Pastor of the Baptist Church, Oke-Ife in Ijebu-Ife, Ogun State, Dr. Sunday Ayegbonyin, has described Mrs Silifat Ajoke Osifowora, who passed on recently at the age of 79, as an embodiment of peace and a great inspiration to many around her when she was alive
He made the remark at the commendation service in honour of Mrs Osifowora at Oke-ife, Ijebu-ife on Friday April 18.
Mrs Osifowora was the mother of broadcast journalist and ex-staff of Television Continental, Mr Gboyega Osifowora
In his sermon titled “A perfect rest”, Pastor Ayebonyin said she served God’s purpose during her lifetime.
Pastor Ayegbonyin recalled how the late Mrs Osifowora encouraged many people to attend church and how she always demonstrated her faith in God.
He said the late matriarch of the Osifowora family ensured that she carried her children along in the faith. “I can say Mama loved church and loved encouraging people to come to church, especially Sunday service. She was friendly and cared for the people around her. She had an enduring spirit and took her challenges in her stride. She brought sound gospel to her family. I believe she has gone to rest.”
Testimonies
One of mama’s children, Mrs Bunmi Aderogba corroborated the claim of the pastor. She recalled how her mother used to make church service attractive to them when they were growing up. “I remember eating rice and chicken was not a common meal in those days. But she would cook rice and chicken for anybody who went to church with her. She would also buy minerals for us.”
She also recalled how her late mother would sing the song, “Open My Eyes Oh Lord, I am ready to obey,” while noting that the song has been a great inspiration for her in her relationship with God.
In his testimony, Gboyega Osifowora, who came home from his base in the United States for the burial of his mother, said his mother had a great influence on his life.
He recalled how he was encouraged to save money by his mother and how that culture of saving helped him in his career.
“I have had my trying times, but my mother was a great inspiration and encouragement. He was the one who taught me how to save money. I used to work in the bank many years ago and was earning as much as N50k, monthly which was a huge money then. But I lost the job and had to end up taking a teaching job where I was paid N5k.
“My mother was the one who encouraged me to begin to save money from the 5K. When I earned N50k, I was not saving. But she insisted I should be saving from the N5k.
‘It looked impossible. But I obeyed her and it worked. I was saving N2,500 from the N5k and survived that season. For that, I am eternally grateful to my mother. I have since taken that lesson to heart. It has helped me to curb my excesses and keep me focused.”
Burial Date
The commendation service was attended by friends and family members of the Osifoworas. The burial of Mrs Osifowora will take place on April 25 in Lagos after a wake-keep service on April 24.
