The Nigerian religious sphere is filled with diverse religious figures who have in their own little ways contributed to the growth and development of the nation at large. Normatively the sole function of the religious leaders rests solely in the tending of the flock that is the spiritual well-wellness of their followers and religious adherents. This many believes to be the basic and primary role of the man of God as popularly used by many adherents Christian, however upon the wake of the renaissance period to the light of the 21st century realities, the role and place of the religious leaders or otherwise called spiritual leaders have evolved from the traditional while also retaining its traditional feature and identity which is the spiritual growth of the religious adherents.
The modern day realities has seen religious leaders embrace more roles which are based on the communal cum national growth of their respective locations or communities. They have seen their roles transcend beyond the stables of the altar that is within the church to that of the bigger society which comprises of both people who share the same faith, denominations with theirs to others, that is people of other faith.
While we can mention quite a handful within the Nigerian Religious terrace, a name stands out one which is a household name and which commands respects from all and sundry, both within and outside the nation.
His calm and reserved nature has placed him on the good books of many Nigerians, same as his policies and dispositions towards the national development of the nation as well as other issues that has to do with the nation Nigeria.
These astute leadership qualities were extolled by the rest of the nation in the wake of the recent global outbreak of covid-19 across all nations of the world. Just as the Nigerian Government battled curbing the rise of the virus in the country, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God saw to it that he was not left behind in contributing his quota to fighting the scourge.
While other religious leaders in the country came up with diverse propagandas that covid-19 was just another plot from the government to t and persecute the Christians through the closure of religious centers, he was one of the few Pastors who instead advocated and encouraged his Congregation as well as other Nigerians to ensure that they observe the social distancing rules as well as other rules which were put in place by the world health organization to prevent the spread of the virus.
Adding to this, he saw to it that he donated various medical supplies to some state governments in Nigeria to support their quest to effectively contain the coronavirus pandemic in their respective states.
It would be recalled that the Redeemed Christian Church of God recently had its national convention online, a move made in obedience to health laws in the nation to combat the spread of the virus.
Recently the Osun born and bred man of God was seen in the public using a face mask, an act which some of his contemporaries will never come to practiced or do.
It is no doubt that Pastor E.A Adeboye is a thoroughly fashioned spiritual and international figure, one whose leadership qualities is a point of reference to many others in the world today.
One that will not only stand and defend for the wellness of his congregations but that of the entire nation when there is a need for it.
It would also be recalled that on the 3rd of February 2020 the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Pastor Enoch Adeboye in the company of his church members to protest the killings and insecurity across the country.
By Marcus Amudipe