Reverend Albert Oduwole is the founder of Triumphant Assembly Churches International, Ologuneru, Ibadan, Oyo State, as well as a relationship expert and life coach. In this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, he speaks on how Nigerian youths can become more resourceful, among other issues.
There have been claims that the Church can assist the government in many ways, even beyond prayers for peaceful governance. How do you think this can be achieved?
The Church has been kind enough in various ways to support the government in achieving substantial development as a nation before now. If you take a look at the history of the Church in Nigeria, you will agree with me that we have contributed greatly to the development of the country. But the painful thing is that the government often times have refused to learn from the Church. Instead, they have come in various ways to attack the Church with polices and politics. Just look at what churches like the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and Living Faith Church have done with voluntary tithes that our government cannot do with compulsory tax. Some churches that established cities have not had power failure in years. I think the government should learn from them, in fact, they have a lot to learn from the Church to reform the nation.
Your ministry has been of great blessings to many people around the world, how is the experience like?
It has been God and I am grateful to the Almighty for the grace to have adhered to the calling. The ministry that started with the fear of surviving has grown in leaps and bounds. In fact, we are currently celebrating its silver jubilee. I cannot thank God enough for how far he has brought us in the last 25 years and this is why we have designed a programme tagged, “I celebrate” to celebrate the anniversary. I remember the 12th anniversary gave me a reflection of how far God has expanded the ministry as well as used it to affect many lives positively. During the celebration a publication about the ministry entitled ‘From twelve people to twelve churches in twelve years’ struck me.
It got me thinking about how I started out in ministry 12 years ago. How we turned a kitchenette to an office with 12 members. Out of the 12, two were university graduates, one was a youth corps member (my fiancée then and now my wife); a few were undergraduates, including me and the others were secondary school students. We really looked like the pitiable team of David in the cave of Adullam (1 Sam 22:2) or Jephthah’s gang of vain men (Judges 11:1-3).
We had neither musical instruments nor a good public address system except for an FM microphone that worked with the frequency of a radio system -the only problem was that none of us had a radio set big enough, so we had to borrow from the Falodes. None of us had a bicycle, let alone a car. No money, but we had a mission. No financier, but we had faith. No crowd, but we had the cloud of glory. No electric power generator rather divine power demonstrations. No glass pulpit, yet we pulled men out of the pit. Most people thought we had no chance of survival, but we had a choice.
We were mocked, jeered at, misunderstood, misrepresented then, but now, God has made the ministry thrive with many international outreaches and several inspirational books, television, radio and media ministries, schools of ministry and leadership, with graduates in various parts of the world, and so on. Also, many educational institutions have made our ministry recognised nationally and internationally for exploits and integrity.
What is the major challenge you encountered in actualising your dream?
Challenges are normal in life. No challenge, no championship. Only people going upwards experience resistance. Though what makes some to break makes some others to break records. So, if you are running with a vision, you will have many challenges. As for me, I have had more than my share of challenges just like every achiever. My coping mechanisms remain God and His grace is vital and godly relationships. I have also learnt how to keep my eyes on God and not on oppositions, because if you mind opposition, you might lose your position.
Many Nigerians still find it hard to make a headway in pursing their visions despite having the privilege of being blessed with sermons and motivational speeches of some clerics like you. What is your take on those who are finding it tough on their visions?
Winners never quit and quitters never win. The definition of a winner is a potential loser that persists and a failure is a potential winner that quits. All it takes is a decision (success is a product of decision, not day-dreaming). So, go for it! There is a go in every gospel and two-thirds of the word God is go. Go for it! There is nothing that can stop a determined mind, turn that scar to a star, turn that breach to a bridge (to success) and turn that shame to fame.
You can decide to be a victor and not a victim. It is your choice. Though you may be knocked down today, just remember that you are not knocked out yet. Setbacks indeed pave way for comebacks. It is not over until it is over; let’s go for it.
How do young people with vision overcome this challenge?
You pursue your passion. You spend time and favour for what you value. The protégés business is to pursue the mentors and not the other way round. Elijah tried all he could to shake off Elisha. Jesus tried all he could to shake off the apostles, but they said “where you go, we shall go…” Approach mentors with a clear vision. Don’t seek what’s in their hands, but what’s in their hearts.
What would you have become if you had not received the calling?
I guess I would have become a professional inspirational speaker and a businessman because I love to inspire people and also provide solutions to situations.
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