By Ayo Arowojolu
For over two decades particularly in the mid-80’s and late 90’s, Adegboyega Aruna who was then in his prime of life, made waves in the hospitality and hotels industry across Nigeria. Prior to that time, he had been privileged to work as Private Secretary to the late business mogul and philanthropist, Chief Mobolaji Bank-Anthony.
The Ijebu-Igbo professional later sat atop the Management of a chain of many monuments of comfort built and operated by the Federal Government-owned Nigeria Hotels Limited(NHL) as General Manager and was highly influential.
Between 1988 and 1990, Mr Aruna who later became a Pastor was GM, Federal Government Guest House, Victoria Island, Lagos and from there he got transferred to Bristol Hotel, Lagos as GM.
It was from Bristol Hotel he was soon moved to Owerri and was given a marching order to help transform the then troubled Imo Concorde Hotel which he successfully accomplished in a space of five years as at 1995, following which Imo Concorde Hotel became the cynosure of all eyes.
Since the reward of hardwork is more work, Pastor Aruna was later transfered to manage NHL’s flagship hotel, Ikoyi Hotel, between 1995 and 1996, aftermath of which he retired from service.
Upon retirement, he consulted for many international hospitality outfits, including Eko Hotels, Victoria Island and Airport Hotel, Ikeja, as well as Command Guest House, Apapa, Lagos.
Pastor Aruna clocks 75 today, having been born on February 23, 1950.
As God’s Servant, Pastor Aruna was greatly used as an evangelist to midwife the branch of his church in Owerri, Shepherd Gospel Church while in service as a hotel manager. He is the Senior Pastor of the headquarter church located in Obanikoro, Lagos.
To those whose lives have been divinely touched by him, Pastor Aruna is described as a man with uncommon grace, strength, wisdom and unwavering love to those he comes across.
He is also highly rated as a true father and an exemplary personality
who exhibits rare compassion, patience, unshakeable integrity
and high commitment to family values.
Pastor Aruna who is happily married to his wife, Wuraola, is blessed with many successful children who are today pillars in their respective fields of endeavour.
Today, as he inches close to the Octogenarian milestone, may God count him worthy, blameless and unrebukeable in the day of the Lord.
