Former Managing Director of Nigerian Tribune Newspapers and senior Pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Segun Olatunji, has stated that Nigeria does not need the establishment of new churches but rather people of integrity.
“Nigeria does not need new churches because of social media. What we need is the integrity of Nigerians including pastors. Nigeria needs men of integrity and leaders who walk their talk. We need a leader like (Chief Obafemi) Awolowo in this country,” he said.
Pastor Olatunji added that the church should not be blamed for the moral and spiritual disintegration of the country. Instead, he revealed that the church is striving to complement government efforts and remains one of the biggest employers of labour in Nigeria.
He made these comments while featuring on the weekly radio show Ayekooto on Radio, anchored by the publisher of ParrotXtra Magazine, Olayinka Agboola, and broadcast live on Splash 105.5 FM, Felele, Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.
Dr. Olatunji traced the origins of corruption in Nigeria’s civil service to the military regime of General Murtala Mohammed, accusing the late Head of State of unfairly dismissing Permanent Secretaries before they completed their tenure.
“Corruption in the civil service began during the military regime of Murtala Mohammed when he sacked Permanent Secretaries unfairly before the completion of their tenure,” he said. “The obnoxious policies affected the morale of civil servants and bred the ground for corrupt practices in politics and governance.”
Addressing why he refused to venture into mainstream politics after serving as Chief Press Secretary to the first civilian Governor of Osun State, Chief Isiaka Adeleke, Pastor Olatunji explained, “There is no politics in my DNA, some people are cut out for politics but I am not. It was good working with the late Isiaka Adeleke and Chief Adesuyi Haastrup, the new Owa Obokun of Ilesha, who served as the Deputy Governor.”
The cleric also warned Nigerians against investing their hard-earned money in dubious platforms such as CBEX, MMM, and Wealth Solutions, linking the rise of these schemes to poverty and unemployment.
“CBEX and gambling are of the same principles. It is related to gambling. Money doubling started around 23 years ago and even NDIC stated that Nigerians have lost over 911 billion to online money scandals. Poverty, unemployment and lack of good governance are the reasons why they invest in dubious online investment. Do you know that CBEX even registered with the CAC and EFCC?” he questioned.
Reflecting on his tenure as Managing Director of Tribune Titles, Pastor Olatunji said, “When the leadership is right, the system will be right. I became the MD of Tribune Titles over 21 years ago. I placed myself under the curse that I should die 24 hours if I intend to steal the company’s money or sleep with any member of staff. I told them that I have come to provide leadership of integrity and promote their welfare. The company’s turnover moved above 600 and even Mama H.I.D. Awolowo called me if I had brought in new staff to work with me on my assumption in office.
“I have learnt the power of leadership; people are good if you give them direction. During my time in Tribune, I also promoted over 400 staff members.”
Dr. Olatunji further criticised the Nigerian educational system, describing it as outdated and irrelevant to emerging workplace demands. He urged the government to overhaul education standards to ensure Nigerian graduates can compete globally.
He also chided Nigerian politicians for being insensitive and inconsiderate to the plight of the masses, warning them against abusing power.
Finally, Pastor Olatunji encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope but to remain steadfast in prayer, stating, “The weapon of prayer will break every rod of authoritarianism in the country.”
