By Chukwuma Umeorah
Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari and Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Professor Eghosa Osaghae, were among several dignitaries who gathered in Lagos, yesterday for the public presentation of The Pilgrim’s Testament, autobiography of Dr. Osaren Emokpae.
The occasion, which also marked the official launch of Emokpae’s new global ministry, The Macedonia Call, was held alongside other milestones including his 70th birthday, his 45th wedding anniversary and the 25th anniversary of his business group, Havilah Open Door which employs over 7,000 individuals across Nigeria.
In his book review, Mr. Adesina described The Pilgrim’s Testament as “a tell-all book,” and praised the author’s openness in sharing both personal and professional experiences. He highlighted the structure of the two volumes – Volume 1 titled “The cradle” and Volume 2, “Peace and Visioning.” The first volume, he noted, covers Emokpae’s family background, early education and experiences during the Nigerian civil war while also touching on romance, the spice of life. Adesina explained that the book offers “wisdom nuggets that could help the reader in navigating the journey of life,” adding that the author intended to show how a man of such immense failings could make a difference in the world.
“What are the motivations for writing the book? The author gives five: to give wisdom nuggets that could help the reader in navigating the journey of life, to document his personal journey on earth, showing how a man of such immense failings could make a difference in the world, to help people avoid pitfalls of families who scatter and fight one another after the demise of their parents, and the fourth reason is because he wants others to benefit from the role Scriptures have played in his life, and finally, to make contributions to knowledge, particularly in his academic community.”
The review delved into Emokpae’s journey through faith, career, and family, including his conversion to Christianity, his professional career in marketing and security, and his long-standing leadership within the Foursquare Gospel Church. Adesina also emphasised the author’s willingness to admit to moral and professional shortcomings, noting that “he does not fail to tell the stories of his failures with the lust of the flesh before he got converted and his failures in business and career.”
Prof. Osaghae, the second reviewer, praised the author’s ability to blend personal storytelling with broader reflections on leadership, reconciliation, and ministry. He observed that Emokpae’s efforts toward peacemaking in the church community were particularly significant.
Despite the difficulty, Emokpae dedicated years to reconciling warring factions, including a peace effort that “took the better of 10 years before amity was finally forged.”
The event also marked Emokpae’s formal retirement from his roles as Executive Counsellor of the Foursquare Church in Nigeria and President of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Trinidad and Tobago. In his speech, he introduced The Macedonia Call, a new ministry “to help the broken world with compassion, love, inclusiveness and the Good News.” He explained that the ministry plans “to reach one million souls and plant 1,000 churches in seven years.”
In the words of the celebrant, “there are several reasons for this occasion – to appreciate God for giving me such an eventful life, to celebrate my 70th birthday, the 25 years of my company, to unveil my autobiography and finally, to announce my next step. Beyond all this, I am delighted in a special way to contribute to the development of Nigeria and the world at large.”
The book also recounts difficult periods in Emokpae’s life, especially during his time abroad. He narrated how he was forced to do menial jobs in London, at one point amid other challenges.
Despite these setbacks, he returned to Nigeria to rescue his businesses after advice from his mentor Rev. Oloidi and friend Dr. Godwin Ehigiamusoe, chairman of LAPO MFB.
Earlier in his address, chairman of the occasion and founder, Tantalizers PLC, Dr. Folu Ayeni, described Emokpae as “a man of no mean achievements” with a “track record in marketing, consulting, auditing, logistics, private security, courier, and philanthropy.”
Ayeni, who has shared years of working experience with the celebrant highlighted his excellence in several organizations including LAPO Microfinance Bank and Halogen Security. He noted that “Emokpae’s leadership style, friendly disposition, passion, integrity and strength of character have no doubt engendered a strong camaraderie spirit.”
He emphasised that Dr. Emokpae’s success in business, especially the 25-year growth of Havilah Open Door Group, was driven by “strategic planning, branding, vision, integrity, resourcefulness, reliability, credibility.”
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures including Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, General Superintendent of the New Covenant Gospel Church; Enogie of Ehor, David Igiehon; Chief Roland Omagbemi, the Ewolufun of Warri Kingdom and High Chief Olu Falomo. Others present included Rev. Sam Aboyeji, General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria; Rev. Dr. Richard Oloidi, Snr. Pastor, Riverdale Foursquare Church, Atlanta Georgia; and Mr. Dayo Alabi, publisher of The Pilgrim’s Testament.
The celebrant expressed gratitude to all who supported him throughout his life’s journey, describing the occasion as “a pause” to reflect on God’s grace and to launch into his next mission. He thanked “all General and District Overseers present, mentors, mentees, and global partners” for their unwavering support. He also acknowledged his wife, children, and corporate colleagues for their unwavering support.