- How His Journey Into Ministry Started 41 Yrs Ago
Pastor Adeleke Adeyeni is the General Overseer of New Light of the Truth Bible Ministry. He is a man of God, rooted in the deep teaching of the word of God, he is also a prolific writer who has written many souls lifted books to his credit. The Big news is that he turned 80 a few days back.
Pastor Adeleke Adeyeni (JP) was born on September 8, 1938, to the family of Chief Emmanuel Jalekun Adeyeni of Atiki Compound, Ile-Ife and Chief (Mrs.) Alice Omiwola (nee Ogunfolakan) of Arode Ijio, Ile-Ife, both of blessed memory. They were born-again Christians. He lived as errand boy to his late grandfather Chief Abraham Bamidoye Omisakin who was a High Chief (WAASIN of Ile-Ife) from 1930 to 1st of August, 1949 when he died. Daddy attended St. Francis Catholic School, Iraye-Modakeke, Ife, in 1950. Ethiopian Primary School, Iyekere, Ile-Ife between 1951-1955 when he passed out with distinction. He spent two terms in St. David Modern School, Ile-Ife in 1956. He was at Ife Grammar School, Ile-Ife from 1957-1961 where he passed out.
Pastor Adeyeni taught at Timi Agbale College in Ede in 1962 and also at Oluorogbo High School, Ile-Ife in 1963. He joined the Civil Service of Western Region in 1963 as a Produce Inspector under the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ibadan. He worked in the following places: Abeokuta Ikare-Akoko, Apapa, Ikirun, Aisegba, Ikare-Akoko (second time), Ile-Oluji and Ibadan where he voluntarily retired on 28th February 1977. As a self-employed, Pastor Adeyeni was a Petrol Dealer with Mobil Oil Nig. Plc. Motor Dealer; Cocoa Merchant, Civil Contractor, and seasoned farmer. Lastly and most importantly, a Clergyman. He is the General Overseer of New Light of the Truth Bible Ministry (Nigeria & Overseas).
He is a Life member of Bible Society of Nigeria and Life member, Gideon International. Socially, Pastor Adeyeni is a life member of Rotary International (Paul Harris Fellow); First Treasure, Ife Action Council at inception; Member Caretaker Committee, Ife Central Local Government (1990); Past President of Osun Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Secretary, Ife-based Elders Forum’ Member, Ife Country Club and past President, Ife Dynamic Club, Lover of widows (even though, a widower) and a constant giver to the needy. He has attended and participated in Seminar, Conferences in and outside Nigeria. He is also a lover of leisure and nature.
Happily married to late Aduke Awelewa Adeyeni nee Karimu Adeyoju of Ilesha for 39 years before she went to be with her Lord. The marriage is blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren.
Last week, Pastor Adeleke celebrated his 80th birthday in the ancient town of Ile-Ife. City People’s Assistant Editor, SUNDAY ADIGUN spoke with him briefly and he spoke about how he was called into the ministry 41 years ago. Excerpts.
Seeing a lot of people gathered to celebrate with you today, how do you feel?
I feel so happy, I feel so blessed. I love God, God loves me, he has kept and preserved my life to this day, there is nothing I can do than to give thanks to him. I have every reason to appreciate him. To celebrate 80yrs is not a joke. So I thanked him for keeping me alive.
What has life taught you at 80?
Life has taught me discipline, and I will advise every man, every woman to be disciplined. I am a very disciplined man, all my children can testify to that. God has disciplined me and I have also disciplined myself, it is by that discipline I am living and I will continue to discipline myself.
Can you reminisce about your journey in life? How did life start for you?
I started my life as an errand boy. But I was a workaholic in every sphere of life in my journey. And God prospered me.
How did your ministerial journey start?
My ministerial journey started by a calling 41 years ago after my retirement. He called me that I should serve him in 1999 when I was operated twice in a day. At the second operation God ministered to me that I should go and evangelised for him, and this has been doing till date.
What message do you have for people that came to celebrate with you today and your children?
I want to thank everyone for coming through also wants to appreciate my children too. My advice for everyone is to love one another. Let’s learn to tolerate each other. Once again I appreciate everybody, God bless you.
