By Adeola Ogunlade
I imbibe the habit of always singing and praising God. l, ascribe everything to the grace of God, that was why I was made the Asiwaju of Christianity in Ijebu Land.
These were the words of the Founder of First City Monument Bank Group, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun during an annual prayer meeting of the Otunba Subomi Balogun Foundation (OSBF) in Ijebu Ode recently to mark the New Year.
He said that one of the things that helped me in life is to constantly commit my ways to the Almighty God. Anywhere I go, I bring up what God has done for me. That helps me to modulate any possible arrogance.
He said “when I was made the Asiwaju, they were a lot of people that were older than me. I was just 63 years old. I was nervous and I cried the day I was installed as the Asiwaju. The congregation was singing-Kosoro rare sokoro.
“God has been my guide and companion and I owe everything I have and I have been to him”, he said
Subomi posited that the significance of Adura Odun is to allow the Asiwaju to join everybody in thanking God for what He has done for all of us in the year before and asking him to continue to guard and take care of us in the New Year.
“I think that its significance is not just for Christians, but for all people. The Yoruba say if you give thanks for the favour done in the past, then you will receive more favours.” Subomi said.
“So, the essence is that I have invited all Christians and friends. Some Muslims, too, joined me in thanking God for protecting us, providing us with everything, and giving us good health. We can now expect that the same Good Lord will continue to be with us for the New Year. So, it is not just a religious thing, it is something that has become habitual. When God has done something for us, we should go back and give thanks and that will encourage the Good Lord to continue to help us.”
He noted that there are many Ijebus and if God singled me out and made me what I am, who am I? It is in appreciation of the unique endowment the Good Lord made to me that I do whatever I do. I am not the only Ijebu to be a lawyer, I am not the only Ijebu to be a banker, I am not the only Ijebu to be made Otunba, I am not the only Ijebu to be anything.”
“There are all kinds of birds flying in the air, but the eagle is the king of all birds. So, when we pray as Christians, we say God should renew our energy like that of the eagle. The motivation is that God has been very kind to me. He made me what I am and, in return, I am doing what I am doing.”
“It is the grace of God that keeps me fit. You probably will notice that whenever I am in a gathering, the musician will start playing the tune Nipa ife Olugbala ki yo si nkankan, (which means by the love of the Saviour, there shall be no evil). I believe it is the good Lord that is protecting me and, as such, I am always glad to sing that song.”
“But it is more than that. I am a child of God and I believe fervently in it. So I have turned all my needs to the good Lord. One of the benefits is that at 84 I look like anyone of you. If you get me to run 100 meters with you, I am not sure many of you will beat me. I do a lot of walking and I also swim. In every home of mine, you will find a swimming pool. I am particularly grateful to God that, even at 84, I am agile and still active cerebrally.”
Mike Abdul, Naomi, Ariyo win at Kingdom Achievers Award
Nigerian gospel singer, music producer, and songwriter, Mike Abdul, has emerged as Best Male Artist of the year, and Onos Ariyo as the Best Female Artist of the year at the maiden edition of The Kingdom Achievers Awards organized by Evaloaded Entertainment held recently in Lagos.
The award which had different categories were decided by vote.
Other winners include the Viewers Choice Award, Ibk Sings, Best Vocal Performance, Naomi Classik, Songwriter of the Year, Neon Adejo, Best Fuji Singer of the Year, Testimony Jaga, Christian DJ of the Year-Dj Horphuray, Album of the Year-Ty Bello, Christian Dance Hall Song of the Year, Omo Baba.
Speaking at the event, The Chief Executive Officer, of Evaloaded Entertainment, Sam Adejo, said that the award was birthed out of a passion for promoting gospel music. Our task is to nurture and promote young African gospel talents.
He stated that there is a strong revolution in the gospel music space. The production and craft have changed and is imperative for us to celebrate those who are blazing the trail in this industry.
He noted that we are setting up a big structure like the Grammy to celebrate just the gospel.
