The Rt. Revd. Dr. Johnson Akinwamide Atere was consecrated as a Bishop at St. James the Great Cathedral in Ibadan, Oyo State on 14th of May 2008; after his election as the pioneer Bishop of the newly created Awori Missionary diocese.
The arrival of Bishop Akin Atere is just like “Omobowale” literarily meaning, “Our son has come”. Bishop Atere was once a Vicar of St. Timothy’s Sango-Ota in the year 1994, he was instrumental to the planting of more churches and he equally knows the terrain of Awori.
Bishop Atere that I know is a man called by God, a spirit filled man who does nothing without seeking the face of God. On yearly basis, Baba will seek the face of God with fasting and prayers to know God’s mind for the people of Awori Diocese. Testimonies abound within the Diocese every year as people gives God the glory of what God did either in their lives, families or work. The greater joy is testimonies from companies and organizations that his lordship always visits and prays with at the beginning of each year. Baba Atere conceived this vision over 15years ago and he has continuously followed it to the letter every year.
Every month prophetic hour which his lordship ministered and declared the mind of God to the people ever remains a blessing to the people. Yearly, Bishop Atere will compose songs that will praise God and lift the mind of the people.
He is a father to all of his workers and family. He gave his all for their welfare. In the year 2020, during Covid-19. One of his friends brought 4 bags of rice, 2 bags of beans and a sum of five hundred thousand naira only. The man said, “My Lord, this is for you and your family”. Incidentally, I was with his Lordship that day, having tête-à-tête with him.
Immediately the man left, his lordship asked Mama Foluso Atere to call few priests to come and share the goodies and the sum. Even, as Non-Stipendiary, I got fifteen thousand naira with food items. Baba always finds time to celebrate his workers either on their birthday or any joyous occasion. What manner of Bishop is he?
Bishop Akin Atere that I know gives and encourages his workers to pursue and further on their educational prowess. Today, all his workers are Graduates either with Degree, Masters or Doctorate Degrees. He give rooms for their spiritual growth, hence, on many occasion he will personally buy books for them to develop their mental and spiritual wellbeing.
He is a father that reproof and correct with love. He will never report, correct and reproof any of his workers in the presence of the congregation. Baba Atere will never make jest of his workers nor keep grudges, he will never call other workers to report or correct any erring worker to them.
He is a man with large heart, once he tells you your error privately and you apologize, his lordship has forgiven and he will never remember such offences. He is not money monger leader or a leader that trade his workers for his enjoyment. There are many times I have asked his lordship why he has never travel out of the country for his annual leave, his response to me has always been, such money would pay his workers five month salaries.
His obedience to the authority either the church or government is worth sought after. Once the order is given, Baba will obey to a fault. In the year 2020, after the reopening of the church by the Nigeria Federal government, Bishop Atere still extends the reopening of all churches in diocese for another two weeks. As his media adviser, I humbly ask his lordship, he said, “obedience is better than sacrifice.”
He is a silent giver and helper of many destinies. A detribalized Bishop, a theologian, shepherd in whom I am proud of and happy to call my father.
He has devoted all his life to the service of God and humanity. A bishop without blemish, a true child of God whose footprint is worth sought after and it will forever remain in the sands of time. He is one of the church fathers that is worthy of emulation.
Once again, Baba Atere remains a father, mentor, benefactor that I can proudly say a father and bishop that I know.
“The Writer is one of the sons of Bishop Atere, the first Cathedral Youth Coordinator and he has the privilege to work with his lord over 17years ago, since the year 2008. Presently, he is the Diocesan Communicator, Acting Chaplain to the Industrial Chaplaincy, Publisher of The Voice Magazine and owners of Damatv.”
Damilola Oladele
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