T.M. Kayode

In the realm of African academia, one towering figure commands both reverence and respect—Bishop David Oyedepo, affectionately known as Papa. As the Presiding Bishop and Founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Papa’s influence extends far beyond the pulpit, reaching into the corridors of education, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Wearing many hats with effortless grace, Bishop Oyedepo is not merely a preacher of the Word of God; he is a multifaceted visionary—a prolific author, a distinguished architect, and a seasoned educator. His impact resonates in the halls of learning as the chancellor of two of Nigeria’s best private universities, along with hundreds of secondary and primary schools under the umbrella of his ministry.

I count myself among the fortunate, having walked the hallowed grounds of Covenant University—one of the private universities where Papa serves as Chancellor. As both a student and later a member of the faculty, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of his vision and leadership. Covenant University stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, widely acclaimed as the premier private university in Nigeria and arguably the best in the nation. 

The insights I’m about to share are personal gleanings from direct and indirect observations of Papa during my time at Covenant University. I will share 4 lessons in this post, there are many more lessons but those would come in a later post about my lessons from Covenant University.  

And do the needful;  like, share, comment, subscribe. If you are an alumnus or work(ed) at Covenant University. Let us know what you learned from Papa. Here’s mine:

1. The Mandate Book:

Encountering “The Mandate” book written by Bishop David Oyedepo during my final year of undergraduate studies was transformative. Initially perceived as a mission book, its pages unfolded into a comprehensive guide on operational management, strategic thinking, and succession planning. Papa’s meticulous attention to detail and forward-thinking approach left a lasting impression. The book went beyond the present, offering insights into long-term planning and sustainable growth for all arms of the ministry. It emphasized the importance of thorough documentation and strategic foresight in organizational leadership. Inspired by Papa’s commitment to excellence, I made a mental note to apply similar principles in my future leadership endeavors. “The Mandate” became a cornerstone in my understanding of effective leadership, shaping my approach to planning and decision-making. It serves as a timeless blueprint for success, reflecting Papa’s visionary leadership and offering guidance to leaders aspiring to make a lasting impact.

2. Consistency:

Consistency is more than a habit for Bishop David Oyedepo; it’s a way of life. Papa’s unwavering commitment to routines and steadfastness over decades serve as a testament to this trait. Take, for instance, his choice of attire for Sunday services—a practice he’s upheld for more than three decades. You can bet on seeing Papa in the same suit colors (white suit, trouser and shirt and a red tie) week after week, a remarkable display of consistency.

Why his preference for a white suit, you might wonder? According to Papa, it’s not just about style; it’s about practicality and efficiency. White is not only a cost-effective choice but also the easiest to maintain. As Papa humorously puts it, when white fades, it fades to white—eliminating the need for frequent wardrobe overhauls. Additionally, sticking to a white suit streamlines his Sunday morning routine, sparing him the mental effort of deciding what to wear.

But consistency extends far beyond wardrobe choices for Bishop Oyedepo; it permeates every aspect of his life, including his stance on popular issues. Papa’s steadfastness in his beliefs and opinions over decades is striking. His unwavering commitment to certain principles reflects a deep-seated conviction and an unyielding dedication to his values.

In a world marked by constant change and flux, Bishop Oyedepo’s consistency stands as a beacon of stability and reliability. It’s a reminder that steadfastness in one’s beliefs and routines can lead to enduring impact and influence, shaping not only personal character but also inspiring others to strive for excellence.

3. Impeccable Posture

One of the most striking attributes of Bishop David Oyedepo is his impeccable posture and commanding presence. As he approaches his 70th birthday in September 2024, his dignified bearing remains unchanged. Never have I seen him walk in a bending position; he always stands tall, embodying confidence and authority.

I vividly recall an incident during my undergraduate studies when Papa was preaching to us in the student chapel. The chapel, accommodating around 3500 students, fell silent as he paused mid-sentence and fixed his gaze on a student and said emphatically, “Stop fidgeting!” Those words reverberated through the chapel, instantly commanding respect and obedience.

I personally didn’t know what “fidgeting” meant, so I made sure I checked a dictionary when I got to my hostel. From that moment on, I made a conscious effort to emulate Papa’s posture and demeanor, recognizing the power of projecting confidence through body language. Walking tall like him became more than just a physical trait; it symbolized self-assurance and a commitment to excellence.

Bishop Oyedepo’s impeccable posture serves as a constant reminder of the importance of confidence and poise, especially in positions of leadership. It’s a lesson that transcends physical appearance, emphasizing the significance of projecting authority and presence in all aspects of life.

4. Impeccable Memory

Allow me to share a remarkable encounter I had during my master’s studies, which left an indelible impression on me. It was a typical day, and I found myself walking briskly from a temporary graduate hostel to my departmental building with two friends. Little did we know that our path would intersect with Papa’s presence.

As we hurried along, aiming to beat the clock and avoid the scorching sun, we passed by the front of Papa’s office building. Unbeknownst to us, he was in his car in the parking lot. Suddenly, we heard a beckoning call from behind. We turned to see a man gesturing towards us standing by a car. We quickened our pace and approached the car. Upon reaching him, we realized that papa was in the car and we greeted him enthusiastically. Papa remarked on our purposeful and energetic stride through the parking lot. Apparently, he loved it.

He asked for our names and departments, to which I replied that I was Mercy, a master’s student in the Electrical and Information Engineering department. After a brief but impactful prayer, we continued on our way, filled with gratitude for the unexpected encounter.

Several weeks later, during the dedication of the newly constructed graduate students apartments on campus, Papa presided over the ceremony. As he shook hands with the attendees; when it was my turn, I casually mentioned that I had met him a few weeks prior. In a moment that left me stunned, he turned slightly and said, “From EIE, right?” I was floored by his impeccable memory. Despite meeting thousands of individuals each week, he remembered our brief interaction—a seemingly trivial detail; that spoke volumes about his attentiveness and genuine interest in others.

Papa’s ability to recall such encounters served as a profound lesson for me. It underscored the importance of active listening and paying attention when engaging with others, no matter how brief the encounter may seem. His exemplary memory demonstrated the power of genuine connections and the impact of making others feel seen and valued.

In essence, this encounter with Bishop David Oyedepo reinforced the significance of cultivating a sharp memory and attentive presence in every interaction, leaving a lasting impression on those we meet along life’s journey.

So what lessons are you learning from Papa, let’s discuss in the comments.

Have a great day!