"I have always loved to be a soldier or put it more appropriately to be a commissioned military officer" Says Rev. Fr. Makinwa

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By John-Ralph Kayode Ayodele

     Fr. Ogunyemi with Captain Obinna

Rev. Fr. Victor Makinde Ogunyemi opened up today that he would have loved to be a soldier or put it more appropriately to be a commissioned military officer, lawyer or, diplomatic corp, but priesthood came in at a time as a call from above. 

The cleric who is also the Founder of Inspire Youth Network Nigeria (IYNN) cleared the air while receiving Captain Donald Obinna on Saturday in Abuja.

I grew up to love late Major Chukwuma Patrick Kaduna Nzeogwu who was the brain behind the first coup de'tat in Nigeria  in 1966. I read so many materials about him, decorated my room at a time in  the seminary days with his pictures and even dedicated my first degree to the memory of Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, I made my younger brother Jimi Ogunyemi to fall in love with him.

One interesting event happened while at Bodija. Fr Ben Etafo the Rector Magnificus of Ss. Peter and Paul Major Seminary and Bishop Albert Fashina (Late Bishop of Ijebu Ode Diocese) of blessed memory,  had a stop over in front of my room,  when they saw Nzeogwu's picture pasted on my door. There was a knock from the rector, which I answered yes, opened the door and he said "who is this on your door? Is he your god?" I promptly responded "no Fr, he is my mentor, I just love him." They both laughed and left happily. 

I made further interest known to friends then, but never to the authorities until I am no longer qualified due to age reason.

This interest in the military, security and love for Nigeria dominated our discussions while Donald's visit lasted.

Donald was a youth in a Parish I was the Pastor in Gwagwalada some years back, Mater Dei Catholic Church. Our path crossed particularly when he approached me to pray for him as he approached the military selection board  for admission to gain entry to Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna which I did pray for him, he was successful, got admitted, and was commissioned. Since then, we have not seen eye to eye until this morning he visited me in school. 

As the visit came to an end, I escorted him to his vehicle shook hands with  and prayed  for him and with him. It was indeed a great moment with him.

Fr. Makinwa appreciated Captain Donald for visiting and reminding him that he (Fr. Makinwa) supported his journey to the NDA exams then. To God be the glory for the great things He hath done. 

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