The June edition of MTU PRAYS, the monthly spiritual gathering of the Mountain Top University community, provided another remarkable opportunity for participants to experience profound moments of prayer, worship, and the teaching of God’s Word. Held in line with the institution’s tradition of convening on the first Thursday of every month, the programme reaffirmed the university’s commitment to fostering the spiritual development and moral excellence of its students and staff.
The gathering attracted a diverse cross-section of the university community, including professors, academic and non-academic staff members, students, and principal officers led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Elijah Ayolabi. United in worship and supplication, attendees participated in an atmosphere charged with faith, inspiration, and renewed commitment to God and purposeful living.
The Path to Authentic Greatness
The highlight of the June edition was a thought-provoking message centred on the principles of attaining greatness through God’s divine guidance. The sermon challenged participants to pursue excellence not merely through personal ambition but through spiritual discipline, obedience, and unwavering trust in God.
Ministering at the programme was the Chief Executive Officer of Jesulana Engineering International Limited, Mr. Festus Ololade Jesulana, a distinguished entrepreneur and accomplished professional who was formerly a student of Professor Elijah Ayolabi during his academic years at the University of Lagos.
In his message, he identified three indispensable keys to greatness: Groaning, Going, and Giving, describing them as timeless principles for anyone aspiring to fulfil God’s purpose and maximise their potential.
The Three Indispensable Keys to Greatness
1. Groaning (Fervent Prayer)
Expounding on the first principle, Groaning, Mr. Jesulana underscored the importance of fervent and consistent prayer as the foundation of genuine success. He explained that every individual who has attained greatness according to God’s divine pattern first cultivated a deep relationship with God through spiritual intimacy and persistent supplication.
According to him, believers are free to present their concerns and questions before God but must remain submissive to His sovereign will, noting that achievements secured outside God’s purpose ultimately lead to disappointment and failure. He further identified key spiritual disciplines as practical avenues through which individuals can hear from God and receive divine direction:
Fervent prayer and meditation
Diligent study of Scripture
Positive faith declarations
Reflective devotion
2. Going (Decisive Action)
Addressing the second principle, Going, the guest speaker stressed that revelation must always be accompanied by decisive action. He maintained that after receiving divine instruction, individuals must demonstrate courage and obedience by taking intentional steps towards the fulfilment of their God-given assignments. Failure to act, he warned, often results in stagnation and missed opportunities. He therefore encouraged participants to embrace obedience, discipline, focused execution, and perseverance as indispensable qualities for achieving lasting success.
3. Giving (Selfless Generosity)
Speaking on the final principle, Giving, Mr. Jesulana described generosity as a hallmark of truly great individuals. He explained that giving extends beyond financial resources to encompass one’s time, talents, expertise, energy, and service to humanity. He encouraged participants to adopt a lifestyle of selflessness and stewardship, emphasising that those who willingly invest their gifts and resources for the benefit of others position themselves for greater impact and divine blessings.
Conclusion
The inspiring message resonated deeply with members of the university community, reinforcing the conviction that authentic greatness is built upon spiritual commitment, purposeful action, and a heart of service.