FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Former President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Light House University, Reverend Felix Omobude has spoken about his humble beginnings and how he rose from the very scratch to stardom.
Reverend Omobude stated that he sold newspapers on the streets of Benin to fund his education.
He stated this during a colloquium to mark his 80th birthday celebration at Light House University, Evbuobanosa in Orhionwmon Local Government Area of Edo State.
Omobude narrated how he also went to pluck cherry while his mates were in school just because his parents could not afford it.
He noted that all his childhood experiences and poor family background shaped his life and made him a better person, adding that, having been blessed by God, he decided to set up institutions where he can make life better for Nigerians, even the less privileged in the society.
The chancellor and chairman, Board of Trustees of the university pointed out that the best decision he ever made in life was to give his life to Christ.
He said the singular action changed his entire life for good, urging youths to give their lives to the same God who has turned his life around.
He urged Nigerians to always keep dreaming big, stressing that the day one stops dreaming, that marks the end of his life.
The former PFN president also urged Nigerians to see challenges as part of man’s existence, noting that life without challenges becomes boring, but however, in all the challenges, God always makes a way.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Light House University, Professor Osemwegie Omorefosa appealed to political actors and traditional institutions to join in the advocacy for a review of the present laws to allow private universities benefit from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund.
He also called on well meaning Nigerians to contribute their quota in the form of building hostels, library, granting of scholarships etc, noting that throughout history, great institutions have always thrived through the partnership of visionary leaders, philanthropists and global citizens who believe in the power of education to transform societies.
Speaking on the theme: “Faith, knowledge and education: Panacea for freedom and national development”, the keynote speaker, Professor Omokhoa Adeleye, said knowledge and education are key to national development.
He noted that despite the challenges faced by christian schools, they are still waxing stronger and contributing immensely to economic growth in the country.
Professor Adeleye, while urging Christians to build more institutions, said they must exceed the minimum standard set by the National Universities Commission, NUC, desist from examination malpractices and be an example of excellence and efficiency.
The 80th birthday celebration featured free healthcare services to inhabitants of Evbuobanosa and neighbouring communities.
Over 200 persons were examined, treated and given free drugs.
