Nigeria’s former military president, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, has joined other high profile individuals across the globe to extend his deepest sympathies to the family of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General
Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), on the passing of his son, Dare Adeboye.
The elderstatesman in a press statement personally signed by him urged the highly revered christian clergy to find comfort in the teachings of the Holy Scriptures that they will enrich his confidence in his pastoral engagements, bearing in mind that death is a necessary end for every human being.
General Babangida prays God Almighty to grant the departed rest in His everlasting kingdom and comfort grieving family, friends and associates.
The statement in full:
PASTOR ADEBOYE, TAKE HEART
It is with a heavy heart that I convey my condolence to you and your family over the sudden death of your 42 years old son, Dare.
The news came to me as a rude shock, but one cannot question the Almighty God for his decisions in our lives. As mere mortals, we await our appointment with God at any point in time.
It is not a thing we have any control of, once it is time, only God has the ultimate decision, irrespective of age. But the death of a young man, would naturally hurt us, as one would expect our children to be around to organise our funeral. It is painful and very agonising to hear of this sad loss.
As a man of God with unflinching faith in God and unimpeachable character both in your private and public conduct, I am consoled that you perfectly understand the ways of God and of man. Even though this sad loss would agitate your mind, it should serve as additional tonic to fire your belief in service of the Almighty God.
It should further enrich your confidence in your pastoral engagements, knowing full well, that as mere mortals, death is a necessary end. Do not allow this painful death of Dare, lead you to question God. The ways of man, as you often counselled, are not the same as the ways of God.
As a servant of God who has sustained godliness and impacted on humanity by converting souls and bringing men to God, this singular shocking loss should embolden your resolve to do more for God than distract you. The Almighty God who is a seer of all, the omniscient, who created heaven and earth, would comfort you and your household. May you never witness such again in your days on earth.
May the rest children grow older to sustain your uncommon legacies in the service of God.
On behalf of Aisha, Muha, Aminu and Halima, accept my condolences as I wish you the very best in all your human endeavours. May God the Almighty grant his soul eternal rest, and the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Signed:
GENERAL I.B. BABANGIDA, GCFR,
FORMER MILITARY PRESIDENT.