5 Essential Lessons From The Life And Times Of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode

5 Essential Lessons From The Life And Times Of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode

October 2, 2015 Inspirational Stories
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When the news of the death of Deacon Gamaliel Offoritsenere Onosode filtered the media some days ago, Nigerians from all works of life cannot but pour in their condolences. There is no doubt the country has lost one of its greatest technocrats and seasoned administrators.

Different names were used to describe the impact Onosode made in Nigeria's public and private sector; boardroom Czar, Colossus etc. The fact is; Deacon Onosode is true to type and has set his mark on the sand of time and engraved his name among Nigeria greatest citizens that ever lived.

But how was he able to gain such kind of influence and affluence in his lifetime? Looking through his biography, one can easily spot five markers that set him apart from others. These markers are worthy lessons anyone aspiring to rise to prominence should learn.

1. He was raised with discipline and the fear of God

Of many things that contributed to his success, Onosode was always making reference to the strict family background he had. Not only was the background strict, it was also one that was filled with instructions about God. Little wonder why Deacon Onosode grew up as a devout Christian who was proud of his faith and preferred to be referred to as Deacon even in boardroom meetings.

I'm convinced that his appellation as 'Mr Integrity' didn't just come from discipline alone but also from the fear of God that ensues from understanding biblical principles. He took his faith to the public and private sector and has no stain. That's worthy of emulation! Here is what former President Goodluck Jonathan wrote about him:

In the difficult ter­rain of public service, Onosode excelled through dedication and selfless service, resulting in his immense contributions to the nation's development and economic growth. He operated ahead of his time by striving to introduce a controlled ap­proach to public finance, at a time when prudent management of resources was largely ignored in many public offices. He was a devout Christian whose ex­emplary life positively affected the lives of many Nigerians.
2. He was a man committed to excellence and growth

Onosode would not have risen to prominence if he had not been committed to excellence, growth and personal development. He was said to have 'operated ahead of his time'. This shows that even when the examples around him were not looking like what should be, he took a step further to break new frontiers and set a pace for others to follow. That's the power of vision! One would never be able to attain excellence unless one is being driven by a great vision. His commitment to excellence and growth brought him to the limelight and attracted patronage from all and sundry.

3. He did not follow crooked means to rise to prominence

We have had it several times that if you want to be successful in life and especially in a country like Nigeria, you may have to be dubious or fetish. Many people of his rank rose to prominence either by dubious or fetish means. Even with hard work, some still believes in some quarters that you may need to join occultic groups to aid your rise in life. Onosode's life has proven that those are not required for prominence in life. He proved with his life that biblical integrity, hard work and dedication are enough to rise to any height in life.

4. He was a man of many hats

Since success principles are universal, they are also replicable. Onosode replicated his successful life in virtually all his endeavour. He started a church (Good News Baptist Church) in his sitting room in Lagos on 1st February 1984. The church boasts of over 2000 members today, one that is well reckoned with in his Baptist denomination.

He served as Pro-Chancellor for quite a number of top universities and tertiary institutions in Nigeria. He was chairman board of directors for many private companies in Nigeria and was at a time the Presidential Candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party. He made his mark all around. Onosode also maintained his root with his native Urhobo community and sometimes dressed in his native attires to functions. He was once said to have delivered a poetic speech absolutely in Urhobo language to the amazement of his fellow kinsmen.

5. He lived long enough to fulfil his dreams

When you see Deacon Onosode even at his old age, he still looked fit and wears a countenance that is appealing. That must have been born out of a life of discipline that must have included proper diet, exercise and a good approach to life. It's not far-fetched to see people with growing wealth to begin to grow bellies. Old age is a gift from God, but human beings have responsibilities to keep fit too. He must have strived over the years to keep his body in good condition. Even at 82, he wasn't preparing to die as he told a close source he would be back soon in Nigeria from his trip abroad. But as God would have it, he was back home to go home.

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