Visionaries are the foundation of change in our world today. These individuals strive to make a difference, advocate for the underprivileged, and encourage others to follow in their footsteps. They are all devoted to improving society, regardless of whether they are activists, actors, pastors, or business owners. Beyond national boundaries, their work impacts their local communities and globally. They serve as a reminder that how we impact the lives of others is the real measure of success.

Funke Felix-Adejumo, a Nigerian Bishop, educator, writer, marriage advisor, and humanitarian, is one such visionary. She is the founder of Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation, an organisation dedicated to restoring women’s dignity and empowering women. She has created lifechanging projects like Grace Orphanage and a children’s hospital out of her devotion to glorify God and bless people.

Her pastoral ministry has impacted innumerable lives, providing direction and hope. She continues to encourage and motivate people worldwide as the author of more than 50 books, including Fifty Lessons Life Taught Me.

In this interview with THEWILL DOWNTOWN’s Executive Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, Funke Felix-Adejumo discusses her life’s work, her vision for empowering women, and the many ways she continues to impact society.

What inspired your pastoral ministry and teaching?

My pastoral ministry and teaching are inspired by the same things that inspire and guide my life: honouring God and blessing humanity. Irrespective of the topic or area my ministry covers, I am intentional about seeing that self is not glorified and personal gain is not at the centre; even if my perspective is criticised, my goal and pursuit are constant: honouring God and blessing humanity.

Can you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your ministry and how you overcame them?

Being hurt and criticised by the people you are labouring to help. Many don’t see what leaders go through: the late nights, the struggles, the self-denial, and in the midst of all these, you are being criticised by those for whom this struggle is for. How did I overcome. I simply looked to Jesus; those who said kill him were the same people he was dying to save.

In the midst of one of these challenging moments, my coach said something profound to me that shifted my life.

He said whatever happens to you happens for you. As I looked to Jesus, I realised that the cross always leads to the throne, so I embraced my cross with joy and a broad smile because thereafter is my elevation.

How do you balance your multiple roles as a Pastor’s wife, teacher, author, and counsellor?

Well, I won’t say there is anything different that I do that allows me to balance any of these things effectively.

Life’s results are not based on what we do but rather on who we are, so I would say I have made it part of my make up to be an effective person and all those who work with me are trained, encouraged and inspired to work based on who I am.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work after so many years?

I understood early in life that life is lived in seasons, and for every season comes its inspirations, goals, desires, and challenges. As a person, the principles that govern my life don’t allow me to stay static. There are new heights to be reached. Like I will always say, the illiterate of the 21st century is not one who lacks the ability to read or write but the one who refuses to unlearn and relearn.

What was the initial vision behind the Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation?

The passion to empower women.

Can you share some success stories from the Grace Orphanage or the Children’s Hospital?

It’s humbling and fulfilling to see how children who would have died are alive, bubbling and fulfilling their God-ordained destinies.

The day a set of twins was delivered at the Kharis-Life Hospital brought my husband and me so much joy.

How do you decide which projects to focus on through your foundation?

We pick projects based on the challenges we see around us that God has commissioned and inspired us to solve. And God help us, there are a lot.

What impact do you hope to make with your foundation in the next five years?

I don’t know if we can make this happen in five years, but I truly desire that we build a world where women and children are safe and in an environment that allows them to be the best versions of themselves.

How do you and Bishop Felix ’Remi Adejumo complement each other in your ministry?

My greatest blessing after salvation is my husband. He has been a blessing to me; for us, we just use our strengths to help each other and cover the places where each person is inadequate. My husband is more business savvy so he runs our business and I cover other areas in which I am stronger.

What key principles have helped you maintain a strong and successful marriage?

I will just make a list.
1. Trust.
2. Communication: by communication, I don’t mean the exchange of information. Rather, it’s an expression of thoughtfulness, words and action. You must communicate visions, purpose, vulnerabilities, insecurities.
3. Freedom: we allow ourselves the freedom to express and to fly.
4. Shared vision and support.
5. Togetherness: we do everything together, from prayer to cooking, and playing to businesses. We may have freedom, but we never forget to do everything together and we share everything.

How did your upbringing influence your current path and mission in life?

I didn’t have much support, but I had my biological father, who believed in the girlchild, and he proved it in my life. I had people who didn’t think much of me. So, I had to depend on God fully and put in the work to rise. I had too many people to prove wrong. It started with me making the decision to be amongst the leading ladies in the world and staying with that decision until I see it through.

What are some of the most valuable life lessons you’ve learned along the way?

There is no self-made man; we are only helped men. Helped by God and helped by other men. I also learnt that it is what you put into you and you project in the world; that is what you will see happen in your life. I am not afraid to speak to the world about the realities I want to see. My anchor is God. As I worship and praise Him, He lifts me up.

Finally, learning daily equates to earning daily. I am a learner. I learn from anywhere and anyone. As you know, I am studying law at the University, and I am currently in part 4.

You recently celebrated 40 years of marriage with your husband. What would you say has been the key to sustaining a loving and successful relationship with your husband?

I would say God and keeping the principles that have always kept our love fresh.

What are some of the most memorable moments or milestones from your 40 years of marriage?

There are so many I can’t start to say now.

What are the most important qualities you believe every young couple should cultivate for a lasting marriage?

Marriage is a lifelong journey. There will be bumps on the road, amongst many other things, but if there is vision and direction, if you service your marriage, be it date night, vacations, surprise gifts, inside jokes, and infusing things that make the journey interesting, the joy and goodness will outweigh the down times.

Onah Nwachukwu
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A lawyer by training, Onah packs over a decade of experience in both editorial and managerial capacities.
Nwachukwu began her career at THISDAY Style before her appointment as Editor of HELLO! NIGERIA, the sole African franchise of the international magazine, HELLO!
Thereafter, she served as Group Editor-in-Chief at TrueTales Publications, publishers of Complete Fashion, HINTS, HELLO! NIGERIA and Beauty Box.

Onah has interviewed among others, Forbes’ richest black woman in the world, Folorunso Alakija, seven-time grand slam tennis champion, Roger Federer, singer Miley Cyrus, Ex Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio while coordinating interviews with Nigerian football legend, Jayjay Okocha, and many more.

In the past, she organised a few publicity projects for the Italian Consulate, Lagos, Nigeria under one time Consul General, Stefano De Leo. Some other brands under her portfolio during her time as a Publicity Consultant include international brands in Nigeria such as Grey Goose, Martini, Escudo Rojo, Chivas, Martell Absolut Elix, and Absolut Vodka.

Onah currently works as the Editor of TheWill DOWNTOWN.