Gbenga Kotila is the convener of the yearly Ignite Concert series. The man, who brought Don Moen to Ibadan last year reveals to ROTIMI IGE, why gospel music evangelist, Bob Fitts, is coming to Ibadan today. Excerpts
Ignite 2012 was an immense success, especially after being hosted by the wife of the Oyo State governor. Tell us how exactly it went last year?
We give all glory to God and appreciate the committee that gave a strong drive to the actualisation of the vision. And a great thanks also to the First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, for hosting Don Moen to a breakfast at the State House and the different support she gave us towards the realisation of the vision.
How did you go about bringing Don Moen, a revered gospel musician, to Nigeria.
It was just God who made everything possible. I cannot explain how it happened but God did it all. All glory to Him. In 2011, I started a network, “Living for Meaning” in which we hosted a meeting tagged; “Maximizing your living.” As we proceeded into the 2012 edition, Pastor Ayo Oloyede suggested that we bring Don Moen, and we went ahead.
How was the experience?
It was impactful. It gave life to other visions. It was like a drop of water that caused visions to sprout. It also helped others to know that in Ibadan, anything is possible.
What impression did Don Moen have about Nigeria?
According to him, the trip last year was his best trip to Nigeria. The commissioner of police was there to receive him at the airport, making his passage very easy. He said he would like to visit Ibadan again. He also cherished the heart of worship of Nigerians.
So, tell us about your plans for this year?
At IGNITE 2013, we are hosting Bob Fitts alongside other gospel artistes. There will also be a leadership forum tagged; “Call to Worship and Impact.”
What message is Bob Fitts bringing to Nigerians and the people of Ibadan?
He is graced by God to bring healing to the nations through music. We trust God that his coming will bring healing to Nigeria and Oyo State. We believe that afterwards Oyo state will live up to her name as the pacesetter state.
2 Chronicles 7:14 says: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
What expectations should the people have about Ignite 2013?
A rebirth of values and redefinition of our identity. You know it is not a nation that makes a people, rather it is the people that makes a nation. My dad once shared an experience of one of his trips with his colleague to the United Kingdom, while on a course. They went shopping during the trip and afterwards, the colleague realized that he was short of cash. So he wanted to return the items he had picked but the cashier, realising he was African, asked if he was a Nigerian. On answering “yes” he was asked to take the goods home and come back to pay. That was once the value representation of Nigeria and it can happen again. We just need to fix it where we got it wrong.
Which other musical acts are coming?
Damola Akiogbe, Wale Adenuga, Ibitayo Jeje, the Chosen Force Voices, amongst others.
What exactly is Ignite series all about?
Our crusade of raising a BREED without GREED continues at every IGNITE. Our vision to raise FUTURE LEADERS who will be on the cutting edge in their generation still burns. This year, we want to trust God to raise an ARMY of CHANGE with the mindset of NATION BUILDING.
How do you raise funds for the project each year?
I trust God then I step out in faith and everything else falls in place because He is the one that supplies all my needs. I have also learnt that God’s work done in God’s way does not lack God’s provisions:for whatever God found He funds.1Thessalonians 5:24 “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
How do you relax?
I spend time with my family. I take my wife and boys to swim. I enjoy this time with my wife; she has been of immense support to everything I have become.
Your most memorable moments till date?
Decisions that I make are the memorable moments of my life, not really events. Like my decision to live for God, walk with Him, step into ministry, etc
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