In the face of the current realities in the country, Olasubomi Balogun, the Asiwaju of the Ijebu Christians Association, has called on Nigerians to put their faith in God, noting that the country is suffering because of lack of faith in God.
Balogun and Otunba, who is the founder of FCMB Group, the parent company of First City Monument Bank and City Securities Limited, made the call at this year’s edition of the annual New Year thanksgiving and prayer, which is held in his Ijebu Ode country home every January 3rd.
Speaking from experience, the 88 years old lawyer and ex-banker, noted that he established and grew his company to where it is today by putting God first in his life and business, which in turn, attracted the right professionals who come with sincere hearts to help build FCMB into a conglomerate today.
“Of course, like every other business, especially in the banking industry, ours passed through turbulent times, but we were able to successfully scale through them all because of our faith in God. It pays to put God first in your business. I am a witness”, the Otunba said at a media interaction after the thanksgiving and prayers.
He enjoined the audience at the event to also learn the importance of praising God with thanksgiving.
One of the reasons to thank God, according to the renowned banker, is the fact that people are gathering again after the ravaging covid-19, which claimed many lives. According to him, everybody present at the thanksgiving and prayer session should be thankful to God for surviving the pandemic.
Speaking on his health, the 88 years old philanthropist said that he is still very active and mentally sound despite his age.
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“Though I have resigned from active banking and other business engagements, I still go to work three times in a week,” the well-accomplished personality said.
He also wished Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu land, who is his childhood friend and age mate well, noting that both will live to see their 90s and more years in good health.
The prayer was attended by dignitaries across Ijebu land, Ogun State and Nigeria including Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, the clergy and many Ijebu sons and daughters.
In their sermon and prayers, the clergy charged Nigerians to hold unto God in faith, do the right things to salvage the country, while asking God to give Balogun, the host, long life and good health.