Happy Birthday, Pastor Stephen Rotimi Aworere: A Life and Character in Perfect Sync with Faith.
By Sunday Ajibola
These anomalies have even crept into the civil service, as many act as though the system is their personal inheritance, granting them the liberty to do as they please. Won nje aye ta lo maa mumi (Who dares call me to order?). Despite this almost total disregard for exemplary good character, a few individuals still stand out. They have deliberately chosen to remain untainted by the widespread poor behavior (familete kin tuto) across the board.
Man—using that term to cover both genders—has a profound love for popularity. That is why some blow their trumpets themselves or hire others to do it for them. "Just get me in the public domain," they order their publicists. Many go further, using every available means to attract attention. They crave popularity and the limelight, vainly and needlessly so. But recognition is not something to be sought or yearned for; it is earned. Every person is known for one thing or another: what we do, our way of life, our vocation, business, or profession. Our levels of competence and efficiency in our duties and at our workplaces all combine to fan the flames of our reputation. That is what sifts the grain from the chaff. There is no shortcut to becoming famous; it takes time and consistency.
"He is fair to everyone, regardless of status or familiarity. Hardly will he refuse any favor you ask of him, even to his disadvantage. I try as much as I can not to displease him."
The quotation above is the opinion of one of the subordinates of Pastor Stephen Rotimi Aworere, in the Budget Office of Ondo State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget. That sentiment aligns with the general opinion of everyone who knows the man.
A day after that statement, another subordinate said, and I quote, "Oga takes life easy. Nothing is too big for him to give. Just ask him, and you will get it. He lives in such a way that he does not like to offend anyone."
To a stranger, the man called Stephen Aworere appears as any ordinary individual. His expression is grave at every point in time, almost dour. He hardly gets agitated and is not in any way combustible. He speaks almost inaudibly, as though the words do not cooperate with him to be uttered—solemn, cool, and few. His appearance, though tall (about 6 feet) and slim, does not give any hint of his inner qualities. His gait is something else: every step sways his body in that direction as though controlled by the air. His simple appearance and mannerisms perfectly reflect his perception of life: life should not be taken too seriously—it's not worth it. However, his outward appearance belies his inner traits.
The way he approaches and talks to everyone makes it inevitable that you reciprocate with respect. For him, every human being deserves respect, as we are all God's creation. He respects your decisions and needs.
Pastor Aworere is profuse in appreciating good deeds done for him, even if it’s within one's line of duty. This likely explains the loyalty and genuine followership he commands from the workers in the Budget Office. Like true leaders, who are not bosses, he marshals his team to give their all with relative ease, without complaints or grumbling.
Stephen Aworere's work rate is incredibly high. Since my arrival in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, the staff in the Budget Office, over which he presides, have been working around the clock. Preparing the State budget is no child’s play or a seasonal assignment. Most of the time, he comes to the office on Sundays to carry out his duties. This trait has always been with him.
An incident from many years ago will suffice to illustrate this. When he informed the principal of Ayetoro that he had been offered employment in the State Civil Service, the man kicked against it and even tried to persuade him to turn down the offer. Why? Stephen Aworere had made himself almost indispensable. He had been doing a yeoman’s job, teaching virtually every subject. No leader wants a dutiful staff member to leave! Hard work runs in his veins. It is a trait he inherited from his workaholic carpenter-father.
Sporting activities instill in participants a level of discipline that never leaves them. As a swimmer during his primary and secondary school days at Ayetoro Community, he shone like a thousand stars.
It is widely acknowledged that the music director in the Redeemed Christian Church of God is a true man of God. Though he does not constantly remind others of his title, his disposition, character, relationships, and selfless living make him stand out.
Is it not said that a good name is to be chosen? It is up to each individual to live their life in a way that earns them a good name. Your name will bear the tag of your character, just as mine will. There are no two ways about it. Being of exemplary character far outweighs titles, religion, or certifications. As the Yoruba people say, iwa lesin, toju iwa re (character is religion, take care of your character). Stephen Rotimi Aworere must have learned this aphorism, imbibed it, and enshrined it as one of his guiding principles.
Dennis Prager said, "Goodness is about character—integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people."
When Stephen Rotimi Aworere received an award two years ago from a private magazine, it was widely agreed that he richly deserved it. All the staff in his department at the time attended the occasion. None of them had any reason to dismiss the recognition.
Pastor Stephen Aworere’s way of life aligns perfectly with his faith, Christianity. To him, Christianity is a way of life, better demonstrated than spoken about. Those who treat the faith as a mere religion often lead two diametrically opposite lives. In places where they are known for their religious titles, they give the impression of being godly. But outside those environments, their lifestyle betrays their avowed titles.
The Ayetoro-born technocrat is a plus to the system, a precious gift to those who know him, a jolly good fellow to his contemporaries, a leader and friend to his subordinates, and a true ambassador of God and the church.
Happy birthday to a good man whose life is a reflection of "live and let others live." Aseyi samodun loruko Jesu.
May you live long enough to see many more years, in good health, prosperity and divine favour Jesus' name.
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