In a powerful reflection titled "The Mirage of Time," Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu, the Rector of Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, has outlined four major impediments that hinder progress within the church, family, and society at large. Delivered on 10 January 2026, the message serves as a clarion call for introspection and proactive change in the new year.
Obstacles: Stepping Stones or Stumbling Blocks?
Venerable Wolemonwu posits that obstacles are an inevitable part of life's journey. He argues that these challenges possess a dual nature: they can either forge a person's character or lead to their downfall. The critical difference lies in perception. Many, he notes, are deceived by the immediate pain of adversity into viewing it as a divine blockade, rather than an opportunity for growth and maturity.
Referencing his own book, "Be Youthful and Useful," the cleric illustrates this point with a potent metaphor: "obstacles are stones; either you make them a stumbling block or a stepping stone." He emphasizes that true companionship and loyalty are revealed during such trying times, echoing the wisdom of Proverbs 17:17: "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
The Silent Killers: Negligence and Favouritism
Wolemonwu identifies negligence as a pervasive and destructive force. He describes a common mindset where individuals defer responsibility, believing a task is for "someone else." This collective apathy, he warns, leads to systemic paralysis. He aptly supports this with an Igbo adage: "The goat that belongs to everyone easily sleeps away from home," meaning communal property often lacks care.
Closely linked is the danger of sentiment and favouritism. The Rector cautions advisors and followers against seeking a leader's favour at the expense of truth. Such sycophancy, he states, not only jeopardizes the leader but also injects a deadly virus into the system's future. He reminds those in positions of influence that their role is a temporary trust from God and posterity, citing Proverbs 14:35 on the king's favour being toward a wise servant.
Procrastination: The Thief of Time and Opportunity
Perhaps the most universal challenge addressed is procrastination. Wolemonwu frames it as a self-inflicted pressure cooker, where delaying today's tasks only compounds tomorrow's burdens. He asserts that God grants everyone equal time, and failing to use it wisely is both deadly and detrimental to the future.
To drive his point home, he marshals quotes from great thinkers:
- Williams James: "Nothing is so fatiguing as the eternal hanging on of an uncompleted task."
- Don Marquis: "Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday."
- M. Scott Peck: "Until you value yourself, you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it."
He concludes this section with the stark warning from Victor Kian that "procrastination is opportunity's natural assassin."
In his final exhortation, Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu urges everyone in 2026 to approach their duties with full mental dedication and vigor. His message is a timeless reminder that overcoming these internal and social barriers is key to unlocking personal and collective potential.
