Bishop Tom Samson, the presiding bishop of the Christ Royal International Church worldwide, is in a joyous mood right now. The very eloquent and celebrated man of God is clocking 60 years of age on Saturday, December 13 and he is excited about it. He is also planning a big celebration. Many do not know that Bishop Tom Samson has been busy building a moden citadel of learning called Monarch University. It is located in Iyesi-Ota, Ogun state. Those who have visited the university have been thoroughly impressed with what they saw, saying they were not disappointed at the fascinating aesthetics and eye popping infrastructure. Everyone knows that Bishop Tom Samson is a man of class and panache, who does not compromise on quality.
The popular man of God who is a native of Delta State, spoke briefly with City People on the journey so far, his next dream and state of the nation. Read on…
Tell us the uniqueness of this particular day from the other birthdays you’ve celebrated?
This is 60th. This is maturity. And why I am so grateful is because I told God that before I turn 60, He should give me a university which by God’s grace it has been achieved and accomplished.
Tell us about the place of the Holy Spirit in your journey of life.
When I was in Benin City, the Lord said I should come to Lagos, where I had no one. When I got to Lagos, I met some of my school friends who introduced me to their parents and they helped me with accommodation, feeding and other things, which made my journey easier. I listened to the Holy Spirit and it has been fruitful.
What inspired your passion to invest in education?
Firstly, I read Education. I attended Delta State University, where I read Biology Education. Secondly, I have a passion for education and I that is why I always want to make impact through education.
Kindly take us through your journey towards achieving success.
Thirty four years ago when I came to Lagos, I came with a shirt and a trousers. Nowhere to sleep. I came from a poor background, I went through hardship but God helped me. Today, I operate a multimillion ministry and I never borrowed and I never owed. When I entered Lagos, I moved from streets to streets ministering the words of God. I bought this land when I was 33 years old and I started evangelism throughout the streets. The journey was not easy, it was a gradual process and I have been in the ministry for over 40 years now.
Are there things you still want to achieve that you haven’t yet?
When I was in the university, in Year Two, I had a dream that I owned a monarch business enterprise, that when I get the money I would use it to finance the gospel. Now they are fulfilled except one which is oil and gas and it’s all for the kingdom.
What is your honest opinion about the alleged christian genocide?
Information is very important. A man that is not well-informed has little to say. People who are from the north, who have made a big name for themselves, should have been the first to make this issue public. We are in Lagos, we don’t see much of the insecurity crisis. Besides, the media should also share the blame because they didn’t do much publicity concerning insecurity it got to the government. I also heard that there are power brokers in those areas. Anyways, we are going to back our president because we all can’t deny the fact that the genocide is real. The question is, what do we do? It was also alleged that resources are involved and where money is involved people are ready to kill and they are killing.
So, what is the way forward?
I want to appeal to our senators and other well-meaning persons to join hands with our president to deal with the issue because Nigeria belongs to all of us.
