E.A. Adeboye @ 83: Portrait of a spiritual giant

By Olakunle Yusuf

From time immemorial, there are creatures, especially in the scriptures, who came as redeemers and reformers, changing status quos in fulfilling God’s agendas. Pastor Adeboye, or Daddy G.O., as he is affectionately called by all and sundry, is one. They are not always with us, therefore, it becomes necessary we give them their flowers while still alive. And by the grace of God, Adeboye is clocking 83 this year with an array of programmes lined up by the church he is pastoring, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, and by friends and admirers both local and international.

Born on March 2, 1942, in Ifewara, Osun State, he attended Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun State, in 1956. He obtained a BSc. degree in mathematics from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1967. He also obtained a master’s (MSc.) degree in hydrodynamics and a doctorate degree (PhD) in applied mathematics, both from the University of Lagos, in 1969 and 1975, respectively.

According to this revered man of God, his dream was to become the youngest vice-chancellor in Nigeria. But today fate and faith would have none of that. Now, he sits atop higher institutions, including Redeemer’s University, Redeemer’s Polytechnic and several others too numerous for mentioning. Despite his humble beginnings, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye is now a global citizen, playing important roles for church growth in Africa and around the world. As a matter of fact, he unashamedly tells his congregation that he never owned shoes until he was 18 years of age. What he possessed though were physical intangibles such as focus, consistency, diligence, ambition, a brilliant mind and a determination to succeed in life.

 In 1967 Adeboye got married to his beloved wife Foluke Adenike Adeboye (nee Adeyokunnu).His PhD dissertation focused on Navier-Stoke Equation at the University of Lagos. If you’re with us in global climate modeling and statistical downscaling, you will know that Navier-Stoke Equation is no joke.

From 1981 till date, the church he is presiding has grown in leaps and bounds, winning recognitions from far and near. Some of these achievements include the following: 1999 – Received honorary citizenship and key of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. 2000 – Dedicated the first chapel in the Nigerian Presidential Villa, Abuja, Nigeria. 2002 – Received the key to the city of Detroit, Michigan. 2005 – Received honorary citizenship and key of Dallas, Texas, USA. 2005 – Received honorary citizenship and key of Baltimore, Maryland, United States. 2008 – Awarded a National Honour (Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) by the Nigerian President. 2009 – Led the Pre-Summit Prayers at the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations Headquarters, New York. 2009 – Named one of The World’s Fifty Most Powerful People by Newsweek Magazine (USA). 2009 – Awarded honorary doctorate degree – University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. 2009 – Awarded honorary doctorate degree – University of Nigeria, Nsukka. 2009 – Awarded honorary doctorate degree in Theology – Canada Christian College, Canada. 2010 – Awarded a National Sports Honour (Spiritual Pillar of Nigerian Sports).

2011 – Chaired United Nations Global Summit on the Road Map to a Culture of Peace in the Middle East. 2011 – Awarded honorary doctorate degree – University of Ibadan, Nigeria. 2011 – Received award as the Best/Most Profitable Icon/Personality in Nigeria. 2014 – Awarded National Honour – Commander of the Order of the Niger. 2015 – Awarded Honorary Doctor of Science – University of Lagos. 2015 – Certificate of Recognition – The Congress of the United States of America. 2015 – Presidential Merit Award – The Nigerian Society of Engineers.

As Adeboye hits 83, we pray God increase him more and more. Happy birthday, Sir!

• Pastor Yusuf, is lead consultant, Above Media. He can be reached via [email protected].