Yemisi Izuora
The Executive Director, Sahara Group and Group MD of Sahara Power Group, Kola Adesina, has joined top Christian leaders to discuss family values and how successful marriage can help unlock potentials of family members to support societal development.
He sahred his views as the Foursquare Gospel Church converged experts at a forum where the church emphasised the need for intentional preparation for marriage and excellence in the marketplace.
The discourse took place at the fifth edition of the church’s interdenominational programme, codenamed ‘Switch 5.0’, with the theme, “Graced Pacesetter”.
The programme, which attracted participants from different denominations and professional backgrounds, focused on ministry, marriage, and the marketplace, offering practical and spiritual insights aimed at raising purpose-driven individuals and transformational leaders.
Speaking at the programme, the General Overseer of the church, Dr Sam Aboyeji, alongside his wife, Dr. Bisi Aboyeji, stressed that marriage should not be entered into without proper planning and understanding.
They noted that many marital challenges stem from a lack of preparation, poor communication, and unrealistic expectations and urged singles and intending couples to prioritise personal development, emotional maturity, and spiritual growth before committing to marriage.
“Marriage is a lifetime journey that requires clarity, responsibility, and intentionality. It is important to prepare ahead, rather than assume things will fall into place,” they said.
They further noted that shared values, vision, and purpose are critical to building stable and fulfilling homes, warning against treating marriage as a casual decision.
Adesina, in his contribution spoke extensively on the concept of grace, aligning his message with the conference theme, “Graced Pacesetter.”
He described grace as a divine enablement that distinguishes individuals, but emphasised that it must be backed by competence, discipline, and hard work.
“Grace is not a substitute for competence; it is a multiplier. When combined with preparation and expertise, it produces extraordinary outcomes,” he said.
Adesina challenged participants to move beyond being mere participants in their fields to becoming pacesetters who redefine standards and create new possibilities. He explained that a pacesetter is not just a high performer, but one who shapes the direction of an industry, sets new benchmarks, and influences others to follow.
“The marketplace is a battleground of ideas. Those who stand out are those who think differently, act deliberately, and move ahead of the crowd,” he added.
The business leader also emphasised the importance of mindset, discipline, and strategic use of time, urging participants to avoid distractions and focus on value creation. He further advocated early leadership development, noting that young people should be intentionally groomed to become future leaders.
“If we want lasting transformation, we must invest in younger generations. It is easier to shape them early than to correct them later,” he said.
On leadership, Senior Pastor, Global Impact Church, Yemi Davids, noted that leadership transcends titles and positions, stressing that everyone plays a leadership role in one capacity or another.
“Leadership is either a blessing or a burden. The quality of decisions made by leaders will always impact the people they lead,” he said.
Davids highlighted “hunger” as a strong desire for impact and as a key driver of success, adding that humility and continuous learning are essential for sustained growth.
“You must remain teachable, regardless of your achievements. Humility positions you to learn, grow, and stay relevant,” he stated.
He also encouraged participants to develop clear vision and long-term plans, noting that vision attracts opportunities, resources, and meaningful relationships.
Participants at the conference were urged to be intentional about their personal growth, cultivate discipline, and align their daily actions with their long-term goals.