Tribute to Daddy

Seesth a man diligent in his ways, he will stand before kings is exemplified in my father in the Lord - Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.

I forgot when I first met him but I came in contact with his ministry between 1993 and 1995 when we had a special programme at RCCG in Ijebu Igbo or Oke Agbo. This programme pulled together all Christian faiths on campus and the environs. Pastor Dele Balogun was parish pastor but preacher for the programme was then Rev. Wale Oke. I was staunchly a Baptist and already a Zonal Pastor for the Baptist Student Fellowship. Rev. Oke could not come with his ministers hence we were ordained to serve with him.

Thereafter I would attend RCCG every now and then but never joined until around 1997 or 1998 when I joined and became a worker at RCCG New Life Parish at Alaka. Shortly after, I joined RCCG Throne of Grace by divine direction. It turned out to be a day Daddy GO was scheduled to attend. I gleaned from the sermon that day that we are to praise God regardless - praise him when things are not going well, praise him when things are going well and praise God for expectations.

Around 2003 or 2004, I began the drive to interview his wife - Pastor Foluke Adenike Adeboye nee Adeyokunnu, popularly called Mummy GO. One of those times when I called the house, I believe it was Daddy Adeboye who answered the phone. Cut a story short, I got an interview. It was so heartwarming sitting with her in her office with the liberty to directly ask questions. If it was the days of mobile phones, I definitely would have taken a selfie. Instead what I got was an image of her on request.

I had expected that using her image as cover would make the edition outsell but it was this edition that made me see church politics. Rather than buy, many redeemed members and churches I marketed it to queried that I never saw her but merely got her image and did story for clout! Some tried to counsel me to desist from such dishonest behaviour! I was disappointed in the outcome of the edition and still have unsold editions till this day.

I came to see Pastor Adeboye as a great leader who developed other great leaders and impacted destinies. I became better acquainted with him in 2008 when I joined RCCG Jesus Palace Maryland USA by divine leading. I found out after the fact that this parish is pastored by his son in law and daughter. It was with Pastor Akin Adubi I shared the vision of Divine Connection and we birthed the ministry in June 2009.

To tap into the anointing of the man lovingly called Daddy GO, I began to send offering to him directly through those who work with him or his office and supported initiatives to gift him presents. I also began to support the African Missions under Mummy GO's watch.

In 2016 or 2017, I met him one on one in his office. He prayed peace over me. The spirit of God was visible upon him and his fatherly empathy spoke volumes as he commiserated with me on the dual loss we experienced in 2016.

I have had other close contacts with him and with his wife especially since joining the Feast of Esther.

 

Today, March 2, 2025 the leader of the RCCG, a church with representation in about 200 countries and territories around the world, turns 83.

Daddy GO's impact is not one a single book would take. His ministry and missions has been positively impactful and seen unprecedent growth under his leadership. His global influence has led to monumental development beyond the church so much so Newsweek listed him as one of 100 most influential people in the world.

I have again and again told my hearers that Daddy GO is one leader who had his entire education, from primary to doctorate, in Nigeria. He is our homegrown success story from Nigeria to the world.

I cannot talk about him without the miracles God wrought through his hands, yet he remains submissive to God, honours is wife, dots on his children and personifies humility.

I was scared for his salvation when he lost yet another child. I saw a human who though torn apart emotionally and physically, stood still on God's words. He received and acknowledged counsel and bounced back with vigour in His walk and work with The One who is able to make all grace abound.

What of his passionate drive for souls! At his age he still goes for evangelistic walk and rural evangelism. If you give him 5 minutes to preach, he would spend 3 and use 2 to make an altar call.

I sat one day to review his life and I was awed by the fact that in over 40 years this rare man of God has NOT missed one Holy Ghost Service! That is the height of commitment and consistency. Even during covid, services went on. I covet that.

What of his selflessness! I know no two men who for their birthdays would ask for 70,000 children or 80,000 souls which birthed Light Up Crusades globally.

Praying without ceasing is exemplified in this prayer giant. The 100 day fast caught media and social media attention this year. How does an 83 man lead others to fast daily for one hundred days! The simple answer is God. Daddy Adeboye is a man helped by God through the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

I celebrate the unfailing love of God in the life of Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye whose signature is LSSH; Let Somebody Shout Hallelujah!

Daddy, I trust you would have a cheerful celebration as your faith extends to continuously draw extraordinary grace, wisdom, strength and courage from our Heavenly Father. I pray that Jehovah Nissi journey with you to the next glorious celebration.

Grace Always!

Rev. Dr. Omolola Omoteso

President, Cares Global Network
Pastor, Divine Connection Ministry

Dr. Omolola Omoteso-Famuyiwa is a minister who is passionate about sharing God's words for the healing of souls.