traditional society. You started as an Evangelist; what impact has the Church made in this environment in terms of changing Ikorodu from its traditional status?
PASTOR AROMOLARAN: Over the years, I have discovered that Ikorodu is not what people call it. Each time I go out, I hear people talk and say negative things about Ikorodu people, but they are wonderful and friendly. There is no city or community that you will not find darkness.
The late Oba happened to be a father to us. If you get to my room now, you will see a photograph I took with him and his wife. The present Oba is also like a father to me; we sit down together and talk about Ikorodu. I believe there is still a pocket of little darkness, and I believe God is already beaming a torchlight on the area, and soon, Ikorodu will lead Lagos State. I said it years ago that those moving to Lekki will come back to Ikorodu. You can see the changes and the impacts; that is the handwork of the Lord. We are going to pray more so that Ikorodu would regain its own prosperity.
ORIWU SUN: Introduce yourself sir, the church and the year it started?
PASTOR AROMOLARAN: My name is Olaitan Aromolaran this church is Covenant Church of Peace, a branch of Redeemed Christian Church of God. I was posted to this place about seven years ago.
ORIWU SUN: You mentioned that you are a university graduate; what course did you study?
PASTOR AROMOLARAN: I read History in Ekiti State University.
ORIWU SUN: It seems you are the one that handled the ‘365 Halleluyah’ in Ikorodu every year and this one, which is 30 days vigil. Tell us the challenges you have been facing in organizing these big events and the testimony gathered so far?
PASTOR AROMOLARAN: Anyway, challenges come with every task, but I am fortunate to have good people around me such that without my presence, they can handle things. Most times, we don’t notice the challenges, but that does not mean we don’t have challenges. You know when God is backing you, there is no challenge. The 365 Halleluyah programme is a specific instruction from God. About twelve years ago, Daddy G.O. wanted to come to Ikorodu; he was coming to Ikorodu town hall, I was financially broke then. As I got to that venue, I saw a carpet that they laid for Daddy G.O. to preach on. It was very dirty, and I was not comfortable with it. I went to borrow money to buy a new carpet and I laid it for him. As he was coming out of the place, I picked the carpet and that became my prayer mat for Jesus. Ten years after, God said to me, ‘You did this for my anointed one so so year; go back there and the crowd you saw there that day, I will gather it for you.’ That was how it all started. I had so many testimonies and they are everywhere; some of them are with the people you see here today.
ORIWU SUN: Due to the situation of the country now, it is like some Christians are weak in the spirit. What advice do you have for them?
PASTOR AROMOLARAN: If there are people to pray there is a God to answer. Religion is different from Christianity; let people leave religion and begin to practice Christianity. Religion can keep you busy but it is Christianity that can give you the reward. Religion goes after title, while Christianity goes after man tone. Religion goes after gain and Christianity goes after people. If we practice it the way it is in the Bible, God is my witness, Ikorodu will excel.