BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
A few months back, when it was officially announced that the subject of this article will join the “Diamond club” in November, as expected, the Every Nation Centre metaphorically, quaked. Everybody, everyone in ecstatic mode, responded with tumultuous applause, raptorial screaming, cinematic hugs, and lively handshakes. The response to the cheering news was organic, intuitive, and straight-from-the-heart. These positive reactions are expected, from people that have, for over two decades (and more) savoured spiritual delicacies from his fountain of life-changing menus. Cognisant that he has impacted on them severally, as a shepherd, mentor, and leader, they reasoned that the birthday presents a great opportunity to show gratitude. Immediately, there were formal and informal meetings towards crafting a most-befitting birthday soiree for him. Despite the drive and desire to have a classy, and never-seen before ceremonies, comments moved around in whispers to the contrary that he doesn’t want any form of celebrations. Just prayers and praise.
As the d-day approached, the challenge of what, and how to celebrate a man who detest drawing attention to himself became real. Many people were somewhat cocooned in the “confusion.” That is vintage Ayo Nath Aiyedogbon, (ANA), who detests self-adulation, hero-worshipping, and abhors human validations. Sometime in 2014, at the public presentation of Evangelist Lola Ajueyitsi’s album, which was held at the Christ Apostolic Church, Garki-Abuja, ANA was the Guest Minister. While the Master of Ceremony went lyrical with colourful superlatives about him, ANA literally stopped him, and “ordered” the audience to “continue clapping for the Only One, and make joyful shouts to The I Am.” At the same function, Mrs. Toyin Obafemi, a Lagos-based entrepreneur declared to a few friends that, “he greeted those of us at the entrance with much humility and enthusiasm. We didn’t know that he was the Minister for the event.”
Sometime in the mid 2000s, Jim Laffon, an American Evangelist and a few others had a programme at the Rockview Hotels, Abuja. The well-attended programme had many people including pastors, christians, and some others. Somehow, an altercation happened between the ushers and one “big man” over sitting arrangement. Aiyedogbon, who played a key role in the planning of the programme, stepped in to intervene in the seemingly needless beef which bothers on ego-massaging. Despite the “big man’s” angry disposition, nasty reactions, and boastful comments, ANA remained courteous, and humble. Displaying no signs of disillusionment or helplessness, he succeeded in appeasing, and leading the “big man’s” choice seat and area in the jam-packed hall. For ANA, no sacrifice is too big towards ensuring peace, unity, understanding, and development.
Over the years, at different levels of his daily interactions with people, ANA epitomizes virtues and values that are anchored on his faith. He is an exemplar of integrity, humility, humanity, and uprightness, whose unwavering belief in the universality of God Almighty, in all situations has been an enduring inspiration to many people. As expected, his easy-going, friendly, and receptive demeanor is sometimes misunderstood, and underated by some people. However, beneath the slender and supple appearance lies grit, and resilience in the pursuit of truth, love, fairness, and justice. He lives a life of purpose, passion, and conviction for God, His Kingdom, and humanity. Indeed, ANA is a gift from God, Graced by God, and Graced for humanity. As a mentor, he inspires, and challenges his mentees towards reaching enviable status. As a shepherd, he nourishes the flock with undiluted teachings and principles of God’s Kingdom for exploits in the market place. As a servant, he takes the “bullets” for all.
Over time, ANA has built strong bonds of enduring friendship, fruitful relationships, and resourceful alliances with people from all parts of the country, and across the world. Imbued with enviable qualities, and outstanding attributes that are worthy of emulation, ANA relates freely with anyone irrespective of age, social, economic status, and whatever categorization. Arc. Bankole Owolabi, Managing Director, CEDASCOPE Limited believes as “a responsible husband to his wife; caring father to his immediate family; and a reliable shepherd to his flock at home and abroad, God will make him stand before kings, and grant him immeasurable favour before people that will lead to the deepening and expansion of his Kingdom assignment.”
Elder John Mmaka, Chairman of JASTEL Limited, “He is a ubiquitous but quiet builder of men who has positively impacted on the lives of many people that are, today making tremendous progress in their respective careers.” Mrs. Stella Fadeyi, a retired federal Director in the Office of the Head of Service declared that, “my Pastor, at all times and in every situation gives life to his name; AYO. No matter your mood, he exudes and brings joy, peace, love, and warmth. His counsel, guidance, prayers, and support have helped many people navigate challenges and difficulties.” Continuing, Mrs. Uzoma Nwobu, an Educationist said, “in different ways, he has taught people the power of resilience, the place of commitment, and values of empathy and altruism.” 
Dr. Sylbriks Obriki, a former presidential Adviser on SERVICOM recalls his first encounter with ANA, “despite his repertoire of intelligence, wisdom, and understanding of God’s Word, he was extremely receptive to other views. With no airs, and pumping of shoulders, he was humble and humility personified.” Mr. Oladele Clement, a Deputy Corp Marshal with the Federal Roads Safety Corp, (FRSC) describes ANA as, “a man of character, who embodies purity of heart, exudes steadfastness, and is always passionate about the spiritual growth, and personal development of everybody that comes around him.” Rt. Hon. TeeJay Yusuf, Managing Director, Twenty Five Eleven Limited declared that, “Pastor has etched his name in the hearts of many people, not just members of his flock. His life journeys, calling, and other noble causes remain testaments of selflessness, integrity, and inspiration.”
Professor Tunde Olusunle of the University of Abuja describes ANA as, “a reliable, upright, contented, open-handed, and open-hearted person whose commitment to people, and the work of God remains unequivocal.” An Abuja-based strategic communications specialist, Mr. Simon Ukadike affirmed that, “from findings and testimonies, he has helped in shaping the journeys of numerous people within and outside his church. Happily, those who passed through his spiritual tutelage are achieving landmark achievements elsewhere.” Corroborating, Mr. Chike Azubuike, a brand management specialist said, “the few times I listened to him, his views on issues were intriguing, expository, and inspiring. You always pick veritable lessons that can be explored in the marketplace.”
As humans, we experience twists and turns, just as we pass through varied dimensions of vicissitudes. On life’s journey, these tapestries in most situations, shapes what, and who emerges thereafter. So it is with ANA. He encountered pleasant and unpleasant trajectories that served as a veritable compass for who he is, and where he is headed. Convinced that he has the calling to serve in the Lord’s Vineyard, he abandoned his civil service career and relocated to Lagos. A decision that did not resonate with many of his friends and family members. Again, as a trainee, he was saddled with some responsibilities that were described as demeaning for a graduate. Added to this, the generator house was his home. Vilified by many people, some of whom reasoned that something was wrong with him, ANA, who had his eyes on the bigger vision was unperturbed by criticisms and concerns.
In 2000, at a period when the capital city was in its infancy, ANA was deployed to Abuja from Lagos to see the possibility of starting a centre for the ministry. Again, he and the wife, Pastor Faith Aiyedogbon, (PFA) were serially ridiculed and advised not to make the Abuja venture. According to reports, ANA and PFA were further convinced they were on the right track, and proceeded to Abuja. Indeed, over two decades afterwards, there are stones of memorials as evidence that ANA heard right; the Abuja directive was divinely orchestrated. The Abuja Centre; which began from the living room of the Willie-Iyke Nwobus moved to its own property within the Garki District. Happily, it has birth centres in Jos, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Dawaki, Ado, and a few more in the planning stages. More importantly, some of his mentees are making exploits in major cities across the United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries.
As we all celebrate ANA, a courageous fighter and advocate for everything Right; a cerebral being who dislikes indolence and mediocrity, I pray that God Almighty will perfectly order his steps in fulfilling divine Will. This is wishing our beloved indefatigable mentor and shepherd, a glorious 60th birthday.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
