By EBELE FRANCIS

Using what he describes as ‘the Odd Discovery’, Dr Francis Ololo uses old-time wisdom, faith principles, personal experiences and management concepts to impart the secret of success; how an individual could rise above his circumstances and attain an enviable position in life.

This philosophy runs through Ololo’s 11 chapter-inspirational book, The Quest for Distinction (The Odd Discovery). The book teaches that for one to succeed, one has to look on to the Master of Success Himself —God.

There is something universal and timeless about this book that lends itself to popular appreciation. Even though the author speaks from the Christian point of view, even non-Christians can gain from the philosophical doctrine therein. It is a book for everyone.

He identifies two major categories of believers- the Odd and the Even. Ololo analyzes the major distinguishing features of the two opposites, especially their attitude to service and reward. While the odd type is service-oriented, the even type is reward centred.

He argues  that the focal issue should be service first; “Once a true Believer makes the principle of “God first” a habit, the mentality of service first becomes ingrained and unshakeable.” The second chapter is on how to use one’s talent for the service of God and humanity.

He observes that, “The Odd believes in an ultimate creative, spiritual personality called God and that temptation is a tool for the devil to execute his mastery of evil. Through temptation “the Even run to all sorts of shrines, temples, and huts looking for mystical powers. Even in the Church of God today, the Even, rather than looking for God, are seeking prophecies, signs, and wonders.” The author refers to this phenomenon as “too much Churchism and too little Godism.”

‘Exceptionality and the Heart-Mind Principle’, which describes the need for the Odd to do whatever they are doing with the whole of their souls, spirits, and bodies, is the major subject-matter of Chapter Eight. According to the chapter, true believers “should literarily be buried in whatever they are doing so that nothing short of the best will emerge” because, it is when they do thing with utmost concentration that they could achieve the ultimate goal.