Father, 12-year-old son unveil books on religion, morality in Abuja

A renowned Christian author, teacher and devoted member of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria, Edward Akobi, has said the holiness of the Church remains intact, despite the moral failings of some of its members, stressing that individual misconduct should not be confused with the spiritual nature and teachings of the Church established by Jesus Christ.

Akobi stated this on Saturday, October 24, 2026, during the historic launch of his book, The Church Is Holy: Reclaiming Christ’s Design for Purity and Power in a Broken World, alongside a book written by his 12-year-old son, Owogoga Johnbosco Edward, at St Luke’s Catholic Church, Kubwa, Abuja.

Reason for writing the book

The author said his book was inspired by his personal experiences as a member of the Church and his observations of the contradictions between Christian teachings and the conduct of some Christians in their daily lives.

According to him, the behaviour of some church members has sometimes given non-Christians the impression that attending church does not necessarily make a difference in people’s lives.

“In spite of all these challenges, lapses and human tragedies, does it still mean that there is a problem with the Church? The problem is not with the Church; the problem is with individuals,” he said.

Akobi explained that the actions of individuals who failed to live according to Christ’s teachings should not be used to undermine the spiritual foundation of the Church.

He said: “My character, my sin, does not affect the Church that Christ came to build or establish for us. The Scripture says that He washed and purified the Church with the blood He shed. So, from that perspective, it makes the Church holy.”

He added that the Church’s holiness did not depend on the personal perfection of its members or clergy but on its divine origin.

“The Church is not holy because I am in the Church. It is not holy because of the priest. It is holy because the Church is a body, and the spirit or soul of the Church comes from God, and God is holy,” he said.

Spirituality/holiness of the church, Catholic faith

The author said the book was intended to address questions raised by people who struggled to reconcile the moral weaknesses of some Christians with the teachings and spiritual identity of the Church.

Using Catholic teaching on the Eucharist as an example, Akobi argued that the holiness of the sacrament was not determined by the personal shortcomings of the priest celebrating Mass.

He explained that, in Catholic belief, a priest acts in the person of Christ during the celebration of the Eucharist, adding that the sacred nature of Holy Communion remains distinct from the individual’s personal imperfections.

“The priest may not be holy, but the communion he consecrates must be holy. And we don’t receive an unholy communion. We receive Holy Communion,” he said.

Akobi also highlighted what he described as the transformative power of holiness, arguing that a life guided by moral uprightness and faith could help individuals overcome challenges and contribute to a more peaceful society.

He maintained that embracing holiness could contribute to addressing insecurity by encouraging people to abandon wrongdoing and embrace values that promote mutual respect, honesty and peaceful coexistence.

“The power of holiness is so powerful that it can address the issue of insecurity. If all of us came into this lifestyle, I am sure of what I am saying,” he said.

To illustrate his argument, the author referred to the biblical account of the Ark of the Covenant being taken into the temple of Dagon, saying the episode demonstrated the supremacy of God’s holiness over an environment associated with idolatry.

He also cited an illustrative account in his book involving a woman whose photograph was allegedly taken to a shrine, using the story to explain his understanding of the spiritual power of holiness. The account was presented as part of the book’s religious and inspirational message.

On the inspiration behind the publication, Akobi disclosed that the idea had been developing in his mind for about two years before he began putting the chapters on paper during a period of spiritual reflection on Ash Wednesday last year.

He said the major ideas, themes and chapter outlines had already taken shape in his mind before he started writing, adding that he used his mobile phone rather than a laptop to document his thoughts.

“Any moment I have any little space, I start writing. Those things that are already in the head, I begin to put them down. I don’t use a laptop. Just my phone is okay,” he said.

According to him, writing in short intervals enabled him to complete the manuscript despite his busy schedule and other professional and personal engagements.

Akobi said the book was written primarily for Christians but would also benefit non-Christians seeking to understand the Church and people interested in morality and personal transformation.

He expressed the hope that readers would gain a better understanding of the Church’s teachings and distinguish its spiritual ideals from the shortcomings of individuals who identify with it.

The author urged Christians to live in ways that reflect their faith, noting that the credibility of the Church’s message could be strengthened when members demonstrate its values through their conduct.

Father, son publish books together

The launch also featured the presentation of The Wicked King of Tandere and Other Stories, written by Akobi’s 12-year-old son, Owogoga Johnbosco Edward, a Junior Secondary School Three (JSS3) student.

Johnbosco said he completed the book within three months, explaining that his observations of children’s behaviour and disagreements between parents and their children inspired him to write.

He said the stories were intended to encourage children to correct negative behaviour while urging parents to recognise their children’s perspectives and allow them some room to make decisions.

“What motivated me to write my book was that I noticed the character of children, the way they misbehave, and the way some parents do not agree with their children’s decisions,” he said.

He added that the book teaches parents to avoid making every decision on behalf of their children while encouraging young people to improve their conduct.

“My advice to children out there is that they should be good children and obey their parents. They should not keep bad friends because keeping bad friends will affect their lives and make them change their character,” the young author said.

He also appealed to parents to listen to their children and give them opportunities to express themselves, rather than imposing decisions on them without considering their views.

Explaining how his son developed an interest in writing, Akobi said the young author learnt largely through observation rather than formal instruction.

He recalled that his son repeatedly saw him writing on his mobile phone and asked what he was doing. When Akobi explained that he was writing a book, the boy eventually expressed a desire to write one himself.

“I didn’t teach him how to write. He only saw me writing. Each time, I was always on the phone,” he said.

Akobi said his son’s decision to begin writing reinforced his belief that children often learn from the examples set by their parents.

Using an analogy of a young cow learning to eat grass by watching its mother, he urged parents to recognise that their everyday behaviour could influence their children’s values, attitudes and ambitions.

“My advice to parents is that they should take note of the fact that whatever we do, let us have the consciousness that our children are watching,” he said.

He added that parents should strive to become positive examples for their children, noting that his son’s writing journey demonstrated how parental example could inspire creativity and personal development.

Akobi further disclosed that he had written other books, including The Mind of God and The Fruit of the Holy Spirit Seminar, the latter of which he co-authored and published in June this year.

He described the newly launched The Church Is Holy as his fourth book and revealed that he was working on a novel titled Escort to the Grave, which he had been developing for more than 20 years.

According to him, the forthcoming novel explores themes cutting across religion, politics and other aspects of society.

Book reviewers provide assessment
While reviewing The Wicked King of Tandere by Owogoga JB. S. Edward, Dr Peter Odey said it is a 64-page book, divided into four parts and written in simple language, with illustrations, and can be read within two hours.

He said the book teaches morals to children, urging parents to ensure they get copies for their children to learn that actions have consequences, especially in a morally decadent society.

Similarly, Evangelist Jude Mouchebe said The Church Is Holy by Edward Akobi is a 140-page religious book comprising 24 chapters that attempts to draw people back to Christ from their sinful ways, advising Nigerians to get copies to learn the ways of God.

Speakers laud authors, recommend books
Earlier in his welcome speech, the chairman of the occasion, Mr Agbo Daniel Chimezie, said Akobi should be particularly commended for finding time to write such a book, despite his busy schedule, adding that writing is one of the most difficult things to do.

He added that 12-year-old Johnbosco should be emulated for following the path of his father in writing books that will become a legacy, especially in an era of dwindling reading culture and social vices.

Similarly, the keynote speaker, Evang. Timothy Idididi, who spoke on “The Paradox of Flawed Vessels, Divine Treasure: Why the Church Remains Holy in a Broken World,” said that the Church is passing through trying times and that the book by Akobi is particularly important in drawing people back to God.

On his part, the chairman of the Planning Committee of the twin book launch, Mr Jude Iwuagwu, said it is historic for a father and son to launch their books on the same day, adding that the books are historic and should be read by parents and children for moral guidance.

He said the books are spiritual and should be made use of in everyday life and not just abandoned on shelves, advising the authors not to get tired of writing as long as they get inspiration from God.

The joint book launch highlighted the role of religious literature in promoting moral reflection, while the participation of the young author underscored the potential of parental guidance and example in nurturing children’s creativity and literary interests.