Sir Thomas Folu Adekoya KSJI is the immediate past National Chairman of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN). In this interview with the Editor, NETA NWOSU, the National Patron of CLCN urges President Bola Tinubu to adopt a social oriented approach like transportation to ensure reduction in costs of all basic needs, including food which is essential and security to enable farmers to grow food. Sir Adekoya speaks on challenges of lay leadership among other issues. Excerpts:
What is your current position and role in Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria?
I’m currently Patron of Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria. All past Presidents are Patrons according to the Constitution.
Previous positions and roles. Can you talk about how you got into lay leadership?
I started as Harvest Planning Committee Chairman, Parish Laity Council Councillor, Parish Pastoral Council Secretary, Parish Laity Council Chairman, Mainland Deanery Laity Council Chairman, and Archdiocesan Laity Council Chairman. I served in various Archdiocesan Committees All Purpose Committee, Episcopal Installation Committee, Priest Ordination Planning Committee. I got into lay leadership after a successful tenure as the Chairman of Harvest Planning Committee. When I became Chairman of my Parish Laity Council other parishes in the Deanery were very interested in my ability for coordinating various activities. I’m a delegate of Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Christian Association of Nigeria (Lagos State).
Please share your experiences as the National President of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria?
My experiences during my four -year tenure as National President of Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria were multi dimensional because I had to relate with all tribes in Nigeria and to enjoy their confidence you must be humble and honest. The culture of every tribe is different but you must adjust and adapt to different cultures for their cooperation. The most important aspect is transparency and never being dictatorial but taking decisions based on their opinions. Presiding over the National Council requires being prayerful about everything.
What were the challenges you faced in course of your lay leadership at the Archdiocesan and National levels?
Any leadership position is challenging because the Church and State are not different in terms of how you manage the affairs. Archdiocesan leadership is less stressful because you have the Local Ordinary and Chaplain to help you manage problems but non compliance by parishes are great obstacles. National level was very tough because some Archdioceses/Dioceses when I took over the mantle of leadership were not in agreement of my leadership, they didn’t contribute fully both financially and attendance to National Executive Council Meetings but with the support of Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Episcopal Chairman of the Laity, Bishop John Niyiring we reconciled. I also inherited a disputed property Laps New World Hotel built by a developer on the landed property of the Council in Abuja but with divine intervention of God it was commissioned and council was allocated offices in the complex. The developer signed agreement of operations with certain amount to be paid to the council within the period of Build Operate and Transfer.

How were you able to resolve these challenges?
I have earlier mentioned it that humility, consistency, patience and prayer are key to my success. I pray my rosary every moment before going to any meeting. I inherited this from my late mother Mrs. Florence Arinola Adekoya
Who is your role model in lay leadership? How did he or she impact on you and the laity?
My role model in lay leadership are past chairmen of the Archdiocesan Laity Council because I reflect on their experience during their years in office. I speak with them about issues that are important and apply them to my decisions. I often consult with the Admin Secretary of Lagos Archdiocesan Laity Council, late Mr. Felix Bamishigbin because he had all records of past administrations.
What would you recommend plotting the future course for laity in Nigeria?
Dynamism, prudence, entrepreneurship, innovation, collaboration with all stakeholders and visionary to build a sustainable future for the future.
How did you manage the Church work-life balance?
Church services and domestic affairs are planned by ensuring you have an understanding and family background in Christ and ensure you uphold your faith and values. Let integrity be your guide.
As an elder statesman of the Catholic Church, Nigeria what is your assessment of the state of the nation?
Nigeria is going through an economic meltdown right now but will be restructured if the Government is transparent and prudent policy are implemented by the executive in reducing expenditure of the ruling class.
Nigerians are passing through difficult times as the cost of living continues to rise. How do you think the government can stem this hardship?
Government policies should be reviewed on the palliative care basis, Nigerians needs a social oriented approach like transportation which will ensure reduction in costs of all basic needs including food which is essential and security to enable farmers to grow food. The health care system should also improve and affordable for the poor and rural people. The education sector with introduction of loans is credible but implementation should be effective and not for the wealthy citizens who can afford sending their children to private schools.
What advice do you have for young and upcoming lay Leaders? How can they achieve the success you’ve had?
Aspiring to be a lay leader should not be for those who want to become influential or benefit from the services. You should be able to sacrifice your time, resources and be passionate about the service. You must be devoted to your prayers. All work and no play makes Jack a dull person but you must moderate every time for pleasure and work.