From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Christian leaders have called on ministers of God and other Nigerians, to embrace writing as a powerful means of inspiring people, preserving important experiences and rekindling their sense of responsibility to God, society and humanity.
The call was made at the dedication of “Arise, the Mighty Warrior”, a book authored by the Executive Secretary, ECWA Fate/Tanke District Church Council, Ilorin, Reverend Joseph Agboluaje.
Speaking at the event, former Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State chapter, Reverend Reuben Ibitoye, said Christian writers should see their literary works as an opportunity to bless, enlighten and positively influence others.
Ibitoye, who is the Minister in charge of Unity Baptist Church, Ilorin, spoke on “Writing to Bless Others”, with reference to 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
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He said writing was an inspiration from God that could help strengthen the body of Christ while ensuring that important experiences and lessons were preserved for future generations.
According to him, “Writing is an opportunity and inspiration given by God to bless others, enlighten them and advance the word of God.”
The cleric described “Arise, the Mighty Warrior”, as a timely intervention capable of awakening Nigerians to their responsibilities, particularly at a period when insecurity, displacement and other challenges have continued to affect communities.
He said the message of the book transcended cultures and geographical boundaries, adding that a written work could reach people and communities the author might never physically visit.
Ibitoye noted that the challenges confronting the nation required collective courage and responsibility, stressing that Nigerians must be prepared to confront issues threatening their communities and future.
“We are all warriors and should be ready to fight the battle to take back our land and our youth,” he said.
The author, Reverend Dr Agboluaje, said the book was written out of a deep concern for communities and individuals who had been displaced, discouraged, wounded or overwhelmed by the challenges confronting the country.
He dedicated the book to displaced communities in Kwara South and Kwara State in general.
Agboluaje said his personal connection to the issue of displacement made the message particularly important to him, recalling that his community, where he was born and spent the first 18 years of his life, had been deserted for more than a year.
He said the situation raised a fundamental question about the responsibility of people in times of crisis.
“When the land is under siege, what should a warrior do? Should we fold our arms, complain, surrender, or run away? No! There comes a time when we must arise,” he said.
According to the author, the central message of the book is that people can rise again despite difficult circumstances.
He said the book was intended to awaken courage, faith, responsibility and hope among people who might have lost hope because of insecurity, displacement and other painful experiences.
“Today is more than the official dedication of a book. It is a gathering of people who believe that our communities can rise again. We are here to pray together, encourage one another, and remind our community leaders that we can rise again,” Agboluaje said.
He urged Nigerians to pray for displaced persons, traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies, as well as for the restoration of deserted communities.
The author expressed confidence that communities affected by insecurity would eventually return to normalcy, urging the people to trust God for restoration.
In his review of the book, retired Permanent Secretary, Elder David Adeshina, mni, said the concept of the “Mighty Warrior”, was not determined by physical appearance, social status or personal attributes, but by God’s divine calling.
Adeshina drew parallels between the biblical account of Gideon and the experiences of communities battling insecurity, noting that Gideon was described as a mighty warrior at a time when he was hiding in fear.
He said the lesson was that God could raise leaders from unlikely and marginalised backgrounds to accomplish His purposes.
“The call of the Mighty Warrior is not to deny reality, but to see beyond it, knowing fully well that when God is involved, the equation naturally changes,” he said.
He cited the intervention of the National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, Sir Bisi Fakayode, in calming tension and resisting fear in the face of insecurity in the zone, saying the process was documented in the book.
Adeshina said the author successfully connected Gideon’s experience with contemporary Christian challenges, particularly fear, discouragement and feelings of inadequacy.
He described the book as short but powerful, saying its emphasis on faith, courage, prayer and obedience made it spiritually enriching and relevant to communities experiencing fear, displacement and uncertainty.
The reviewer, however, urged the author to provide further clarification in a future edition on the claim that the expression “Fear Not”, appears 365 times in the Bible.
He explained that the figure appeared to derive from combining expressions such as “Do Not Be Afraid” and “Be Not Afraid” with “Fear Not”, rather than the exact phrase appearing 365 times.
Adeshina also praised Agboluaje for drawing on his extensive experience in both spiritual and secular spheres, saying his passion for peace and his ability to connect biblical lessons with contemporary realities added credibility to the work.
In his goodwill message, the Elerin of Adanla, Oba David Oyerinola, said writing books was not an easy task and stressed the importance of documenting events and experiences for the benefit of future generations.
The traditional ruler urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear, but to remain courageous and determined to protect their lives and communities.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of Kwara State, Justice Abiodun Adebara, commended Agboluaje for his inspiration and accomplishment, describing the book as a meaningful contribution to the society.
The dedication ceremony brought together clerics, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders who called for renewed faith, courage and collective action in confronting challenges facing communities across the state and the country.
