Pride is a silent destroyer of destiny, says Oyedepo

…Urges believers in marketplace to exhibit meekness

David Oyedepo, the Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, has urged Nigerian Christians to be mindful of the ‘spirit of pride.’

“From scriptures, we understand the greatest temptation of success is pride. Pride is a silent destroyer of destiny,” Oyedepo said during the 40th birthday celebration of Stephen Akintayo in Lagos.

Oyedepo urged Christians to never give pride a place in their life and ministry. “Don’t give it space,” he said.

Addressing the celebrant directly, the cleric urged him to continually ascribe all glory to God for every lifting and enlightenment he may have experienced in the last 40 years.

Oyedepo, who joined virtually, also urged young believers to closely follow the footsteps of their mentors so as to stay on track in their journey of life.

“Why would we recognise Jesus as the mentor of mentors? At the same time, God has positioned people on our path who have, by grace, obtained the promise, the kind we look forward to,” he said.

Oyedepo also urged young people to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship in all they do. According to him, there is no sports star without a coach.

“In the same vein, every impactful life has a mentor. That is, one that has gone ahead with proofs to show,” Oyedepo said.

The clergyman also took time to pray for Akintayo: “As Jesus said, blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. That is, there shall be no ceilings on their destiny on how far the meek can go.

“My prayer is that you will remain close with humility and with a blazing ornament of meekness as your lifelong way of life,” Oyedepo said.

Stephen Akintayo, chairman, founder, Gtext Holdings and chairman, SACI Holdings, said investing in knowledge, self-development and mentorship is critical to leading a successful life.

Akintayo, who has been in business for over 18 years, said his entire life has been about creating impact. “God has helped me to write over 45 books, over 2,000 video courses, and raise so many millionaires and billionaires.

“So, it’s about the impact. Our charity project, the number of people God has helped us to impact. You know, sent to school, all of those things,” Akintayo said.

He also urged young Africans to be wary of cutting corners, adding that they can do things the right way and get to the top. “But it also has peace of mind. The Bible says, the blessings of the Lord make you rich and add no sorrow. So it pays to be legit,” he said.

Dave Burrows, Senior Pastor, Bahamas Faith Ministries International Church, said everything in life starts with a problem.

He added that in life, it’s either an individual has a problem, is the problem, or has been through a problem; will be going through a problem, or has solved a problem. “Problems help you identify your potential, and your potential helps you to discover your purpose.

“So, the first point is that you go from problems to potential; the next step in the process – once you discover your potential, your potential directs you to your purpose,” Burrows said.

In a panel session titled, ‘From vision to legacy: Building businesses that endure’ and moderated by Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of T2 (formerly 9mobile), both Stanley Ekeh, founder and chairman of Zinox Group and Cosmas Maduka, founder, President/CEO of Coscharis Group, urged young Nigerians to be deliberate with their personal development.

“It’s one thing to have a friend; it’s another to have a mentor. A friend likes you, but a mentor wants to pour into you knowledge, wisdom, and examples so that you can rise above your station in life,” said Michael Victor Roberts.

Roberts, an American business titan who has built over 100 companies across real estate, media, aviation, and technology, also called for collaboration between Nigerians and Black Americans on building trans-generational wealth.

“Are you ready to connect with your brothers and sisters, not just here in Nigeria but those of us in the diaspora who so desperately need to have your love and compassion and family connection so that when we come here we feel at home.”