Pastor (Mrs.) Bukola Oladiyun, the “Mama Aladura” of Pastor Wole Oladiyun, clocked 60 on April 23. Pastor Mrs. Oladiyun, who is the Director of Family Life at CLAM, and Proprietress of JNISSI Schools, gave insights into various aspects of her life in this interview with Ademola Akinbola. Enjoy …
Congratulations ma on this landmark birthday celebration. How do you feel? What does being 60 feel like?
My heart is full of gratitude to God for His great mercies, kindness, and faithfulness to me. I’m alive today because He kept me What do I have to give God other than to bless His holy name for keeping me from conception till now that I turned 60. I believe and hope in Him for more beautiful years ahead by His grace Amen. Psalm 90: 12: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” I just feel I want to keep working smarter on God’s purpose and vision for my life for as long as He gives me the strength and ability. John 9: 4. “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work. “
To what do you owe your good looks at such an age? You look younger than your contemporaries.
I will attribute this to God’s grace. I have a goodly heritage (Ps16:6). Beauty runs in my family. I have a good DNA of beauty; my dad in his lifetime had a panegyric for me, “a koko ewa”. I have a knack for a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet, and moderate exercise.
Please tell us more about your birth, childhood, and growing up
I was born in Agege Maternity hospital, Agege, Lagos South-West Nigeria on 23rd April 1962. I grew up in Ibadan, Oyo State. I had my elementary school at ICC Practicing School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. I attended Prospect High School, Abanla, Ibadan (1973-78). I was always appointed a member of the Students Representative Council all through my secondary school and ultimately the Head Girl of my set (1978). I did my A level at the Federal School of Arts & Science, Ondo (FSASON). I was also appointed the Head of my hall. I attended the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where I bagged combined honours in History and Education, BA, Ed. (1997). I obtained an MBA from Business School, the Netherlands in 2012. I taught at Epe Primary School, Epe, Ondo, and Holy Saviour’s High School, Ile-Oluji, Ondo State.
What impact did your parents have on you while growing up? Are there some childhood memories you would like to share with us?
I was well sheltered from childhood; I had loving and caring parents, and of course, grew up in a warm home environment. Fond memories of growing up with my parents included church attendance was sacrosanct, regular family altar and the hymnal nights were an interesting part of our Christian family culture, blending and bonding. There was no room for mediocrity or laziness in our family setting. During school holidays, all hands must be meaningfully engaged in home management – age-compliant domestic chores. There was palpable love at home; hospitality and industry were unparalleled, Indoor games and dancing were common relaxation activities in our home.
What has life taught you at 60?
Trust and rely more on God, and be more patient.
What are the challenges you have faced in life, and how have you overcome them?
Differences in the background created challenges for me in the early part of our marriage, but agape love, selflessness, prayers, and complete reliance on the Holy Spirit helped. The wilderness experience we went through when the call of God was imminent and unavoidable on my husband was another experience that was quite challenging and draining but God’s mercy, grace and faithfulness saw us through and prevailed. The hands of God were evident and sure on the call and we have cause to give all the glory to God. I have faced treachery, rebellion, and disappointments but you see, God showed up to defend me at those critical times. He is ever too faithful to fail me or leave me halfway.
What drew you into the Christian faith so early in life? Was there any particular encounter or incident?
My parents, Chief Samuel Olorunsola Olubakinde, and Mrs. Victoria Mojibola Olubakinde, as well as my paternal grandmother, Mama Mercy Ogunsanmade Olubakinde, an addicted intercessor respectively, sowed the seed. They were addicted worshippers of Christ. They had prayed ahead for me and my siblings and our generations to enter into our inheritances in Christ Jesus. I got born again while in secondary school, in Form One.
What are your core values and sacrosanct principles of life?
They are holiness unto the Lord, hard work, integrity, and love.
What is it like to be the wife of Baba Aladura, Pastor Wole Oladiyun?
I thank God for the privilege of selection to be the dear wife of Baba Aladura. It is a rare honour to be graced by God for the marriage ministry assignment to a great man like him. Thank God for divine abilities
Tell us more about your husband
He fears God. He is gifted with wisdom. He is focused, hardworking, creative, and humane.
Your marriage has grown from a humble beginning to a lofty height over the years. What are the success principles?
Great grace and mercy of God fear of God, love, understanding of our individuality, and mutual respect.
Family life in most homes is under siege. Why is it more difficult these days than decades ago for marriages to survive?
Dysfunctional family background, lack of working knowledge of Marriage principles Hosea 4:6A, lack of commitment to the responsibility of being married.
As a family life expert, what should couples do and avoid to enjoy a happy and peaceful home?
- Put God first
- Prioritize your spouse
- Avoid thinking you made a wrong choice (wrong thought pattern will influence your actions negatively).
- Effective communication is key. Make out time for intimate talk; discuss issues before they become a complaint.
- Resolve your small differences on time. Don’t allow them to snowball into big issues.
- Avoid using your strength as an instrument of punishment for your spouse.
- Always ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom (James 1:3).
- Pray for your marriage and home. The devil is angry, mad, and incensed at happy marriage and home. You cannot pray enough. Pray without ceasing for victory over challenges and for successful family life (1Thess 5:17).
Looking back, do you have any regret in life? Are there things you would have loved to do that you have not done?
I would love to own parks and a garden. It’s still possible. I would have loved to have had my Ph.D. by now
What is your vision for the rest of your lifetime?
To continue on the path of Family Life practice and Women’s ministry
What are the legacies you would want to leave behind? What do you want to be remembered for?
Godliness, integrity, love, and hard/smart work.
What are your expansion and service improvement plans for J.Nissi Schools?
J. Nissi is a divine mandate to raise a righteous generation of children for transformational leadership. So, I move as God unfolds and unpacks the mandate. We started our high school two sessions ago. By the grace of God, I hope in His mercies to give us a vast expanse of land for the next phase of the vision and the assignment of J.Nissi Schools.
Tell us about the day you will never forget
It is my first outreach experience in 1989 as a Christian youth corper with the Rivers state Christian Corpers Fellowship. We went on a trip to Onuegbum, Rivers State. It was my first canoe ride experience. Secondly, it was my first active involvement in a town crusade. I was amazed at the move of God at the mention of the great name of Jesus, and how satanic controls were crushed, and chains were broken. The captives who were delivered were full of joy at their freedom
A whole community received and embraced the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was such a joy. The people didn’t want us to leave their community, but we all had to return to our various places of primary assignments. It’s so sweet to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing can compare with His love.
TRIBUTES BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Bukola Oladiyun @ 60
Just like yesterday. The damsel I married @28 is now 60 years old; Our God is wonderful. How do I celebrate my destiny enhancer and glory promoter? She is a gift from God to me, my gentle friend, quiet but deep, a paragon of beauty. I celebrate my wife, a dutiful and Godly woman; the mother of our prophetic children; a farmer, and an unrepentant family life specialist.
A gifted educator and educationist, my counselor; you are a worshipper to the core; a teacher of the word of God; a committed handmaiden of God. You are very altruistic and forthright; diligent and exquisite in all areas; thank you for your tenacity and kindness. I love and cherish you unconditionally. Thank you for the journey so far. May your years ahead be wonderful and blissful in Jesus ‘name?
Luke 2:52: May you increase in wisdom and favour in Jesus’ precious name. Happy Diamond birthday to you my darling, Olubukola Oladiyun (Nee Olubakinde)
Pastor Wole Oladiyun, Husband
Birthday Greetings from Your Siblings
We the children of Pa (Chief) Samuel Olorunsola Olubakinde and Mrs. Victoria Mojibola Olubakinde, of blessed memories, do hereby celebrate and rejoice with you, Pastor Mrs. Olubukola Elizabeth Oladiyun (Nee Olubakinde) on this auspicious occasion of your Diamond Jubilee birthday celebrations. We are grateful to God for you and for the blessings you have been to your generation. May the Lord take you to a greater height. We wish you more years of glorious service in the Lord’s vineyard.
May this New Year mark the commencement of a new season of freshness, fruitfulness, and favour for you and your family. We pray for a continued and brilliant flame of God’s grace, fire, presence, and power to be evident in the deepest caverns of your being, and you will vanquish every foe and subdue more giants for the ever-increasing kingdom of God.
Ps 91:16: May the Lord satisfy you with long life in excellent health; Ps 92:12: May you flourish like the Palm tree and grow like the Cedar in Lebanon; Prov 4:18: May the light of God in you continue to shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, AKOKOEGWA; omo Lijoka abaun, Omo logo tun ‘ ya e se. Omo Ofala leye, Motailatu, Lisida, liketa ajina. Wo la ni o.
Welcome to the elders’ club. With love from your siblings
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Celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Pastor Mrs. Bukola Oladiyun
Writing a tribute about God’s Amazon Pastor Bukola Oladiyun is an honor. She is a woman of great calm even in stormy situations; a woman blessed with the pure wisdom of God. Through her destiny-moulding school, “JNISSI, many of tomorrow’s leaders have been moulded. I say it often but not lightly that it takes a woman of great wisdom and stability in the mould of Pastor Mrs. Bukola Oladiyun to manage a multi-faceted and highly cerebral man (her husband and my Covenant twin Brother), Apostle Wole Oladiyun.
Today, I join family and friends to celebrate you on the occasion of your 60th birthday. Our prayer is that God grants you unfailing health as you age gracefully in Jesus’ name. I pray that God will grant all your heart’s desires in Jesus’ name and all your good expectations shall not be cut off in Jesus’ name.
In this new season, there shall be many landmarks of jubilation to the glory of God.
On behalf of my family and myself, we say hearty cheers to you. Happy birthday, ma.
Apostle Dele and Pastor (Mrs.) Kunbi Johnson & family
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FROM TABERNACLE OF ARK OF PRAISE AND SALVATION MINISTRY
TO: OUR MUMMY IN THE LORD, PASTOR MRS OLUWABUKOLA OLADIYUN
Happy Birthday our dearest Mummy CLAM. We are one of your spiritual testimonies and testimonials. We bear witness to the fact that you are a fantastic example of wisdom, leadership, and foresight. We wish a very special mother and mentor a joyous and blessed Happy Birthday once again. We pray that God showers His love, mercy, and blessings upon you and your household always.
We pray that the coming years bring even more happiness and good health to you. Psalms 9:1-2: I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works; vs.2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High; Psalms 118:24: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. This is truly the day the Lord has made: it is unique and special, so this day shall be a special day for you in all ramifications, in the name of Jesus. You will experience special favour, special blessings, special promotion, special prosperity, special blessings, special fortune, and special touch of God, in the name of Jesus.
The good LORD shall surely and graciously grant you long life in comfort, in the name of Jesus. Good health shall be ordained by the Almighty God this day for you, in the name of Jesus. As you praise, worship, and pray to God today, you will never return empty-handed, in the name of Jesus.
Exodus 33:14: And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. From today you shall always live in the presence of the Lord with mind-blowing, dumb-founding, and testifying testimonies, in the name of Jesus. The peace of the Lord shall continue to abide with you always, in the name of Jesus. You will surely live beyond today to see a glorious tomorrow, in the name of Jesus. Remain blessed, ma.
Happy birthday, from all of us at TAPS MINISTRY. We wish you a beautiful day.
TAPS – HOLD THE FORT
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HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO OUR OWN MUMMY OLUWABUKOLA OLADIYUN FROM ALL OF US IN FEMI AND BOSE AKINOLA’S FAMILY
Today we celebrate the 60th birthday of a great human being and a kind-hearted child of God! Psalms 9:1-2: I: will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works; vs.2: I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalms 118:24: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. This is the day the Lord has made: it is unique and special, so this day shall be a special day for you in all ramifications, in the name of Jesus.
You will experience special favour, special blessings, special promotion, special prosperity, special blessings, special fortune, and special touch of God, in the name of Jesus. As you wake up to see this day whatever has woken up with you that is not of God shall catch fire and burn to ashes, in the name of Jesus.
As many as had wished you never to wake up from sleep and are angry to see you alive shall be made to pay for their evil deeds, in the name of Jesus. We especially ask God to use your birthday to give your family freedom from debts, demotion, oppression, poverty, trouble, problems, calamity, pendulum, tragedy, and disaster, in the name of Jesus.
The good LORD shall surely and graciously grant you long life in comfort, in the name of Jesus. Good health shall be ordained by the Almighty God this day for you, in the name of Jesus. As you praise, worship, and pray to God today, you will never return empty-handed, in the name of Jesus. Exodus 33:14: And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. From today you shall always live in the presence of the Lord with mind-blowing, dumb-founding, and testifying testimonies, in the name of Jesus.
The peace of the Lord shall continue to abide with you always, in the name of Jesus. You will surely live beyond today to see a glorious tomorrow, in the name of Jesus. You will never partake in this global pandemic, in the name of Jesus. Hebrew 13:20-21: Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant; vs.21: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
We invoke the Blood of Jesus which is the divine Blood of protection, healing, and redemption from Calvary to cover you and all yours, in the name of Jesus. May your new age be blessed and may every new day/week/month/year of your life witness more glorious accomplishments than the previous years
We appreciate your love, care, and hardworking sacrifice for your family and the kingdom of God. Proverb 3:9-10: Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: vs.10: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. We pray that as you honour the LORD your GOD today, your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine.
Genesis 24:21: And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. Job 8:6: If thou were pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Psalms 45:4: And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. As you take the step of your new journey in life today, the Lord shall grant you many more prosperous years ahead in good health, in the mighty name of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 5:33: Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess. Deuteronomy 11:9: And that ye may prolong your days in the land, which the LORD sware unto your fathers to give unto them and to their seed, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
May your days be long with comfort, joy, and happiness, in the name of Jesus. Psalms 128:2: For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. May you live to reap the fruits you have labored for, in the name of Jesus.
Proverb 22:1: A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold. Acts 3:6: Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have to give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise and walk. Silver and gold we have none now. But what we have we gave to you. In the name of Jesus, Happy birthday. Igba odun Iseju Kan ni Oruko Jesus. Do have a lovely birthday dear ma.
The Akinolas
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A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO OUR BELOVED MOTHER IN ISRAEL
Life’s milestones are not supposed to be counted; they’re supposed to be celebrated. On this note, I want to say a big congratulations to a special handmaiden of God, a woman of valour, my supremely blessed lioness of the pride, the awesomeness of God, a pillar of light to all humanity, my own very dear Pastor (Mrs.) Bukonla Oladiyun on this milestone of attaining 60 years on earth.
As I rejoice with you, I pray for more renewal of strength upon you in His vineyard, as things get better with age, may you keep approaching magnificent. Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional. Age, we say, is strictly a case of mind over matter. Keep being an extraordinary woman of excellence.
May the Lord give you more than half this century in accumulated knowledge and wisdom for His many works ahead. I know the world is a better place for having a spiritual figure like you in it, I’m so proud to be associated with you ma. I’m not worried about the greys; all I see are glitters of God’s glory worthy of a champion! Thank you for being so distinguished. I am glad for thus far God has taken you. I thank Him for many more to come in good health, sound mind, and more energy on fire for Him. I celebrate you my dearest woman of God. Happy birthday, ma!
Mrs. Olufunke Kofoworola Owoade (UK)
