NAWRED:66-Joel Adedeji

JOEL ADEDEJI 

LATE PROFESSOR JOEL ADEDEJI’S CHRIST FOUNDATION MARKS 23RD ANNIVERSARY – TOLA ADENLE

Late Professor Joel Adeyinka Adedeji of the Department of Theater Arts at the University of Ibadan founded The Christ Foundation in 1992 with the goal of providing WHOLENESS IN BROKENNESS to physically-challenged persons for Christ and society.

Professor Adedeji would join the Saints Triumphant in 2002, ten years after starting the non-governmental organization but not before laying out a path for the Foundation. His six children, all professionals and all now resident abroad except one, have ensured that the Foundation has continued to provide for quite few in the physically-challenged at Ibadan, Nigeria, empowerment that helps them function and provide for themselves and their families as well as contribute to society.

Under the leadership of Chief P.C. Ajayi-Obe, one of Nigeria’s earliest female SANs who is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, the Foundation has continued to get resources to continue the work started by Professor Adedeji.

The 23rd anniversary was marked this past week at Ibadan under the chairmanship of Chief Babalola of Jogor Center, Ibadan, and among those in attendance were Mrs. Ajayi-Obe, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo who continues to be a presence at Christ Foundation events, Professor Bolanle Awe, Professor Bopo Osuntokun, Engineer & Mrs. Alade and Mrs. Wura Sowande (nee Adedeji), a member of the Board of Trustees.

Highlights of the Anniversary include crafts by physically-challenged persons which were patronized by attendees and the gifts of crutches, wheelchairs and other materials donated or purchased from fund-raising to members

Transport, for instance, has always proved a big challenge. In the early years, Prof. used to ferry members around in his station-wagon which was very difficult for the physically-challenged but through fund-raising, he was able to set aside funds for the first van of the Foundation but from those small beginnings of a station wagon to a van not adapted to the physically-challenged, the Foundation now boasts a very modern passenger van that is purpose-built.

Funds were generously donated by, among others – Abundant Life Worship Center, The North Chuurch, Mr. Ogunsanya, Mr. Asojo, Mr. Akinseye, Mr. Obi,  Mr. Dogbe, Mr. Adeola, Mr. Ajibade and some Adedejis – all in the United States of America AND Ms. I. Ojji, in the UK.

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