Discrimination has made it difficult for church leaders to fight for Christians —Cleric

You came into limelight when the philanthropic side of you became visible. How did you come about this?

I hate people suffering because I have passed through such in life. Life was so miserable for me that I was struggling hard to survive. I was a bus conductor because I didn’t go to school.  I also begged to eat. My mother used me to beg for money inside passenger buses. There was a time we killed a rat and ate it as a meal. So, then I promised God that if I’m blessed, I will use my money to bless others, especially the needy. I never dreamt of going into church ministry, but God’s way is not ours. I’ve never been to Bible school, but I study a lot. Today, we have a bank in our church, it is called Genesis Bank, where we give out interest-free loans to people. It is not about being a philanthropist, but to create a platform to add value to people’s lives. The secret is that when you bless others, people will also bless you in return.

 

Are you saying that poverty made you become a cleric?

No. As I said earlier, I was a bus conductor so as to survive. We were nine in the family living in one room. But when your hands are clean, nobody can bring you down. The biggest miracle in my life is my salvation and God’s grace upon the ministry. There are many occasions when there was nothing for us to eat at home. There was a particular Christmas that we didn’t have anything to eat at home, but today, God’s grace is speaking for the family. I didn’t go to any elementary school, or higher institution. I just wrote General Certificate Examination (GCE) this year.

 

How has life been as a cleric?

I am a Muslim by birth, but I am now a Christian. I started from Christ Gospel Apostolic Church,  Oshodi, Lagos, before my going to Celestial. My mentors are: Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Wole Oladiyun, Bishop TD Dakes, among others. I have never looked back since I received the grace from God. Our own Celestial doctrine is quite different from what many used to know. We are universal in our approach to ministry and that is why we welcome worshippers across board.  There is no discrimination in our church. This, no doubt, attracts people to our church. I live a simple life. I used to go out on public transport and sometimes with the church’s bus.

 

Why do you think it has become difficult for church leaders to unite to fight the cause of Christians in the country?

I think it is because many leaders in the church today discriminate a lot. Some will tell you they don’t want white garment church members in their church. It is not the garments that will take us to heaven, but our righteousness and positive impact in people’s lives. We should stop discriminating against other people’s religion. Let us show love to one another. For instance, my mother is a member of the Christ Apostolic Church till date and I choose to be a Celestial Church member, would I stand up in a gathering and condemn my mother? She still engages in fasting and prayers for me, even on a daily basis.

 

How do you handle temptations as a young, rich and handsome cleric?

I have one wife.  When you are sold out to God, there is no temptation that will overcome you in life. I’m an open person. People are free to come to my house.

 

There have been insinuations about your relationship with Prophetess Esther Ajayi. Can you let us know your relationship with her?

My relationship with her is very cordial without any attachments. She loves what our ministry is doing. We preach undiluted messages, God is moving in our midst. I love and appreciate her because she is a sincere woman of God with uncommon grace in her life.

 

What is your view about the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari?

I don’t like to talk about government or making prophecies. If I say that something terrible will happen and it comes to pass, what will be my gain? Instead, I will always continue to pray for the peace and total restoration of the country.

 

 Is the church doing enough towards the restoration of the country?

I think the church is trying its best. Specifically, we are doing our best in our church. The principal thing is that we should teach our people how to fish and not just give them fish every time. We teach them the kind of business to venture in as well as monitor the progress of the business. We must empower our people for a greater tomorrow.