Several young peeps under my mentoring have taken to this and they have always thanked me for introducing it to them. It gave them a sense of direction.

Apart from these values of resilience, accountability that I learnt, I further learnt to communicate. The problem of communication is everywhere and that is because it is costly to do. It cost me a daily usage of ₦ 400 - ₦ 600 / day and over ₦ 15,000 to call / text friends, foes, family for the purpose of talking and listening to them.

I also learnt the art of talking / speaking. I read several books on these and likewise study my dictionary properly. At a point, I couldn’t write a sentence simply without using too many vocabularies but until now that I understood the importance of communicating for people to understand.

I took my activities diligently because at a stage I was over involved in extracurricular activities. To remain ahead, I ensured procrastination didn’t steal my time and as well, I eliminated all forms of distractions.

Having studied the art of self management, financial management etc, I had to learn stress management as I became the publicity secretary of NIFES , the publicity secretary of ICJCF ,the chief editor of Agripreneur Magazine etc. it appeared very heavy on me.

I learnt to manage the stress of attending meetings every day, meetings of 12hours and sometimes more. I sleep properly at night and I eat good food, I conserve my energy for the most important things, I weighed my options properly, attended to urgent things as well as important things.

I also picked strong lessons on time management, the art if managing 24 hours judiciously. I work most times for 18 -19 hours daily, attending meetings, classes, carrying out duties and responsibilities. At my first tenure as the president of TWO-FUNAAB, I did a lot of things myself but later I learnt the art of effective delegation and it made the job quite easier. My time was highly competed for then I remembered that when you are loaded, you could be needed but ironically when the world sucks out your juice and you stop being resourceful, they dump you and go for others.

As I realized this, I always create time for solitude thereby thinking in-depth about my actions and activities and how I can improve and I never for ones became useless. I was always useful.

In all these lessons, I was able to learn to combine reading with my numerous extracurricular. I learnt how to multi-task, doing many things at a time. It gets many of my friends amazed about me. Something so special about me is that i like to do what no one has done, it makes me appear precocious, I hate to copy people but I learn a lot from people. I invested into myself by knowing what works for me. Night reading doesn’t work for me, am a day reader so I don’t copy people that read at night except for special reasons and by then I would have extra desire for study.

Nobody can believe in you more than you believe in yourself

I learnt to believe in myself and my capability even as I strongly trust God for help and he helps me. I rarely get distracted by what people say. I hear a lot everyday about myself from friends and foes alone capable of drawing me back into my shed. Early in life, some made me cry by their criticism. They say I want to be popular, I want people to notice me and that’s why I do some things but later I found out that many of them criticize me because of envy, they cannot do half of what I do and since then I learnt to close my ears to what they say, many of them now congratulate me because I wasn’t distracted by what they said.

I remember when I was the FPY magazine chief editor, the magazine didn’t get published till after a year because one publisher embezzled over #80,000 paid him, at a point my friends even turned their backs at me, many called me bad names, thanks to Onikola Afeez, another great leader am glad to meet who stood through till it became a reality.

I made myself become a goal getter. I don’t set challenges ahead of a project. This is what has helped in the several programs that I have pioneered alongside my various team members.

I hate to hear it cannot be done because there is nothing that seems impossible; all things are possible according to the word of the holy book.

Programs/Impact made in FUNAAB…

May 2012, our 1st program as topnotchers, we hosted all colleges in a debate, essay and quiz contest and it was featured on OGTV though the attendance didn’t exceed 100 people but it has been the least attendance in history for all our programs.

Nov 2012, we had another program that brought together several professors including Professors Oluwalana, Akeredolu, Bamgbose, Onifade, etc several staffs, masters’ students, over 400 undergraduates and guests across south west.

We have hosted 3 presidential debates with audience close to 2000 which has facilitated the emergence of 3 presidents so far because it became the largest platform for them to sell themselves to the people.

The organization has since released several publications from bulletins to newsletter to magazines.

God helped me to pioneer a leadership / entrepreneurship outfit “ROYAL FOUNDATION” with some passionate friends and we hosted the first business summit featuring business challenge which provided cash prize to the winner.

I was privileged to be the LOC Chairman of the just concluded leadership conference of the student union which I presented my book on ‘Exceptional Leadership’ which was featured in the national dailies.

I was part of the delegates that attended the Ghana students for liberty leadership conference in 2013.

All these successes I owe to God, my wonderful friends and my amiable family

A heart of gratitude appreciates….thats the essence of this piece

I cannot but appreciate Victoria Williams, the lady that literally stole my heart by her resilience and passion for excellence. She taught me to take care of myself even when I was non-challant about it.

Abisola Omobulejo, she made a great difference in my journey to success, she is a loved one and a sister from another mother

Kingsley Oladoyin and Esther- I call them my school mothers cos they have in one way or the other made indelible marks to my life and generally made my stay on campus worthwhile.

I cannot fail to mention great people that have mentored, encouraged me, stood by me and have been pillars of support to me. They have been fathers and mothers to me and I really appreciate them (Prof and Dr Onifade, Prof Bamgbose, Prof Oluwalana, Prof Adeofun, Prof Akeredolu-Ale, Dr Sotiloye, Mr Adepoju, Mrs Emi Alawode, Prof Akegbejo-Samason

My two jolly friends, Lanre and Adams-am thankful to God for meeting them as they have watched my back diligently and without mincing word, they are God sent to me.

I cannot mention everyone here especially the Leadership LOC Committee, my friends from NIFES, my friends at ICJCF.

I am grateful today that the journey of 5 years has finally come to a beautiful end. Praise the Lord, I Shout Halleluyah (21 times).

With a heart of gratitude to God and everyone that made my stay awesome, I present this short piece to the world….

Aliu Oluwafemi Royal

topnotchwriters@yahoo.com,

 08137365526

 

 

A LIFE OF SERVICE

Serving God in a way can seem like a difficult exercise to do but indeed it is the best thing to ever do. As I studied Jesus’ life, I discovered that service to God is the hallmark of all as it marries side by side service to humanity. Jesus lived all the days of his life to please God, he lived as  a servant serving man, and it made it easier for him to wash his disciples feet though as their grand leader.

The scripture noted that he went from place to place preaching the Gospel of truth. Someone encountered him someday and enquired of his abode but his reply baffled me, ‘Birds of air have nests, foxes have holes but the son of man does not have anywhere to lay his head’ (Matt 8:20).

A life of service according to him is sacrificial. He sacrificed his life on the altar of the will of God by dying on the cross of Calvary for the sin of man, this is rather exceptional. I cannot overemphasize it. I remember when he said he that wants to follow me should forsake his family, take his cross and follow me;(Mark 8:34) this was what he did as our exemplary leader. He forsook his glory as a son to the almighty father being equal to God, he didn’t think it bad to become a man and go through all that he went through.

It is rather ironical that these days, man has become lovers of themselves who do everything selfishly for vain glory. It’s quite unfortunate that Jesus our example is not being followed after; maybe that’s why God said my people serve me with their mouth but their heart is far from me (Matt 15:8).

I look at leaders of today who hold position and I see how they despitefully use their subject yet they sit on their cushion chairs in their respective offices eating, drinking, winning and dinning making merry just like David who couldn’t go with his people to war but in his merry met a harbinger of bad omen which translated to be his waterloo, Bathseba, you know the rest story.

We have lost the meaning of service as children of God and that is why we cannot go to the extra length of Gods people like Paul who travelled far and near to cater for the children of God. Challenges that were beyond his capacity arose as he was beaten in the public, stoned imprisoned etc but he didn’t give up but rather gave up his life for this just cause.

We love our life so much that we muster to ourself, ‘I cannot come and go and die’ when responsibilities are entrusted to our capacities, we unarguably fail at little and that is why up till date greater responsibilities don’t come our ways yet we envy those that appear to get this greater responsibilities. I like the word of God in the holy book which says, ‘He who saves his life would lose it, and he who loses it for my sake would get it back’.

Complacency has soon become the order of the day in our churches today as their leaders play it safe. No more going the extra mile like Paul and Silas whom after they were beaten and warned not to preach still went into the temple to risk their life for the gospel. (Acts 16)

In this contemporary generation of ours, the world would have been better if we do the right things not being expectant or looking for rewards. Many people would dare to ask, ‘What’s in it for me?’, if there is nothing, they won’t get involved. I like the preacher, he said, ‘vanity upon vanity, all is vanity’. (Ecc. 1:2) The cares of this world, Popularity, Sex, Money (PMS) and others are nothing but vanity rather the treasures in heaven cannot match the earthly benefit, no wonder Paul could say I have fought the good fight of faith and there is a crown of life set before me.

Jesus our savior in (Phil 2: 5-11) was said to have a name above all names and we can testify to that. He is the way and the truth, no man goes to the father except through him. In Matt 6:19-20, we have been rather encouraged to store up our treasures in heaven where no moth can destroy and it can only be possible if we live a life of service.

The reward if service cannot be overemphasized. It’s time we be able to give up our lives primarily for a great cause (gospel) (Col 3:23-24). It can only be possible if we have God and love man.

I challenge this generation to pursue service, most times, doing things without expecting a return as it is a necessary pivot for national development.

ICJCF Publicity Unit

DO YOU NEED LOVE?

How I wish you knew how I feel. How I wish I can get enough of your affection, your care, your pampering. I really do wish but to face reality, I know I really can’t get enough.

As ambiguous as love appears to be, it simply means, affection/care for others and I know that as much as I need to be cared for, whoever will love me also needs love and even abundantly.

As a person, I look at both male and female who go into relationships because they fell head over hills in love with each other. Some of them get married and divorce in no time cos for a fact, they cannot get enough of each other, at a point, love dwindles but God sustains.

If truly, I need love, the source of my love must be God just as the scripture says, God is love, he further commanded that we first must love God and love others as ourselves, by this, we can have love and have it abundantly.

The best way to be compensated with an avalanche of love is to look to Jesus, the greatest lover-man who gave his life for the redemption of the soul of men. He died that we might have life abundantly and to key into love is simply to accept Jesus as your personal love and savior.

God so love the world, he gave his son for the sins of men, if you need to love and be loved, please reach out to the source of love. His arms are wide opened for a warm embrace; reach out to him especially in this season of love.

Shalom!

Aliu Oluwafemi Royal

aliu.oluwafemi@yahoo.com

08137365526

Meet the Author and Publisher of the book titled, 'The Exceptional Leader'.

 

 

MEET THE AUTHOR AND PUBLISHER OF THE BOOK TITLED,

'THE EXCEPTIONAL LEADER'.

Aliu Oluwafemi a.k.a top-ROYAL is one of Africa's youngest & finest Author, Creative Writer, Campus Journalist, Entrepreneur, Public Speaker and a young Leadership Advocate. Born on Wednesday, 12th May, 1993 at Iloro, Lagos State. He is passionate about Youth Leadership Development and building a community of young minds who know themselves (talent discovery) & take pleasure in developing themselves (talent development) which is core personal development necessary to contribute to National Development and consequently Global Development.

He was the pioneering Chief Pen/Chapter President of Top-Notch Writers Organization (TWO-FUNAAB Chapter)) founded along with young chaps like (Orija Ponmile, Lanre Olokunde, Adams Kehinde) in the milieu of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, he is also the founding Executive Director of TWO Networks in Nigeria & in the diasporas.

TWO Networks is a youth led Organization focused on helping young people in the discovery & development of both verbal & non-verbal communication skill i.e. writing and Public Speaking skills along with Journalism. The Organization is committed to developing people in these areas through her meetings, seminars, trainings, conferences, contests & publications. TWO Chapters has unarguably been pioneered in about 12 institutions across the length and breadth of Nigeria with Chapter representative in UK, Ghana & counting.

Oluwafemi is a creative writer and he cut his first tooth in non-fiction writing in the year 2008 having written his first book, “THE TRUE CHRISTIANS". in less than five (5) years after, he has written about 6 other inspiring titles which includes: Despite all Odds (Novelette), Unlocking and Branding your Potentials, A man of God (Biography), A Small truth to Make Life 100%, The Exceptional Leader, Pathway to Exceptional Leadership. He is a member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA Ogun State Chapter).

A forthcoming democrat, he was the Public Relations Officer of the Association of Soil Science and Land Management, the Chairman of the Student Bar Association (Judiciary arm, Student Union Government), the Chief Editor/Editorial Committee Chairman of the Agripreneur Magazine, a publication of Farm Practical Year, COBFAS, FUNAAB; The Scroll Magazine, a publication of Top-Notch Writers Organization; Insight Plus Magazine, a publication of Nigerian Fellowship of Evangelical Students; Kingdom Alert Magazine, a publication of the Intra Campus Joint Christian Fellowship; FUN Magazine, a publication of the Student Union, FUNAAB.

He was formerly the Publicity Secretary of both the Intra Campus Joint Christian Fellowship (ICJCF) and the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES) in the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and he yet engaged himself in student union activities for development especially in capacities such as being the Chairman, Local Organizing Committee of FUNAAB Student Union Leadership Conference Committee; Chairman, Presidential Debate Planning Committee on three occasions hosting one of the largest gatherings of students at a single event.

As a veteran Journalist, he has acted in positions of the President of Journalists in FUNAAB making weekly reports to campuslife and campusbeat weekly on The Nations, Tribune, National Mirror and Vanguard Newspapers respectively. He has been an on-air-personality (OAP) being on live radio shows especially on Rockcity 101 FM. He is also a published premium writer to online magazines such as Ezinearticles.com, Articlebase.com, scribd.com etc with several articles published in his name which can be easily assessed on Google. Some of the thrilling titles include:

Work and pray	Christianity	2011-03-29
Why you get into debt	Finance	2011-04-09
How to be cautious in life	Motivational	2011-03-29
Executive time management skills	Time Management	2011-04-09
Discipline For Development	Mind Development	Aug 6, 2010
Examination Success Techniques	Techniques	Aug 6, 2010
The Secrets of Discovering Yourself	Self Esteem	Jul 26, 2010

 

He is a volunteer, member and former Acting Cadet Secretary (CR), Cadet Editor (CE) & Deputy Academic Officer (DAO) now named a Grand Cadet Marshall (GCM) of the FUNAAB Road Safety Club and along with other team members; he has contributed immensely to maintaining peace and utmost tranquility on the road plied to & from the university by staffs, students, visitors and non-staff.

Although indigenous to Akungba Akoko in Akoko South West Local Government of Ondo State. He is an alumnus of Kem’s College, Ijanikin-Lagos State; Ondo Boys High School, Ondo State, Good Shepherd model School, Lagos; Petra Secondary School, Ogun State. He studied Agriculture at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta where he graduated with a second class upper division.

As part of his contribution to continental development, he along with his team members pioneered a developmental outfit, ' ROYAL FOUNDATION' commissioned to build, nurture, equip and mentor youth leaders and entrepreneurs. Oluwafemi yet mentors his young protégées across the nation and in the diasporas on issues relating to self-discovery & development (personal development as well as leadership development).

He has received some awards and recognition for his contribution to creativity and youth development, some of which include:

1.      Most Creative Agricultural Student, FUNAAB (July, 2013)

2.      Most Creative Final Year Brethren Member, NIFES (October, 2014)

3.      Award of Excellence, IMPACT FUNAAB (May, 2013)

4.      5th Most Influential Student on campus by Hovabuzz Team (May, 2014)

He was a delegate to the Leadership summit of African youth Peace call, Imani Ghana, AfricanLiberty.Org at Accra, Ghana;

International Council on Economic Education training on entrepreneurship by Rotary Club of Altadena, California. (September, 2014)

Musibau Adetumbi Forum on Constitutionality and Good Governance, University of Ibadan. (June, 2014)

Western Regional Conference of Student for Liberty, University of Ibadan

African Student Liberty Conference, University of Ibadan (July, 2014)

African Liberty Leadership Retreat, Accra Ghana (December, 2013)

NIFES National Missions Conference, Abuja (October, 2013)

International Campus Journalist Conference, OAU (April, 2014)

Global Leadership Summit by Williow (October, 2014)

Students Leadership Training, Senate Chamber. FUNAAB

It is also noteworthy that Royal as he is popularly called is one of Africa's youngest CEO of a business outfit (ROYAL KREATIONZ) dealing in all kinds of Agribusiness, media and publicity, printing & publishing, blogging& trainings.

Oluwafemi is widely travelled. He enjoys reading, writing, speaking and listening to music.

Mobile: +2348137365526, +2348112436900

Email: topnotchwriters@yahoo.com, willierems@gmail.com

THE ROLE OF CHRISTIAN LEADERS IN NATIONAL TRANSFORMATION

Ever since I was born till date-everyone I come across express their dire need for the total transformation of the Nation but instead, the conspicuous has been more corruption, moral decadence and total deterioration.

I have seen and heard many people talk about this issue (National Transformation) at different times, many have yet given the nation a timeline to be a world power, as much as possible, if I don’t remember many, I do recollect Fela Durotoye speaking at Fathers House at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. He stated at the umpteenth time that Nigeria will be great; she will be one of the world powers etc. before 2025. It’s very close though but the truth is he wasn’t the first to say that, others have predicted 2001, 2003, 2007, 2012 etc. but as the year gets by, things seem to get worst.

According to an International body which I really can't recollect now, as at 2013, Nigeria ranks 8^th most corrupt country in the world, she ranks 7^th country with high global terrorism index (Book-Haram Insurgency), She also ranks 1^st in Examination malpractice, she ranks 2^nd in software piracy, she ranks 4^th highest corrupt in policing etc. Strike looms here and there, doctor’s strike, lecturers strike, civil servants amongst others, we should rank the best in labor strike.

Major and minor sections of the nation are grossly dilapidated. Nigeria ranks the 9^th worst country in maternal mortality. Health care, education, electricity, road networks etc. are in a great mess and the actual fact is that I won’t be the first to write about National decay and for real I can’t be the last. Reading the national dailies, the quantities of such articles are enormous. As I stop to write about our problems of which I know you are all aware of, I dare to port into the title of this article-‘The role of Christian Leaders in National Transformation’.

When the righteous rule, the people rejoice, great word from the holy book. I have come to realize that we have too many pseudo-Christians out there who proffer to be Christ-like but obviously, they aren’t. Christians are Christ-like; they have the form and likeness of Christ.
In Nigeria today, I dare to say that we have Churches that are the largest in the world that originated from Nigeria, churches like the Redeemed Christians Church of God, Deeper Christian Life Church, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Church, Latter Rain Assembly, Living Faith Church, Christ Apostolic Church and its allies, yet we experience all this problems in Nigeria, it’s a big slap on the Christian community, we have all left the affairs of the nation to the ravenous wolves to consume.

I remember in Sept. 11, 2001, America was caught off guard in a surprise attack by a group of Islamic terrorists who orchestrated a suicidal mission of unprecedented devastation which crashed the Twin towers of the world trade Centre in New York city and participation in Washington D.C and as part of the president’s initial response to the attack, he called for a national day of prayer and remembrance. The Rev. Billy Graham, an advisor to many presidents and generally recognized as the Christian statesman for the nation, was asked to lead the special service.

In Great Britain, around 1857, a similar challenge occurred. A mutinous uprising had occurred in India, a colony of the British Empire and many soldiers and British loyalist had lost their lives insubordination. As the nation looked for guidance in an effort to respond to the tragedy, they called upon a young pastor who had already proven himself to be a leader of national prominence in the heart of London. His name was Charles Haddon Spurgeon, just like Henry Blackaby noted after the horrendous 9/11 event, he said, ‘God was holding Christians acceptable for making a difference in the world’.

We believe in prayers, in bible studies, in conventions, congresses, retreats and the many programs our churches organize but when will our influential Christian leaders swing into action just like Rev. Graham and Pastor Spurgeon….when?

We may say or feel, ‘politics is a dirty game’ but we can watch the nation go down the drain. It reminded me of Wilson Wilberforce and his colleague who were great Christians and were instrumental to the establishment of missionary in Nigeria-they gave us the golden opportunity to be Christians. They were in the house of common, a replica of our National Assembly; they were referred to as the Saints of Common. They were born again Christians; they fought for our freedom by proposing the abolishment of slave trade. They described it as inhumane and as well noted that it prevented these creatures from fulfilling their God-given destinies. I know for sure, if pastors Adeboye, Kumuyi, Oyedepo were slaves, they won’t be on the hall of fame that they are now. In the quest for this abolishment, they faced stern resistance but they didn’t give up. A day before Wilberforce died, the abolishment bill was signed. This missionaries were great Christians who built our nation, built free schools for the common to be educated, is that the case in our church-owned Universities? They built health care centers-Our elders know all this. Today, we enjoy what they built but we are not making effort to further build the nation for posterity.

Conclusively, I need to re-emphasize to our Christians and Christian leaders that National Transformation is God’s Agenda but first, the nation has to be purged ‘cos the holy book states that righteousness exalts a nation but sins is a reproach to her. I discovered that many church camps are in the south west, Redemption Camp, Canaaland, Foursquare camp, Deeper life Camp, Prayer city etc., why don’t we have them in the north? Is it till the south-west becomes inhabitable before our Christian leaders stand up to the call for national transformation? We might have been doing well praying, holding programs but it’s time to react to national issues, question the economy, advice the presidency, propose godly projects (take Islamic banking for example.)

This is a call to all Christian leaders both locally and internationally known to rise up to this challenge. Heaven is in sight but we must do our best to make sure that we answer Jesus’ question positively for all, Will I still find faith when I come?

Aliu Oluwafemi-Royal