It was a practical case of a man taking his destiny into his own hands when a physically challenged Pastor, simply identified as Pastor Oni, had a life-changing encounter with the Honourable Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu.
Oni was at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan venue of the 2018 Ministry of Communications’ Ministerial Retreat for the sole purpose of marketing his books.
On his arrival, the Minister was attracted to one of the titles of the books displayed for sale by the physically challenged man, he then decided to move closer and make further enquiries about him.
Oni narrated how he was involved in a ghastly automobile accident some years back which has since confined him to a wheelchair.
Shittu became interested in Oni’s situation when he narrated how he has been able to write eight Christian books after he was involved in the accident that affected his spinal cord.
Revealing further details about his life to the Minister, Oni explained that he was an employee of an organization but his appointment had to be terminated on health ground after the accident. He added that he is currently in 200 level, studying Social Work at the University of Ibadan.
Shittu, who was impressed with Oni’s achievements invited him into the hall where he gave him the opportunity to repeat his story to other participants and also allowed him to advertise his books to them.
Moved by the man’s story, one of the participants donated a sum of #100,000 to him on the spot while two other participants volunteered to sponsor the remaining part of his academic programme.
The highlight of the event was when an agency head who was present at the event promised to immediately facilitate Oni’s employment in the agency.
A cross section of participants at the retreat who spoke on the development commended the physically challenged man for his strong will and his resolve to write books to make ends meet without resulting to begging.
Speaking at the retreat, the Minister of Communications said, “I am delighted that Pastor Oni did not allow the unfortunate incident to suppress his God-given talent and I consider it a privilege that I can assist him in my own little way. Just as the title of his book: “Your destiny is in your own hands” suggests, he has taken his destiny into his own hands.”
Pastor Oni, an HND graduate of accountancy and a Post Graduate Diploma holder in Theology for RCCG Bible College, while expressing his appreciation to Barrister Adebayo Shittu, said “Today is one of the happiest days of my life. I am overwhelmed. Only God can reward this man. He is simply ‘God-sent’ to me.”
Some of the books Pastor Oni has to his credit include: 212 Pearls of Wisdom on Prayer; Wisdom Exposition on the Book of Proverbs; 12 Benefits of Speaking in Tongues; and Making Huge Impact in Heaven while on Earth through Soul Winning.
Meanwhile, one of the participants at the programme who identified himself as Mr. Adeniyi Oladele commended the Minister, Barrister Adebayo Shittu for his kind gesture towards the physically challenged man and also implored other political office holders to emulate him.
In his words, “politicians should learn to assist ordinary Nigerians without ethnic or religious bias just as the Minister has demonstrated today”.
