Why we should celebrate past leaders, by Bishop Osa-Oni

By Adeola Adenuga

Bishop John Osa-Oni of Vineyard Christian Ministries, Lagos wants Nigerians to celebrate their former leaders who left good legacies for the coming generations to emulate. Osa-Oni spoke ahead of the silver  jubilee anniversary of his ministry scheduled for between April 3 and 7.

He cited the cases of second republic President Shagari and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon. “Recently, we celebrated Shagari at 88. Most politicians made money during his time but he didn’t. He lived a transparent life. I believe good names are better than gold. He left a good name. That is why he is still being celebrated”, the bishop said. “Gowon has done his best. That is why he is being celebrated.

“One of the things that touched me about the life of Gowon, you call him his excellency and he will say, ‘No, that is for the sitting president, I am a former Head of State. He is one person that is doing prayer meetings to move the nation  forward. In Africa, we celebrate the dead. I pray God to change things.”

Speaking on the events lined for the silver jubilee  of Vineyard Ministries, he said the anniversary would be flagged off on April 3 by Ebenezer Obey Fabiyi.

“The anniversary continues on  April 4 and 5 but April 6 is the grand finale where I would be elevated as archbishop and bishops installed. This will be witnessed by anointed men of God from the US, Ghana  and Nigeria,” Osa-Oni stated.

“On Sunday April 7, the anniversary will be rounded off with a thanksgiving service at the new auditorium of the church.”