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Tag: Siju Iluyomade

  • ‘Gone are the days of voiceless women’

    For her philanthropy, impact on the woman and girl-child development and society in general, Pastor (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade was recently conferred with an honourary doctorate degree of Law at the 8th Convocation Ceremony of the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha sought her out for a quick, yet revealing interview.

    Though her personae is more about touching lives, particularly women and children, (not excluding men) through her ‘Arise Women’, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) and Arise Women Mobile Clinics, Pastor (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade rarely talks about the feats being achieved through these organisations.

    Reasons? Pastor Siju, as she is fondly addressed by brethren at Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David (RCCG, COD), Victoria Island, where her husband is head pastor, says, “It is not about me but about serving and ministering to people through the impartation of the word of God, thereby empowering women to fulfil their destinies in Christ.

    “Women have a lot to contribute to nation building as we have witnessed in other nations of the world. Women have a right to leadership because the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world”.

    Because a gold fish has no hiding place, her influence  through ‘Arise’ has not gone unnoticed by the governing council and management of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, hence her recent conferment with the award of Honourary Doctorate Degree of Law during the 8th Convocation ceremony of the institution.

    According to the Vice Chancellor, Prof Igbekele Amos Ajibefun, the university chose to confer her with the honour in recognition of her contributions to the development of society. “The founder and convener of the Arise Foundation, Mrs Sijuade Iluyomade is a distinguished Nigerian, whose lifestyle and achievements tally with the university’s tradition of excellence and integrity. And in recognition of these feats, she is conferred with the Doctor of Law, Honoris Causa.”

    Indeed, the university community was not left out of the ‘Arise’ medical outreach, as students, staff and the entire Akungba-Akoko community, and its environs trooped out to partake of the medical mission/free treatments carried out by the NGO.

    But how did Mrs. Iluyomade birth this noble vision? How does she seamlessly combine her career as a lawyer, chairman and director of several establishments, including Visible Oil Limited, Visible Energy Services Limited, the Healing Stripes Hospital, and the Riverbank School, with the work of God?

    Siju, 54, and a mother of three- a male and twins (females) was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985. She has been in active legal practice since then, as a partner in the law firm of Iluyomade and Iluyomade and Co.

    Siju has also been a discussant and panellist at several legal fora on issues relating to sexual offences, child abuse, child and maternal health; and is a major advocate for the girl child education in Nigeria.

    With her, the passion for women’s overall well-being, and empowerment can never be quenched.

    “I speak up for the rights of women and believe that gone are the days of voiceless women. I am passionate, purpose-driven, a catalyst for change, a vessel of change and transformation,” Siju explained.

    ‘Arise’ The Nation on Sunday gathered, is a product of experiences that touched the inner recesses of a young girl’s heart.

    Siju’s mother, Mrs Henrietta Bamidele Adejumo, was a member of a group of Nigerian nurses in the United Kingdom who returned home in the early 60’s, bringing with them the NGO, Planned Parenthood Federation, an organisation devoted to family planning. Siju had a first-hand experience of the vulnerability, inadequacies, and a clear understanding of the everyday problems of the average woman.

    It was the passion of Siju’s mother to sensitise women on family planning issues, including maternal health, child and maternal mortality, among others that shaped her mind into founding ‘Arise’.

    As a teen at Queen’s College, Siju joined the Girl’s Guide. She led the third Lagos company of the Nigerian Guide, and in this capacity encountered once again the ordinary people, and learnt to do things for the most vulnerable of the society.

    These experiences found a bank in her heart. A seed of compassion was sown.

    Siju puts it aptly, “I went to an all-girls boarding school, and I found myself being able to adapt easily to the needs of girls and ladies. “And whenever I see a woman that is in need and seems helpless, it is like my whole being convulses. Immediately, I am thinking of how I could help. I guess those are the inspirations for ‘Arise’.

    Siju, married 38 years ago, to Pastor Idowu Iluyomade (popularly called Pastor I.D), Special Assistant to the General Overseer of the RCCG on Corporate Social Responsibility, and Pastor-in-Charge of Region 20 Headquarters (Apapa Family) says she feels complete as a woman and is under nobody’s shadow, even as she sees herself as a co-labourer with her husband.

    “Saturday, October 31, 2009 witnessed the first ‘Arise’ Women’s conference. That was the first step we needed to take. …And because our focus was to be a blessing to others, we knew God would bless and drench our cause in abundance, and this year, we are Ten years old. Alleluia! God is taking us to greater heights”, said Siju.

    Did she ever thought of ending up as pastors wife and founding such a lofty cause?

    “No. Not particularly. However, I grew up in a home in Lagos, where church was a priority. As a family, we attended Christ Church Cathedral, Marina, Lagos. We never missed service, Mattins, Holy Communion ‘said and sung’, Evensong, Palm Sunday walking with our donkey through the streets of Lagos, and making a triumphant entry into the Cathedral.

    “My paternal grandfather was a reverend gentleman of the Anglican Communion, and my father-in-law was an archdeacon of the Anglican Communion. Church has always been a part of my life. Even social activities were church based. Carolling afloat a boat ride, where carols were sung  by all families, as the boat sailed on the Marina. Easter Monday festivities at the Binney’s  Zoo (Yaba) and Ife; I would go to the ‘All Souls Chapel’ by myself. So transitioning into the role of a pastor’s wife wasn’t difficult.”

    Siju describes her view of a woman in the ministry, mother and wife in the following words: “Marriage should last a lifetime. The Bible describes marriage as Christ and the Church. Marriage is important to our successes and failures in life. It is key to nation building. Solid marriages give us a solid foundation.”

    She also says, “A Christian knows that marriage is a life’s journey, and there will be many in-betweens. Use every tool at your disposal to make it work – prayers, tears, humour, pampering, more prayers, and shhhhh! Do not say I told you, but a little play-fight doesn’t hurt, and more prayers. Love never fails. Love always triumphs. A wise woman builds her home. God bless you.”

  • ‘Women can do more, if healthy’

    Government at all levels have been urged show more commitment to upgrade health facilities across the country. Doing so will ensure patients access quality health care.

    The wife of the Regional Pastor of Region 20 of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David (COD), Victoria Island Lagos, Pastor (Mrs) Siju Iluyomade gave the advice at this year’s Health walk tagged, “Walk for Life”.

    Pastor Siju said if health facilities are not just consulting rooms, but up to date, as they were in the 70s and 80s, then there would be drastic reduction in the brain drain being currently witnessed in the health sector. She also said medical tourism would be in the trash can of history. “The era of state governments setting up tables and chairs and seeing patients on ad hoc basis would stop. Nigerians deserve good hospitals,” she said.

    Continuing, Pastor Siju said: “The era of setting up tables, and beds without putting adequate man power and equipment should stop. There should be good hospitals in every 30 mile-walk in Nigeria. I remember vividly how the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) was. All members of the health team were ready to do their bit. LUTH stood among committees of tertiary institutions on the Continent, but the story has changed overtime.

    “The best doctors were there at Idi Araba.  There was no room for misdiagnoses. Nobody was interested in travelling outside the country for medical treatment. We should return to where we were and stop fooling ourselves that we are getting better. The situation is worse off.

    “The Nigerian populace is not getting good health care delivery. Every woman is entitled to good health facility, because she is the most vulnerable in the society-she gives birth to children, nurtures, work and complement the husband’s efforts in the upkeep of the home and she is the stabilising factor in the home”.

    She said though the Walk was the 10th, she does not intend to relent on her effort. “I intend to spread the message through this vision nationally-that humankind deserves a better life. It will also soon turn to a global message-that the woman is important to the society.”

    According to the saying- a hand that rocks the cradle rules the world. And modern women are ready, and we are Arising Now”.

    On the forthcoming conference she said it was her dream to encourage and equip today’s woman for “…every good work” in her generation. According to 2nd Tim 3:17, ARISE is a Faith-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) which is committed to accelerating nation-building through the empowerment of women in the society. So, ARISE Women’s Conference exists to empower women to rise above any circumstance or obstacle through the power of Jesus Christ and His Word.

    “The conference is designed to be a life-changing annual weekend experience full of practical Biblical teaching, worship, creative media, and artistic expression saturated in a dynamic and fun atmosphere. It is open to all women from any background and denomination,” she said.

    Also speaking, her husband, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, ARISE is a Faith-based NGO which is committed to accelerating nation-building through the empowerment of women in the society, “ARISE has also been passionate about the health of women and free preventive medical care is being offered to women in the area of HIV tests, eye tests, blood pressure and blood sugar level tests. It is my dream to encourage and equip today’s woman by joining my wife in this vision.

    “God is God of life. To do anything for God, one needs this body. So, it must be kept healthy and fit. And one will achieve God’s purpose for one’s life. We are using this Health walk to advocate for a good health for women. As she normally says, hand that rocks the baby rules the nation,” he added.

     

  • Siju Iluyomade still the stylish pastor’s wife

    Siju Iluyomade still the stylish pastor’s wife

    TWO suns cannot share the day, nor two moons the night. Siju Iluyomade is the silvery moon that brooks no rivals. Aided by an array of polished and expensive jewellery and accoutrements, she glows as the most stylish and elegant ‘woman of God’ in Nigeria. The co-pastor at the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where her husband, Pastor David, holds sway, Siju is an epitome of elegance and style.

    Although the City of David parish of RCCG is regarded in most quarters as the richest RCCG parish in the country, none of the wealthy, upscale, happening babes who flock to its premises every Sunday can compete with Siju in the fashion stakes. Not only is she their spiritual shepherd, she also sets the pace in stylish adornment while they do their best to follow.

    Unlike some other pastors’ wives who ride their husbands’ coattails to fame, Pastor Siju is a woman worth her weight in gold. She spares no expense in her bid to look good, patronising world class designers like Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Zagliani and Marc Jacobs. She is, in short, the reference point for fashion among Christian ladies.

  • Trendy, trendy Siju Iluyomade

    Anyone who desires to know how to stand out from the crowd must be willing to learn from Siju Iluyomade. The wife of the senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Idowu Olusola Iluyomade, is simply a trendsetter. Discarding the dour lifestyle of the typical woman of God, Siju bedecks herself like a queen, ruling over the realms of fashion and style. Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Zagliani, Christian Louboutin, and Hermes roll off her lips as effortlessly as any familiar Bible passage.

    Being a senior pastor at City of David Parish, arguably the richest church branch in the country, the beautiful woman is no stranger to the sight of women with combination of wealth, elegance and beauty trooping to the church every Sunday. But in terms of flamboyance, charm, wit and style, the well-connected pastor’s wife puts them all in the shade. Her collection of jewellery is a collector’s dream and she is never timid in flaunting them.

  • Siju Iluyomade’s fashion sense

    Among  Nigerian women of God, few can compete with Pastor Siju Iluyomade in the fashion and influence stakes. The blindingly beautiful wife of Pastor David Iluyomade, head pastor of RCCG City of David Parish, has it all when it comes to fashion and style. She has the looks, the regal appearance, the graceful manner, the eloquent speech, the luxurious wardrobe and the ample taste in jewellery and shine things, which all come together to make her the complete package among fashionable female pastors in the country. Even though she co-presides over the richest branch of RCCG in Nigeria, the wealthy women who troop to the church every Sunday are no match for her. The elegant pastor dwarfs all of them in terms of the breadth of her accoutrements and expensive assemblage of designer accessories and exquisite wear.

    Pastor Siju is not in the fashion game to play. The fashion labels she patronizes include Zagliani, Hermes, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Christian Louboutithe élite of the élite. Not limiting herself to making mouth-opening fashion statements, Pastor Siju, through her pet project, Arise Women, has also moved into social advocacy. She has also teamed with other powerful women in the society to champion the cause of the Nigerian woman.

  • Siju Iluyomade romances fame

    Siju Iluyomade romances fame

    Any genuine list of the most fashionable and influential female pastors in Nigeria must necessarily feature Pastor Siju Iluyomade, the glamorous wife of Pastor David Iluyomade of the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Pastor Siju is blessed with an overabundance of beauty and a luxury wardrobe, two essential requirements for a fashion icon.

    Pastor Siju is one of the most sophisticated ladies around. Even though the City of David Parish is regarded as one of the richest RCCG parishes in Nigeria and its congregation boasts some of the most fashionable Christian women around, the elegant pastor dwarfs them all in terms of the breadth of her accoutrements and expensive assemblage of designer accessories and exquisite wear far beyond the means of all except the extremely rich women.

    The designer labels she patronises include Zagliani, Hermes, Gucci, Marc Jacobs and Christian

    Louboutithe élite of the élite. And money is no issue for the powerful woman as she buys, uses and discards expensive rides, wear, gems and jewelleries with a frequency that would befuddle even the rich.

    The dynamic mother of three has moved beyond the house of God into the larger society with her pet project, Arise Women. The platform, now in its seventh year, is designed to educate and assist women in need in the society. Lately, she has gone into alliance with other powerful women in the country as was evident in the recent Arise Womens Conference which had the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun; wife of the Vice-President, Dolapo Osinbajo; the First Lady of Kwara State, Omolewa Ahmed and other prominent female leaders in attendance.

  • Graceful, exotic world of Siju Iluyomade

    Many rich and privileged women totter into fashion, but it takes a profound and perceptive one to mirror the depth of current trends to the world. These, incidentally, are traits that Siju Iluyomade has mastered. Not only does she possess the verve and charisma needed to dictate the pace of fashion, she has metamorphosed into an ambassador of modern Christianity.

    The wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, Victoria Island, Lagos, is not just a pastor’s wife. She lives her life like a queen, always dressed in Gucci, Zagliani, Hermes and Marc Jacobs products. For her, Christianity has evolved beyond conservative dress. Among other pastors’ wives in Nigeria, she reigns as the queen of style and fashion.

    Although she is a pastor’s wife, she remains the essence of glamour, elegance and unrestrained aura. City of David, arguably one of the richest RCCG parishes in Nigeria, is filled with elegant women who appear in church in elegant and immaculate dresses. But they mostly pale into insignificance compared to the flamboyance of their pastor’s wife. Her pretty face looks more like a work of art. She drives the best of cars and wears the most expensive of accessories.

    Heads turn each Sunday when she steps into church in appreciation of her beauty, while some ladies are simply green with envy. Her jewellery twinkle with carats of diamonds and gem stones and cause the hearts of many to overflow with longing.

  • Siju Iluyomade’s amazing lifestyle

    Christianity has evolved above the limits of conservative dress codes. Pastors’ wives are becoming fashion role models. Siju Iluyomade, wife of Pastor Idowu Iluyomade of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David, Victoria Island, Lagos is fast becoming the queen of fashion among pastors’ wives in Nigeria.

    Siju lives like a queen; always dressed in designers outfits like Gucci, Zagliani, Hermes, Marc Jacobs, and Christian Louboutin. Even when she attends a function with A-list society women, her style and fashion sense stand out.

    City of David, regarded as the richest RCCG parish in Nigeria, is full of elegant women but theirs are no way near the flamboyant style of their pastor’s wife. Her pretty face is like a work of art. She drives the best of cars and wears the best of body accessories. Heads turn in admiration when she steps into church every Sunday.