Samuel Adesoji Aderonmu is the lead pastor of New Life Baptist Church, Owode, Ajah, Lagos. In this interview with EMMANUEL SALAWU, Aderonmu spoke about the growing insecurity and how Nigeria’s youthful population struggle to cope with the country’s socioeconomic challenges. Excerpts:
Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges in many parts of the country. From your perspective, what do you believe are the root causes of insecurity, and what roles should the government, the church, and the citizens play in addressing it?
Nigeria is actually and sadly bedeviled by insecurity ranging from insurgency, banditry, kidnapping etc. In fact, the situation is such that no part of the nation is spared and completely safe. Whereas, some people have attributed the insecurity to be political, the government, particularly, the immediate past, cannot completely exonerate herself from it, because of selfish ambition and interest. Just imagine how many lives have been wasted by these criminals with many more people including school children who are 2 years and 3 years old still in their custody begging for rescue.
Furthermore, soldiers and even generals are being killed by them. These criminals are so bold to committing these crimes because, we are told, their collaborators and sponsors are in government, her parastatals, and even in the armed forces. Other causes are that of out of school children, unemployment, and religious bigotry etc. The government must look into this criminality, and strengthen her security architecture so as to save our nation from this quagmire.
The church, on her own part, must not lose hope, but keep it alive. She must intensify her prayers to God for mercy and intervention (2 Chron. 7:14). On the part of the citizens, these evil men live amongst us but are sometimes shielded. We should arise to the slogan that, if you see something say something. All hands must be on deck to fight against insecurity before we are consumed by it.
What is your vision for the church and ministry in the coming years, and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
My vision for the church is raising disciples for Jesus Christ whose lifestyle will portray true disciples and followers of Christ, that is, Christians indeed. I also intend to trust God for a church where God is enthroned and where Christ reigns supremely. As per my ministry, more than ever before, I hope to make it more Christ focused and to conform to His own pattern unwaveringly. More so, the legacy I hope to leave behind is that of a minister who never compromised God’s Word and standard. I want to be remembered as a pastor whose life is characterized by the dictates of God’s Word.
Many young people are struggling with the pressures of today’s world. What advice would you give to those seeking to remain steadfast in their faith and purpose?
There is actually nothing new upon the surface of the earth. It is important to note that pressures has and will always abound. A few biblical examples are: Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, at a time when these young Hebrew boys found themselves on exile in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar asked that they, along with other young men, be fed with his delicacies. However, they resolved not to defile themselves (Dan. 1:3-8). Thereafter, these young men later became administrators in exile (Dan. 2:48-49). Joseph, in Potiphar’s house, was offered sex on a platter of gold by his boss’ wife, whereas someone else would have rushed at it, he turned it down and ran for his dear life (Gen. 38:7-12). This same Joseph later became the second in command to King Pharaoh, in fact, a Prime Minister, in Egypt (Gen. 41:41-44). Another example is that of Isaac, who wanted to relocate to Egypt when there was a great famine at Gerar. God asked him not to go but remain there. Interestingly, the Bible said, that same year he sowed at Gerar and God prospered him and made him mightier than the Philistines in the land (Gen. 26:1-5, 12-16). Therefore, my counsel to those who are steadfast in faith, that is, God’s children, is to learn from these characters and others in the Bible and imbibe their virtues. They should resolve not to compromise their faith in the face of whatever pressure of life. They should stand firm and trust God for the fulfillment of their God-given purpose.
In a time of economic hardship and uncertainty, what message of hope and encouragement would you like to share with Nigerians?
Economy downturn and hardship is not only peculiar to Nigeria, but a global phenomenon. However, some people have lost hope and concluded that Nigeria’s economy can never be better again, but that is not true. I believe God has not finished with or abandoned our nation. Note if God transformed the situation in Samaria, despite their terrible famine experience and later there was a turn-around (2 Kg. 6:24-29; 7:1, 16), He can do same also and even much more in Nigeria. I am optimistic that God will cause a change and there shall be light at the end of the tunnel in Nigeria. Only let us pray more, and as we approach another election time come 2027, let us choose according to our conscience and not sell our votes for any pittance.
You recently celebrated your 60th birthday; what lessons would you say have defined your journey in life and ministry?
I was born some six decades ago and I celebrated my sixtieth birthday on July 3rd, 2026. I am indeed grateful to God for the gift of life. Indeed, I have enjoyed God’s goodness severally in the land of the living that are too numerous to mention. But I will like to share the one that would have consumed the whole family but one. Precisely on October 15, 2010, my family was involved in a very fatal motor accident along Lagos-Ibadan express way, between Sagamu and Redemption Camp. Our vehicle went under a spoilt stationary truck. Thanks be to God that no death was recorded, although my daughter and wife spent six weeks and thirteen weeks respectively at Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital, to God be the glory that no life was lost. The lessons that have defined my journey in life and ministry are, first, that God’s presence is always with His children and servants in life and ministry, as long as they are also in Him. Second, Satan and his cohorts can never prevail against God’s children (Numbers 23:23; Romans 8:31). Third, allowing God take the lead, while I follow.
Looking back on your years in ministry, what have been your greatest achievements and the most significant challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?
To the glory of God, my greatest achievements are the lives and families that I have imparted positively and are disciples. Some of these individuals are pastors today, while families that were almost at the verge of breakup have had divine intervention and are still together living happily today. Well for challenges and temptations, I have faced some, notable among them is that of women. One of the two instances was when my wife was in the hospital. A married female member visited me at the pastor’s residence one morning when the children were in school. She was dressed like a single lady, perhaps, to seduce me but God helped me.
The second one was when my wife was transferred to Eti Osa extreme, precisely Folu, which was actually far away from home such that, sometimes, she comes home fortnightly and, in some occasions, stays away for nearly a month, particularly, when they had programs like immunization and the like. A married woman wanted to capitalize on that to lure me into having a relationship or an affair with her. God granted me grace to tell her point blank that I was not interested. At a point, when her pressure was becoming too much, I quoted to her Titus 2:11-12, that God’s grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly lust. No doubt, there have also been cases of lack, as touching family up keep and children’s school fees payment. But in all, God has always proved faithful by providing miraculously.
Finally, what are your prayers and expectations for yourself, the church and the nation, as you begin this new chapter of your life?
No doubt, I am most grateful to the Almighty God for His graciousness, faithfulness and goodness in my life in this past six decades. As I begin a new chapter in life, my prayer and expectation is more grace and strength to finish well and strong in life and ministry. For the church, my prayer and expectation is for her to be the church indeed, where souls are prepared for Christ’s return and God’s kingdom, and not a fashion parade, events and business center. Lastly, for Nigeria, my prayer and expectation is a country where righteousness and peace reigns and God’s kingdom becomes establish.
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