The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) has urged leaders at all levels in Nigeria to view leadership as a call to service rather than an avenue for personal privilege.
The President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Henry Ojo, made the call during the inauguration service of Pastor Babajide Emmanuel Olujide as the General Secretary of the church. The event was held at the CAC Oniyanrin District Coordinating Headquarters in Ibadan.
Speaking on the theme, ‘The Price of Leadership and Leadership Management,’ Pastor Ojo said Nigeria’s leadership challenges stem largely from the perception of public office as a privilege instead of a responsibility.
According to him, meaningful national progress can only be achieved when leaders embrace integrity, accountability, and selfless service.
‘The country is in need of leaders who possess integrity, discipline, emotional stability, and a strong sense of responsibility,’ he said.
‘Leadership is not a position of privilege alone but one that demands sacrifice, accountability, and the capacity to bear heavy burdens. Leadership comes with enormous responsibilities, expectations, and demands. Anyone called into leadership must be prepared for the weight it carries.’
Pastor Ojo further advised leaders to carefully manage their character, attitude, emotions, spiritual life, and health, stressing that these qualities are crucial to effective and sustainable leadership.
‘Manage your character and attitude because they are critical to your effectiveness. Manage your emotions because leadership will test your patience and judgment. Manage your spiritual life because your private walk with God is more important than your public image. Also, take care of your health, for leadership requires strength and endurance,’ he said.
In his address, the General Secretary of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Dr. Babajide Emmanuel Olujide, expressed gratitude to God for His faithfulness and mercy.
Reflecting on his appointment by the church’s Supreme Council on September 11, 2025, and his assumption of office on October 6, 2025, Olujide described his emergence as General Secretary as ‘the Lord’s doing.’
He unveiled a five-point strategic vision for the church, anchored on Transformation, Sanitization, Restructuring, Reorientation, and Repositioning. According to him, the agenda is designed to strengthen the church and position it for greater impact in the years ahead.
The General Secretary highlighted achievements recorded within a short period of his administration, including the promotion of qualified ordinands to the rank of Assistant General Superintendent, restructuring of the General Secretariat, staff capacity-building programmes, successful conduct of the General Council Meeting, establishment of a trained Protocol Team, and the strengthening of degree programmes at the Christ Apostolic Church Theological Seminary, Akure.
Reaffirming his commitment to inclusiveness, excellence, accountability, and effective leadership, Pastor Olujide called for continued prayers, support, and cooperation from the church’s ministers, officers, and members.
He expressed confidence that God would grant the church greater peace, unity, restoration, and spiritual revival in fulfilment of its vision of ‘One Fold, One Shepherd.’