Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has emphasised the importance of impactful leadership, stating that for the country, states, religious or social organisations to move forward or achieve success, leaders must ensure that they are making impact on the led.
The governor stated this on Saturday, while speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Oyo State Chapter, Rev. Samson Ajetomobi, held at The Men of Issachar Vision Leadership and Mission Centre, Olororo, Ojoo, Ibadan.
He described Ajetomobi as a man whose life and ministry are defined by impact, service to God and commitment to humanity.
According to Governor Makinde, true leadership goes beyond positions and privileges, it should be about service and impact, noting that a lot of lessons could be drawn from the life of Rev Ajetomobi, whose life, he noted, “reflects purposeful service and selflessness.”
He said: “Whether in government, faith, or community service, leadership should not be about consumption or accumulation, but about impact.
“The true measure of leadership is how many lives are touched, how many communities are lifted, and how much hope is restored. This is one principle that has guided our government in the last six years and some months.”
Governor Makinde extolled the virtues of Rev Ajetomobi, noting that his influence goes beyond the pulpit, as he has consistently demonstrated impactful leadership through prayers, counsel, and commitment to the wellbeing of the people.
He congratulated the cleric at 60, noting that the new age is the beginning of a renewed phase of service to God and humanity.
He equally appreciated Ajetomobi and other men of God for their support for him and his administration, saying: “Rev Ajetomobi and other men of God stood by me at very uncertain moments. They prayed with me, encouraged me, and strengthened my resolve when the future was unclear. That support reminds us that leadership is never a solo journey.
“At 60, you are only just beginning. My prayer is that God grants you good health, renewed strength, and many more years of meaningful service to humanity.”
In his sermon at the event, President of the PFN, Bishop Wale Oke, noted that Rev Ajetomobi is a man of grace, humility, and consistency in faith and a servant-leader who understands kingdom responsibility and lives beyond personal ambition
Bishop Oke said: “Rev Samson Ajetomobi is deeply rooted in God and has remained faithful to the call of unity and service within the body of Christ.
“He does not seek applause, yet his impact is evident. His faith translates into compassion, integrity, and service to society.”
While responding, Rev Ajetomobi expressed gratitude to God and the guests for the overwhelming show of love, noting that his 60th birthday offers an opportunity for a renewed commitment to humanitarian service.
“The greatest gift I desire is not material. I want us to reach rural communities around Ibadan—building schools, providing boreholes, and bringing hope to places that are often forgotten.
“At 60, my prayer is that God will continue to use us as instruments of hope. If we can touch one life and lift one community, then our service has meaning.”
The event was attended by a former Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo; Head of Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Wilson-Jack; Oyo State Head of Service, (HoS) Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni; Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Development, Mr. William Akin-Funmilayo and other government officials.
Also in attendance were Christian leaders from across the country.
