In this in-depth and heartfelt conversation with ADEOLA OGUNLADE, Rev. Mrs. Iquo Ima Eragbai, wife of the fiery preacher, Reverend Ben Eragbai, fondly known as the ‘Jesus Soldier,’ shares her remarkable journey from journalism to full-time ministry.
She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of pastoral life, the vital role of women in the church, her unwavering passion for spiritual impact and legacy, and preparations for the upcoming Great Grace International Women’s Convention 2025.
ACKGROUND, journey of faith and ministry
I come from a deeply Christian home. My father was an elder in The Apostolic Church, and my mother was a deaconess. She told me she was ordained at the age of 21. Back then, they married early and were extremely devoted to the church. But it wasn’t just about going to church; they lived out the Christian faith in a way that was sincere and consistent. They were decent, God-fearing people who didn’t just profess Christianity — they lived it.
My mother, for instance, was a fish seller. I remember vividly how, whenever she returned from the market, she would set aside the biggest fish, not for us, but one for the pastor and another for the tithe. That was her way of honouring God. They paid tithes in cash and kind. We had about five plots of farmland, and the proceeds from one whole plot went directly to the pastor’s household. If they had ten plots, half a plot would be committed to God through the church.
We were ten children, and here’s something most people find surprising — my parents dedicated the last child, a girl, as a tithe to God. When she got married, we actually took her dowry to the church because she was a “tithe child.” That’s the kind of faith and commitment I saw growing up. So, when people argue today about whether to pay tithes or not, I just smile. Tithing worked for us. I saw the results firsthand — not because a pastor preached it, but because my parents lived it.
Their unwavering devotion and sacrifice greatly shaped me. They raised all of us— ten children in the village, yet every one of us was educated. That’s not easy, especially in those days. But God honoured their faith. So when people ask why I am so rooted in ministry and faith, I say it’s because I saw Christianity lived out in a way that was real, sacrificial, and fruitful
Life as a journalist turned preacher’s wife
Eragbai began her career as a journalist, specifically as a sports journalist, a rare feat for women at the time. “Yes, I started out in journalism, and I loved it,” she recalls with a smile. “I saw growth, life, and potential in the media space. My mentor, Mr. Paul Bassey, was instrumental in pushing me to be my best.” He’s hard-working, and he’s always challenging us to grow in media work. So I would have loved to be like him if I were still practising journalism.
However, God had other plans. “Though I aspired to be like my boss, the will of God pulled me into ministry. It wasn’t my plan, but God’s plan overrode mine,” she says candidly.
Love, marriage, and ministry
Her encounter with ministry was sealed through marriage. “We were in the same church—New Covenant Gospel Church under Rev. Felix Omobude. When I married my husband, I had no desire to become a pastor. I was content supporting the ministry from behind. But I started to see signs, and I knew I had to submit to God’s will.”
She emphasized that the journey has been bearable largely because of her husband’s genuine salvation. “He is truly born again. And it makes a difference. His commitment to God inspires me daily.”
Letting go for higher call
The reverend (Mrs) admits that she initially wanted to balance journalism and ministry, but the clash in timing and priorities made it impossible. “You can’t be in church and the newsroom at the same time. I had to resign and run a business alongside the ministry.” My husband is so addicted to God’s work and being his wife. He wanted full attention. He just told me, please, you have to resign from your work. I got to know many times we spent time praying, fasting, studying, visiting, moving together, and learning from him.
Balancing family and ministry
“Family will always come first,” she says. The Eragbais have raised their children in a home filled with prayer and ministry. My children are all big boys, and raising them when they were young was challenging. “It was challenging at first—waking up early, preparing meals, rushing to church—but we made it work, we balanced it to the extent that it did not affect church.”
Her husband’s zeal also shaped her own spiritual walk. “His love for God was so strong that I had to grow. I became more committed and passionate because I saw it in him.”
Empowering women through ministry
The woman of God is a champion of women’s ministry. “Women are foundational in any church. Jesus appeared first to a woman after the resurrection. If you impact a woman, you impact a family, community, and nation.”
Through her ministry, many women have been transformed. “Some who joined us couldn’t even eat. Today, they’re sending children abroad for studies. They’re growing spiritually, financially, and emotionally.”
She eschews long seminars in favour of prayer and practical empowerment. “We teach women how to start businesses. Being idle is part of the curse from the fall. But Jesus broke that curse.”
Threat from other women
Has your husband ever reported to you harassment from other women? “Yes, he has reported one or two cases to me. I remember when I travelled to Canada for a while, on my return, he told me about some ladies and said plainly, “These ones are fakes.” But honestly, knowing my husband, he doesn’t even give anyone the chance to try such. He is very bold. If anyone dares to behave inappropriately, he will respond immediately and openly.
There was a particular incident I recall, a lady, a top banker from our place, started attending our church. She would often sit suggestively. One day, right there during service, he looked at her and said, “Close your legs!” Just like that, in front of everyone. It was so direct that people in the church were shocked. She didn’t stay long after that.
My husband doesn’t entertain nonsense. He always says he didn’t get his salvation on a platter of gold, so now that he has it, he’s not ready to lose it for anything or anyone. That’s why I told you earlier, my husband is truly born again. I mean born again.
He doesn’t sugarcoat words when preaching either. He’ll say it as it is: “If you come here with ulterior motives, God will punish you.” He’s not the kind of pastor who keeps ladies hanging around unnecessarily. You know, there are some men, maybe out of fear, or lack of boldness, or even interest—they leave room for those kinds of advances. But not my husband, he will call you out and rebuke you openly. He simply does not give room for such nonsense.
Heart for legacy, heaven
“Legacy for me is living for Christ and impacting lives. I want to help people grow spiritually and materially,” she says. But she never forgets the ultimate goal: heaven.
“Yes, people need to prosper here on earth, but heaven remains the goal. It’s not about seminars or status, but about knowing God and living a life pleasing to Him.”
Upcoming women’s convention
The atmosphere is charged with expectation as preparations peak for the Great Grace International Women’s Convention 2025, themed ‘Divine Answers,’ scheduled to hold from Thursday, May 22nd to Sunday, May 25th, this year’s edition promises to be a life-transforming encounter for all attendees.
Drawing from the story of Mary Magdalene and the other women at Jesus’ tomb, she emphasised that just as they received divine answers before they even asked, God is set to deliver long-awaited answers in the lives of His people.
“When the women were going to anoint Jesus’ body, they asked, ‘Who will roll away the stone?’ But before they arrived, God had already sent an angel to roll the stone away and reveal the next move of God. This convention is for anyone who is asking God questions about marriage, children, finances, health, or destiny. I believe this year, answers will be waiting before we even ask,” she said passionately.
“This year’s convention is going to be a legalistic bombardment and glorious move of God.”
The programme kicks off on Thursday evening, followed by an all-night service on Friday at the church headquarters. The grand finale is held on Sunday, May 25th, with a Thanksgiving service at AVERA Estate, Ajah, Lagos. The Sunday service will be held in two sessions- 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
A major highlight of the convention is the presence of the wife of the former National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Mama Abiola Omobude, revered mother in the faith, who will be ministering powerfully during the programme.
Other guest ministers include Pastor Mrs. Tope Ogunoiki and Pastor Sammy David from Liberia.
Interestingly, the convention, though organised by women, is not exclusively for women. “We call it the We-Men Convention,” Eragbai said, explaining that while women sponsor and organise it, the impact is for everyone- men, women, and families alike.
