Lessons in visionary Leadership from Adeboye

By Bayo Ogunmupe The title of this panegyric on Pastor Enoch Adeboye is “Iconic Leader: Pastor E. A. Adeboye, Lessons in Leadership. Written by Victoria Praise Abraham, the book is on the leadership style of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) worldwide, Pastor Enoch Adeboye. The book chronicles thoughts on leadership in Europe, North America and the ancient times as well. Published by Vic- Abraham Media Nigeria Limited in 2019 at Abesan Estate, Ipaja, Lagos. It is in hard cover, with 11 chapters, 270 pages and illustrated with beautiful pictures of Adeboye. The foreword to the biography: The Aroma of Grace was crafted by the former Vice Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Professor Debo Adeyewa. In his three page tribute, Adeyewa described the book as the unveiling of golden leadership principles of Pastor Adeboye. According to the former vice chancellor, many people had written on Adeboye, focusing on some unique aspects of the quiet, yet engaging and passionate leader cum man of God. What makes this book unique are the interesting perspectives offered by some of the pastor’s associates whose colourful insights into this enigmatic personality open new vistas on Adeboye’s character. “The life of Pastor Adeboye radiates the aroma of extraordinary grace. As a dedicated leader and man of God, he emits a pleasing aroma of Christ discernible to all. Devotedly, he pushes this exquisite fragrance through his leadership style that has influenced and inspired numerous individuals to become successful leaders in their different callings including leaders of nations. Like the eagle Adeboye has learned how to strategically ride the storms, use turbulence, trials and adversities to gain advantage.” Blessed with a blissful home with uncommon support of an adorable wife, he has touched many lives in all sectors across the globe through adroit provisions of education, benevolence and humanitarian services. Indeed, this book is a celebration of a man of courage, vision and unstoppable mission. Professor Adeyewa concludes by showcasing how it enables him to reveal some secrets of success of the iconic leader who has millions of followers transcending ethnic, geographic and religious boundaries across the globe. In segmenting this volume into four, the first two chapters and the Introduction are the mainstay of the book. Mrs Abraham the author analyzed various aspects of leadership with normative logic as the trending epistemological system of analytical reasoning and cognition. She wrote the book motivated by the dearth of visionary leadership in Nigeria and other parts of the world. She defines a leader as someone who knows the way, follows the way and helps others to walk in the way. “A true leader must have eyes that see. A true leader is a great motivator and a visionary. A true leader can make a whole lot of difference in every situation where he finds himself.” Also on these pages the author unveils the ministry of Adeboye as well as the history of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). She attended monthly meetings tagged Lekki 98 in 1998. After a life changing encounter with Jesus she decided she had found her home in the RCCG and that Pastor Adeboye would be her spiritual father. After receiving healing at a Special Holy Ghost Service at Lekki 98, she became a regular attendee of the church service at the Camp. Subsequently, this volume is about what she observed about Adeboye in her 20 year sojourn with the church. Watching closely, she had observed the following 12 attributes about his person: vision, courage, integrity, strategic planning and organization, humility, wisdom, hard work, empathy, discipline and diligence, great time keeper, effective communicator and spirituality. Quoting her role model, an expert on Leadership, John Maxwell, Abraham said: “Leadership is influence. Everything starts and falls on leadership.” In her search for an appropriate title for her biography of Adeboye, Abraham stumbled on the words Iconic leader which means a rare and very important leader. Her examples of iconic leaders in the 20th century include Winston Churchill of Britain. Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany. First black President of South Africa- Nelson Mandela. Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union. Bill Gates of Microsoft and Mother Teresa among others. Through the benevolence of God Almighty, Adeboye obtained the B.Sc degree in Mathematics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1967; M.Sc from the same University in 1969 and the Ph.D in Applied Mathematics from the University of Lagos in 1975. While Adeboye flourished as lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Lagos, he was called by God to serve in the church. When Josiah Akindayomi founded RCCG in 1952, it was small and unknown. However, Adeboye gave his life to Christ at RCCG on July 19,1973. Adeboye became RCCG general overseer when Fadayomi died on November 2, 1980. Thereafter, Adeboye embarked on aggressive evangelism all over Nigeria. He used various technologies to spread the gospel. Live broadcast are transmitted on radio, TV and also streamed over the internet. This enables RCCG membership to quadruple. By January 5, 2020 Pastor Adeboye had emerged fifth with $39 million, coming after Bishop David Oyedepo $150 million; Bishop Jakes $147 million; Pastor Oyakhilome $50 million and Bishop Benny Hinn $42 million. Author Abraham used the 51 pages of chapter 5 to elucidate on the 12 amazing leadership attributes of Pastor Adeboye. For milestones of achievement, she used chapters 6 and 7. Here Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was featured for escaping alive in an helicopter crash. Among testimonies of outstanding leaders on the impact of Adeboye’s visionary leadership at RCCG, were the former minister of Education, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, a RCCG pastor; other pastors are Ituah Ighodalo; Tonye Patrick Cole and Dr Bamidele Sturdivant. Others with glowing testimonials of Adeboye’s exemplary leadership are the Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank,Mrs Tomi Shomefun, Prof Debo Adeyewa who wrote the foreword, former Federal Inland Revenue Service chair, Babatunde Fowler and Prof Mrs Mbang Femi Oyewo, they all gave glowing praises of Adeboye’s greatness. Lessons in Leadership offers timeless truths about leadership and life lessons by aspiring leaders who have chosen to learn from a global leader like Adeboye. The author Mrs Victoria Abraham has written over 500 motivational articles. She is also a media expert, creative entrepreneur and one who is passionate about God and His Kingdom.