20/05/2026
DAY 3 REPORT — GRAND FINALE OF THE FOUNDERS’ WEEK CELEBRATION
Theme: Leaders of Influence and Impact
Date: 20th May, 2026
The third and final day of the Founders’ Week celebration at Salem University was marked by profound teachings, spiritual reflections, and transformational leadership discussions delivered by distinguished guest speakers, Apostle Eleojo and Dr. Alfred Oladapo. The sessions brought the celebration to a remarkable conclusion, challenging participants to pursue impactful living, purposeful leadership, character development, and sustainable success.
A special moment during the event was the recognition and celebration of the 70th birthday of Bishop Love Sam Amaga, the beloved wife of the Founder, Archbishop Dr. Sam Amaga, who turned seventy on the 19th of May, 2026. Members of the university community, guests, and well-wishers celebrated her life, grace, motherly influence, and years of dedication to service, leadership, and the advancement of the vision of the Salem family worldwide. Warm tributes and prayers were offered in her honor, acknowledging her unwavering support, wisdom, and positive impact on countless lives within and beyond the university community. The celebration added a joyful and emotional dimension to the Founders’ Week activities as participants expressed gratitude to God for her life and legacy.
Third Session by Apostle Ele Adejoh
The Influence of the Believer
In his session titled “The Influence of the Believer,” Apostle Ele Adejoh emphasized that the true influence of a believer is measured by impact rather than mere impression. According to him, genuine Christian influence transforms lives, systems, and environments through godly character, spiritual authority, and righteous living.
The Apostle proceeded to teach extensively on the impact of sin on the spirit, soul, and body of man. He explained that:
The impact of sin on the spirit is the penalty of sin, for which forgiveness is made available through the sacrificial death and atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
The impact of sin on the soul is the power of sin, from which freedom is offered through the life of God working within the believer.
The impact of sin on the body is the presence of sin, which will ultimately be removed through glorification and complete transformation in Christ.
Apostle Ele further explained the concept of sin as a compelling force that creates tendencies and propensities toward wrongdoing, such as anger, stealing, immorality, and other sinful behaviors. He described the old man as the fallen nature of man which naturally aligns with sin, making the body susceptible as an instrument for sinful actions when both operate together. Referencing Romans 6:6, he explained the concept of “the body of sin” and how spiritual transformation becomes necessary for victorious living.
He also outlined how God dealt with sin through:
Substitution — through the sacrificial death of Christ on behalf of humanity.
Life-giving transformation — through the impartation of the life of God to believers.
Throughout the session, Apostle Ele emphasized the necessity of spiritual maturity, transformation, and intentional godly living as foundations for true influence and impact.
Third Session by Dr. Alfred Oladapo
The Secret of Success
In the fourth and concluding session of the conference, Dr. Alfred Oladapo spoke on “The Secret of Success.” He began by stating that God desires people not merely to become successful, but to become successes themselves, individuals whose lives inspire others to aspire toward excellence and meaningful impact.
He noted that financial rewards alone do not necessarily guarantee productivity or wisdom, stressing that:
“Paying people well does not necessarily mean they will be sensible.”
Drawing from his Harvard-related research and interviews on workers’ motivation, Dr. Oladapo discussed the assessment of people’s motivation for work, highlighting two major desires common among individuals:
The desire to feel valued,
The desire for their voices and opinions to matter.
According to him, people do not want to be treated merely as tools for productivity but as contributors whose ideas, efforts, and dignity are respected. He further advised participants to never place money ahead of impact, revealing that financial reward ranked relatively low among the top motivators of workers in his study.
Dr. Oladapo introduced the concept of MV Square (Mission, Vision, and Values), describing it as the engine room of every successful organization. He emphasized that every lasting institution or movement is built upon a strong tripod of mission, vision, and values.
Speaking on the tripod of success, he explained that the three major pillars of sustainable success are:
Intellectual Capital — knowledge, competence, and expertise.
Social Capital — relationships, networks, and human connections.
Financial Capital — resources and funding.
He further stressed the importance of developing interpersonal and conceptual skills such as effective communication, collaboration, team building, decision-making, conflict resolution, and change management.
One of the most profound statements from his session was:
“We rise through men and we fall by men.”
He explained that relationships, mentorship, collaboration, and human interactions significantly influence the trajectory of success or failure in leadership and life.
The final day of the Founders’ Week celebration concluded on a high note, with participants deeply inspired and intellectually challenged to pursue lives of impact, integrity, discipline, purpose, and transformational leadership. The sessions collectively reinforced the importance of spiritual maturity, character, vision, competence, and people-centered leadership as foundations for lasting influence and success.
