KUMUYI: DEFENDER OF THE FAITH – How A’Ibom People Receive It

By Saviour Ekpe

Uyo, the capital city of the oil-rich state of the Niger Delta, Akwa-Abasi Ibom was agog with people from the entire 31 local government areas trooped in for the launching of a 325-page book, Kumuyi: Defender Of The Faith jointly written by a quartet gentlemen of Banji Ojewale, Segun Babatope, Emeka Izeze and Tunde Opeibi, foreworded by a renowned Minister of the gospel, Pastor Enoch Adebayo of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Participants were drawn from different denominations, professions and ethnic backgrounds in honour of a man that has given all for the service of God and Humanity, Pastor (Dr.) William Folorunsho Kumuyi, Founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry Worldwide.

As was captured by the Chairman on the Occasion during his opening speech, Mr. Emmanuel Abasifreke that the existence of Pastor Kumuyi on the planet earth has positively affected and impacted innumerable lives worldwide. He eulogized Pastor Kumuyi for being apolitical but not insensitive to political development especially, of Nigeria. The Chairman called on all to devote time to reading the book as it has the capacity of changing lives for the better.

In his remarks, the State Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Emmanuel Amaeze extolled the writers for properly captured the life and times of the Man of God in a book, which, according to him, the book is a must-read for all household of any religious belief or affinity.

While explaining the insight to why the book was written, the Co-writer of the book, Kumuyi: Defender Of The Faith, Pastor Banji Ojewale noted that most people may not have the opportunity of meeting Pastor Kumuyi on a one on one ground, seeing him directly or sited under his direct ministration, but the book has captured virtues, beliefs, lifestyle and the whole gamut of Pastor Kumuyi for people anywhere in the world to see, touch and have access to the life of this great man of God to emulate.

The book, Kumuyi: Defender Of The Faith is far from calling it an ordinary book but could be described as a compendium of life of a Bibliobibuli, an encyclopedia of the life of a man who receives the grace of God to be everything to humanity.

As captured in the book, many great men said variously about the book and the man of God. Excerpts, “In Kamuyi: Defender of the Faith, you have the spherical, stirring and spicy story of a multi-faceted and quintessential cleric many in Nigeria and the global community have always longed to know more intimately. Not told elsewhere before, the presentations amount to a faithful account of the life of this unique man. William Folorunsho Kumuyi, narrated by close associates and mentees No aspect of his persona has escaped this rare biography. From the untold story of his early life to his exploits as a global spiritual force, the narrative is bound to challenge you and alter your perspectives on this apostle of holiness. It is a must in every home, library, centre of worship and place of learning!

Reading this book will help the readers to know how they can be more closely committed to God seeing Pastor Kumuy as a living example of how it can be done Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer, The Redeemed Christian Church of God.

This is not really a book about Pastor Kumuyi, it is about the grace and mercies of God in the life of His servant. I have had an opportunity to read the book, and every page of it is worth reading more than once I recommend it to all”. HE Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, GCON, Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Kumuyi: Defender of the Faith provides rich and compelling insights into the life of one of the greatest Christian leaders of our time Christians across the world will be inspired to do more for Christ because of this book and recommend it to every believer, especially gospel ministers.” Evangelist Daniel Kolenda, President and CEO of Christ for the All Nations.

“Reading this book would stir the reader up not only to know God and know Him more but to influence our world positively by turning the hearts of all to God in holiness and righteousness. Rev. Samson Olasupo A. Ayokunle, PhD, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) & Co-Chairman, Nigeria Interreligious Council (NIREC).

Blessed be God who has in our time raised a strong teaching priest who not only is faithfully teaching the word of the Lord without compromise but has multiplied himself in countless others who are following his example as God’s faithful priests all over the world. I believe this book will be a huge blessing to all. Bishop Francis Wale Oke, National President, Pentecostal Fellowship Of Nigeria (PFN).

Reading through Kumuyi: Defender of the Faith, I perceived a sense of being held by the hand and walked with Pastor (Dr.) W. F. Kumuyi through a glorious path that began in 1941 with a brief story in 2021 looked back and saw that the road traveled is paved every metre of the way by examples of Godliness and the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5.22-23). As I looked ahead save the portals of glory in readiness to receive this Defender of Faith when his journey is over on earth at a very old age. The authors have put together a book that will make historians and theologians green with envy”. Distinguished Professor Peter A. Okebukola, OFR (Former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Nigeria)”.

Present at the book launch were captains of Industry, politicians, Royal Fathers, Religious Leaders from different denominations, business moguls. The event witnessed song rendition by Deeper Life quartet singers, orchestra performance, the official commencement of the International Friendship League (IFL) and the launching of the book by participants.