| From: | Kemi Filani |
|---|
Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo is the founder and senior pastor at KICC. He is based in London. Recently, he spoke to City People about aspects of his life that he usually does not talk about and from the interview, we learnt 20 facts about him (enjoy below).
HE WAS BORN IN ZARIA
Although he is Yoruba man, he was born in Zaria, in the Military Depot in the Military Hospital in March 1952. He lived all his life in the barracks until 1966 when he moved back to Ibadan. "The first 15 years of my life was in the North", he says.
Although he is Yoruba man, he was born in Zaria, in the Military Depot in the Military Hospital in March 1952. He lived all his life in the barracks until 1966 when he moved back to Ibadan. "The first 15 years of my life was in the North", he says.
LIFE WAS TOUGH GROWING UP
Not many people know that life was tough for Pastor Ashimolowo's family while growing up. "My dad was a Gambler", he told City People. "He gambled away all his military money. My mum experienced depression, post natal depression when she had her 2nd child. And she never really recovered until she died in 1986. Those were the kind of backgrounds we were raised in.
Not many people know that life was tough for Pastor Ashimolowo's family while growing up. "My dad was a Gambler", he told City People. "He gambled away all his military money. My mum experienced depression, post natal depression when she had her 2nd child. And she never really recovered until she died in 1986. Those were the kind of backgrounds we were raised in.
HE SOLD BREAD WHEN HE WAS YOUNGER
City People can authoritatively reveal that Pastor Ashimolowo sold bread to make a living when he was young. He told City People my life is just what God has made of it. If I remove my cap you will see a scrape in the middle, it is from selling bread. I was very brilliant while I was in school but nobody to pay. I went to Army Children School, Mokola Ibadan. I couldn't cope with the class because I was ahead of the class.
City People can authoritatively reveal that Pastor Ashimolowo sold bread to make a living when he was young. He told City People my life is just what God has made of it. If I remove my cap you will see a scrape in the middle, it is from selling bread. I was very brilliant while I was in school but nobody to pay. I went to Army Children School, Mokola Ibadan. I couldn't cope with the class because I was ahead of the class.
HIS AMBITION IN LIFE WAS TO BE A SOLDIER
When he was young, he never planned to be a Pastor. My plan was to finish school and end up in the Army. I wanted to be an Army Officer and an Engineer in the Army, because the Army Engineers in those days build bridges, and houses. Soldiers hardly give out contracts in those days. They built everything themselves. That was what attracted me.Not many people know that his dad was a soldier and that explains why he lived in the barracks all his life.
When he was young, he never planned to be a Pastor. My plan was to finish school and end up in the Army. I wanted to be an Army Officer and an Engineer in the Army, because the Army Engineers in those days build bridges, and houses. Soldiers hardly give out contracts in those days. They built everything themselves. That was what attracted me.Not many people know that his dad was a soldier and that explains why he lived in the barracks all his life.
HE BOUGHT A CAR FOR HIS TEACHER ON HER 70TH
To show gratitude for how his teachers brought him up, he bought Mrs. Bisi Rodipe a car. Her husband also is Bisi Rodipe. He used to be GM Western State TV/Western State Radio. WNTV WNBS. I was so brilliant that she put me on Radio and TV in Primary 5. It was as if she knew I had an anointing for the media at that time.
To show gratitude for how his teachers brought him up, he bought Mrs. Bisi Rodipe a car. Her husband also is Bisi Rodipe. He used to be GM Western State TV/Western State Radio. WNTV WNBS. I was so brilliant that she put me on Radio and TV in Primary 5. It was as if she knew I had an anointing for the media at that time.
HOW HE BECAME HOOKED ON GOLF
"I needed a form of exercise to keep alive, to keep strong, firstly because its not enough to believe in divine healing. It's important to do something to enjoy divine health.
"I needed a form of exercise to keep alive, to keep strong, firstly because its not enough to believe in divine healing. It's important to do something to enjoy divine health.
HIS UNIQUE DIET
How does he enjoy divine health? "I have cut away a lot of the food Nigerians eat. For instance, I don't eat rice. I don't eat Yam. I don't eat Gari. I don't eat maize. The last time I ate rice was 8 years ago. The last time I ate Yam, Amala, Cassava was 8 years ago.
How does he enjoy divine health? "I have cut away a lot of the food Nigerians eat. For instance, I don't eat rice. I don't eat Yam. I don't eat Gari. I don't eat maize. The last time I ate rice was 8 years ago. The last time I ate Yam, Amala, Cassava was 8 years ago.
WHAT DOES HE EAT?
I created my own food. Our fathers who were eating those things were farmers. They needed that proportion of food to be able to do the hardwork they do. But now we sit a lot in the office so, we don't need it. That is why in my opinion, the highest killer in Nigeria now is not HIV. It is Type 2 diabetes, that comes from all these food that I describe that have very high sugar and carbohydrate.
I created my own food. Our fathers who were eating those things were farmers. They needed that proportion of food to be able to do the hardwork they do. But now we sit a lot in the office so, we don't need it. That is why in my opinion, the highest killer in Nigeria now is not HIV. It is Type 2 diabetes, that comes from all these food that I describe that have very high sugar and carbohydrate.
HE EATS ONCE A DAY
I eat some carbohydrates because I need it for energy. I eat a little of it but I have now created my own food. When I put Akara in front of me, its the food for the day so I eat a lot of Akara with nothing. I eat once. I only eat dinner. For the past couple of years now, I only eat dinner.
I eat some carbohydrates because I need it for energy. I eat a little of it but I have now created my own food. When I put Akara in front of me, its the food for the day so I eat a lot of Akara with nothing. I eat once. I only eat dinner. For the past couple of years now, I only eat dinner.
GOLF MAKES HIM KEEP FIT
By the time you play 18 holes in the game of Golf and you walk like 7 miles, you will keep fit. I do it in England, I have a bag in Ghana, I play 5 days a week in England, I play everyday. In England I only play 9 holes.
By the time you play 18 holes in the game of Golf and you walk like 7 miles, you will keep fit. I do it in England, I have a bag in Ghana, I play 5 days a week in England, I play everyday. In England I only play 9 holes.
HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAS HE VISITED?
I have visited 17 to 20 countries not move than that but I am on television in 214 nations.
I have visited 17 to 20 countries not move than that but I am on television in 214 nations.
HOW MANY BOOKS HAS HE WRITTEN?
I have written 89 books and my latest focus is on Leadership. I have just finished three books on Leadership. I have just finished three books on Leadership. There are three more to come. The 1st one was Fail Safe Leadership: 55 Reasons Why Our Leaders Fail. The 2nd book: 53 Leadership Principles of Prophet Moses. The 3rd one is Value Driven Leadership. All I am saying is that values are necessary for leadership. The 4th book which will be out soon, in summer, is called Irrepressible Leadership: 40 Characteristics Of Outstanding Unusual Leaders and the 5th one will be on Strategic Leadership: How To Head With Strategy In Mind.
I have written 89 books and my latest focus is on Leadership. I have just finished three books on Leadership. I have just finished three books on Leadership. There are three more to come. The 1st one was Fail Safe Leadership: 55 Reasons Why Our Leaders Fail. The 2nd book: 53 Leadership Principles of Prophet Moses. The 3rd one is Value Driven Leadership. All I am saying is that values are necessary for leadership. The 4th book which will be out soon, in summer, is called Irrepressible Leadership: 40 Characteristics Of Outstanding Unusual Leaders and the 5th one will be on Strategic Leadership: How To Head With Strategy In Mind.
WHY HIS FOCUS IS ON LEADERSHIP
It's beginning to occur to me that everything falls or rises on leadership whether it is government, nation, church, anywhere you go, when you see a thing thriving, check for the leadership. If its falling apart check for the leadership. Many times, one leader can get a nation to run with a dream. It took a Winston Churchill to motivate a small Island called Britain. (United Kingdom). He motivated them with words and people were falsifying their age in other to go fight. Will anybody die for Nigeria today?
My father died for Nigeria. They did not publish it. They just did not publish it. My brother had to pay someone to have it published in the part two order of the Army for him to get some gratuity.
It's beginning to occur to me that everything falls or rises on leadership whether it is government, nation, church, anywhere you go, when you see a thing thriving, check for the leadership. If its falling apart check for the leadership. Many times, one leader can get a nation to run with a dream. It took a Winston Churchill to motivate a small Island called Britain. (United Kingdom). He motivated them with words and people were falsifying their age in other to go fight. Will anybody die for Nigeria today?
My father died for Nigeria. They did not publish it. They just did not publish it. My brother had to pay someone to have it published in the part two order of the Army for him to get some gratuity.
WHY HE CHOSE PASTOR ADEBOYE & BABA ABIARA AS SPIRITUAL FATHERS
Not many people know the spiritual fathers of Pastor Ashimolowo. He told City People recently. "I have close relationship with Baba Adeboye and Pastor Abiara. I talk with Baba Abiara almost every other day. My father in-law is there. I am close to Bishop Oyedepo. He is my very good friend. How does he see Pastor Adeboye? He is like a spiritual father to me. Sometimes you have to have people who you see as father, in your honour. There are people who could rebuke you. Because when you live a life that you can't be rebuked, particularly in Ministry, you are in danger. You need people who will be able to talk to you. That is where somebody like Pastor Adeboye falls in and Baba Abiara. With Oyedepo we are friends. We have known each other for 25 years. The prominence of their giftings have made me mention them more than many others.
Not many people know the spiritual fathers of Pastor Ashimolowo. He told City People recently. "I have close relationship with Baba Adeboye and Pastor Abiara. I talk with Baba Abiara almost every other day. My father in-law is there. I am close to Bishop Oyedepo. He is my very good friend. How does he see Pastor Adeboye? He is like a spiritual father to me. Sometimes you have to have people who you see as father, in your honour. There are people who could rebuke you. Because when you live a life that you can't be rebuked, particularly in Ministry, you are in danger. You need people who will be able to talk to you. That is where somebody like Pastor Adeboye falls in and Baba Abiara. With Oyedepo we are friends. We have known each other for 25 years. The prominence of their giftings have made me mention them more than many others.
WHAT IS HIS AREA OF STRENGTH?
Many people have wondered what the area of strength of Pastor Ashimolowo is. What is his area of specialisation he was asked. "Hmmm. Primarily maybe my Grace will be a Teacher of the word. But then I am beginning to now operate in the prophetic so, its Teaching and the Prophetic.
Many people have wondered what the area of strength of Pastor Ashimolowo is. What is his area of specialisation he was asked. "Hmmm. Primarily maybe my Grace will be a Teacher of the word. But then I am beginning to now operate in the prophetic so, its Teaching and the Prophetic.
WHAT CAC & FOURSQUARE TAUGHT HIM
Not many people know that Pastor Ashimolowo started off at Christ Apostolic Church before he went on to Foursquare Church then, left to set up KICC. He told City People that Christ Apostolic Church taught me how to pray, Foursquare Church taught me the word. So, one gave me Fire the other one gave me Light so, I believe I am a Minister who combines fire and light.
Not many people know that Pastor Ashimolowo started off at Christ Apostolic Church before he went on to Foursquare Church then, left to set up KICC. He told City People that Christ Apostolic Church taught me how to pray, Foursquare Church taught me the word. So, one gave me Fire the other one gave me Light so, I believe I am a Minister who combines fire and light.
HOW HE LIVES IN THE AIR
Pastor Ashimolowo is one of the most sought-after men of God in the world. He is constantly travelling round the world. Though he lives in London, he is always on the move, travelling around Europe and America to minister and do speaking engagements.
For instance, his ticket from February 1, 2014 to March 15, 2014 was about N14 million. As a result of his constant travels his briefcase has tapes, so he records books all the time.
Pastor Ashimolowo is one of the most sought-after men of God in the world. He is constantly travelling round the world. Though he lives in London, he is always on the move, travelling around Europe and America to minister and do speaking engagements.
For instance, his ticket from February 1, 2014 to March 15, 2014 was about N14 million. As a result of his constant travels his briefcase has tapes, so he records books all the time.
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ABOUT HIS KICC UNIVERSITY
His new Kings University is about to take off. Already, all the structures for take off are in place. He has spent close to N70 to N80 million, as my own seed. To date KICC has spent about N2 billion naira on the University project and the church has been waiting for the past 7 years for licence.
His new Kings University is about to take off. Already, all the structures for take off are in place. He has spent close to N70 to N80 million, as my own seed. To date KICC has spent about N2 billion naira on the University project and the church has been waiting for the past 7 years for licence.
HIS WIFE IS A PASTOR'S DAUGHTER
He met his wife at Foursquare Church in Somolu. He came in as a young Pastor. She was doing her A levels at Federal School of Arts and Science. He fell in love with her because she has a humble spirit. He was like her Counsellor, Counselling her on what to do and what not to do. He first spoke to her on June 19, 1979 and they got married August 29, 1981. Now, they have married for 33 years. His wife comes from a great heritage of Christianity. Her both parents were born again before they had her. His father-in-law got born again in 1947. His father-in-law is a Pastor in Foursquare. Mrs. Ashimolowo's two uncles are Pastors in Foursquare.
He met his wife at Foursquare Church in Somolu. He came in as a young Pastor. She was doing her A levels at Federal School of Arts and Science. He fell in love with her because she has a humble spirit. He was like her Counsellor, Counselling her on what to do and what not to do. He first spoke to her on June 19, 1979 and they got married August 29, 1981. Now, they have married for 33 years. His wife comes from a great heritage of Christianity. Her both parents were born again before they had her. His father-in-law got born again in 1947. His father-in-law is a Pastor in Foursquare. Mrs. Ashimolowo's two uncles are Pastors in Foursquare.
HE HAS 2 SONS
Pastor Ashimolowo only has 2 kids. Both are grown up. One got married a few weeks back, the other is about to marry both of them work for banks. Both of them are currently going to Bible School.
Pastor Ashimolowo only has 2 kids. Both are grown up. One got married a few weeks back, the other is about to marry both of them work for banks. Both of them are currently going to Bible School.
HIS SUCCESSION PLAN
"The way KICC is, my transition system is not into family. Why? I don't have that leading. My wife would be part of transition. But I see some sons (not biological sons) that have manifested the Grace to the transition to. By transition I mean when I pass on its not going to be to my family per se. And if my family is going to be involved, it is going to be maybe my wife. If my sons are led into it one day, great. But there are already men in the system who are ready to take over whenever the time comes for transition. My wife currently serves as Resident Pastor of our Range work whilst I am the Senior Pastor.
"The way KICC is, my transition system is not into family. Why? I don't have that leading. My wife would be part of transition. But I see some sons (not biological sons) that have manifested the Grace to the transition to. By transition I mean when I pass on its not going to be to my family per se. And if my family is going to be involved, it is going to be maybe my wife. If my sons are led into it one day, great. But there are already men in the system who are ready to take over whenever the time comes for transition. My wife currently serves as Resident Pastor of our Range work whilst I am the Senior Pastor.
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