…as septuagenarian asks leaders on stewardship

By OLAYINKA LATONA

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos Chapter, has described the Presiding Archbishop of Vineyard Christian Ministries Inc., Archbishop John Osa-Oni, as a devoted servant of God whose life reflects diligence, courage, kindness and unwavering commitment to the Christian faith.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, CAN Lagos State Chapter Chairman, gave this commendation at Osa-Oni’s 70th birthday celebration held at the national headquarters of Vineyard Christian Ministries in Asolo, Lagos.

“You’re a trailblazer, an indomitable personality, reliable, dependable, humble and solid. That is why the body of Christ in Lagos is proud of you,” Bishop Adegbite said. “We are happy that we have somebody we can count on. We recall that your relationship with Asiwaju started a long time ago and we appreciate all the roles you’ve been playing even till now.”

The CAN chairman revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his wife celebrate with the archbishop on this occasion, adding that the First Lady acknowledged Osa-Oni as “one of the ministers of God that will call a spade a spade and not an instrument that is used in trimming soil.”

“Your efforts in training, impacting people, encouraging the downtrodden and downcast is one of the reasons your ministry is still standing till today,” Adegbite added.

In his response, the celebrant Archbishop Osa-Oni expressed gratitude to God for preserving his life through various challenges, including betrayals by trusted friends and associates.

“Life has been awesome. I am forever grateful to Almighty God,” Osa-Oni said. “There have been so many negative past, so many ups and downs. Most trusted friends betrayed, trusted associates betrayed. But because God sees the pure heart, He preserved me and the reason we are celebrating today is because of God preserving for His glory.”

Speaking on his 70th birthday, the clergyman offered counsel to the younger generation and aspiring ministers, urging them not to give up despite challenges.

“They must not give up. They must keep pressing on. Situation come, situation go,” he said, referencing Isaiah 43 verses 18 and 19. “Until you let go of your past, you pass with your past. So it’s extremely important to focus where you are going than the distraction.”

Addressing Nigerians, Archbishop Osa-Oni described the nation as resilient people who do not give up, and encouraged citizens to actively participate in the political process.

“Every Nigerian should have their voter card and then vote. You can’t change what you do not get involved with. It is your involvement that brings change,” he said. “So I believe if everybody gets involved—both Christians, every member of all our churches—must get involved in political parties.”

He added: “Nobody should say it’s a dirty game; it’s not a dirty game.”

The septuagenarian also used the occasion to challenged leaders to fulfill their campaign promises and consider their legacy.

“Leaders should do what they have promised they will do. Their manifesto, they should bring it to pass,” he stated. “Like for me, I’m forever grateful to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Everything they promised, they brought it to fruition. If Chief Obafemi woke up from the grave now and said he wants to contest election, he will win election. That is legacy.”

“Every leader must understand that posterity will judge them. Legacy is being written whether written or unwritten,” he added.

Osa-Oni also reminded Nigerians that the voter registration deadline is 26th July, 2026, urging those yet to register to do so, declaring that “your vote counts.”

The event attracted prominent personalities including Lagos state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by Rt. Rev. Bukola Adeleke, General Overseer of Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM) International; Rev. Mercy Ezekiel; HRM Oba Olu-Ogbe II, the Olu-Awure of Usen Kingdom; and HRM Oba Isa Shekoni Faronbi (Alagbeji III), the Osolo of Isolo Kingdom.

Others present included former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah; Dr. Mon E. Igbinosa, Presiding Bishop and President of Gospel Outreach Ministries, Ekpoma; among other dignitaries.