Qualities of a true leader

Title:  Iconic Leader: Pastor E.A. Adeboye

Author: Victoria Praise Abraham

Reviewer:  Yetunde Oladeinde

No of pages: 264

Publisher: Vic-Abraham Media Nig Ltd.

The book begins with the forward titled, The Aroma of Grace, by Professor I. Debo Adeyewa, former Vice Chancellor, Redeemers University. Here, the author tries to unveil the golden leadership principles and style of leadership of Pastor E. A. Adeboye by talking to some of his close associates who offer colourful insights into his personality.

It is a celebration of a man of courage, vision and unstoppable mission. In addition, it delves into some of the secrets of Adeboye’s success and how he reaches out to millions of followers across the globe, transcending ethnic, geographic and religious boundaries.

In the introduction, the author takes the reader through the things that motivated her to write the book, stressing the need for real leadership and true leaders: “The world with Pastor Josiah Akindayomi, founder RCCG, translating his sermons from Yoruba to English Language and how he took over the mantle of leadership after the demise of Pa Akindayomi on 2nd November 1980.”

Exploits of a great leader: Expansion drive of RCCG is the focus of chapter three. Tracing the global growth from just 39 parishes in South West, Nigeria, when Adeboye took over in over 200 nations of the world and still growing.

In chapter four, Abraham touches on the role of the family in the success of any individual and Adeboye, being a product of a solid family setting in his nuclear and extended family. She moves on in chapter five to trace the amazing leadership qualities of Adeboye, an extremely calculated risk-taker who chooses to dare where others fear.

Courage, integrity, strategic planning and organisation, humility, wisdom are some of the other qualities that helped him grow the ministry and stand out of the pack.

Milestones achieved in the ministry, Osinbajo on Adeboye and testimonies from other leaders on the impact of Adeboye’s leadership style are revealed in chapters 6,7 and 8. In chapter 9, the author moves on to present a one-on-one encounter depicting his attributes and exemplary leadership qualities. He strongly believes that if you want to be a true leader, you should be ready to serve the people.

In the next chapter, you find some of Adeboye’s inspiring quotes and thoughts depicting his style of leadership, transparency, need for humility, praising God, need to stop dwelling in the past and more.

The book ends with the conclusion in chapter 11, where she also identifies his simplicity, compassion for others, describing him as a man with tall dreams and scary vision. This is buttressed with examples of his vision, his love for nature and a true servant of God.

Abraham’s style is simple and very conversational. This is also spiced with good photographs to make it interesting.