Love Is the True Power: Bishop Bamidele Urges Leaders To Serve with Compassion, Not Ambition

By Tosin Olasunkami, Osogbo

At a time when hardship deepens across Nigeria and faith in public systems continues to fade, Bishop Mike Bamidele has called on national, state, and spiritual leaders to return to the foundation of true leadership; love.

Delivering a stirring message at the 2025 Pentecost Day Ministers’ Fire Conference, held at the Government Technical College field in Osogbo on June 9, the Founder of Victory Life Ministries International challenged both the powerful and the ordinary to reassess their motives and methods.

“If you don’t love God, and if you don’t love people, you simply cannot make an impact,” Bishop Bamidele declared to a crowd of ministers and faithful.

According to him, true leadership , whether in the pulpit or in public office — must begin with sincere love, not personal ambition or routine duty.

“Ministry is not just about preaching. It is about loving people. Leadership is not about position — it’s about caring. If you don’t love people, you’ll become a hireling. You’ll frustrate yourself and frustrate those you lead,” he said.

The Bishop anchored his message on Acts 26:16–18, describing the Apostle Paul’s assignment as a blueprint for meaningful ministry: “A life that opens eyes, turns people from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.”

He shared that Peter, despite his flaws, became the first apostolic leader because he loved Jesus deeply. “Love is what qualifies you to serve. It’s not skill. It’s not experience. It’s love,” he said.

Drawing attention to the nation’s growing crisis, Bishop Bamidele said Nigeria needs leaders who feel the pain of the people.

“People are hungry. Rents are unpaid. Medical bills are rising. School fees are becoming impossible. The pressure is real. We need leaders who not only see it but feel it — and act.”

He warned that without genuine love, leadership can become a burden, and policies — no matter how well-written — remain out of touch.

“Some leaders mean well,” he admitted. “But the message from those of us at the grassroots must be clear: this is hard. We need policies that don’t just exist on paper or benefit loyalists — we need action that reaches the majority.”

Bishop Bamidele also made a passionate appeal to government at all levels to declare Pentecost Day a public holiday, saying it would help reawaken spiritual values in Nigeria.

“The Holy Spirit is not a church doctrine — He is the presence of God on earth. And when His presence is honored, love, justice, and empathy will return to the land,” he said.

His message concluded with a call to citizens not to place their hopes solely in men or governments.

“Man will always fail. Put your trust in God. Pray for leaders. And remember — the real power to change lives is in loving people the way Jesus did.”