The first Memorial Service held in honour and in celebration of the life and legacy of the late Rev. Mrs. Adetola Olufumilayo Bidemi Emman-Imeleye, a minister of the Foursquare Gospel Church, Ekpan District Headquarters in Delta State, witnessed the launch and inauguration of the Adetola Emman-Imeleye Foundation, aimed at furthering her passion in “the ministry of helps”, with an appeal to donors “to give generously and benevolently to ensure her legacy continues to shine bright.”

The Memorial Service which held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, had in attendance family of the late minister as led by her husband Rev. Emmanuel Imeleye, who is the Senior Pastor of the Ekpan District; Rev. Jerry Oyegoke, the Mid-West Region Coordinator and District Overseer of the ministry; Dcns. (Mrs.) Esther Tonlagha, founder of Esther Matthew Tonlagha Foundation (EMTF); Dr. Alfred Mulade, former Registrar of the Nigerian Maritime University (NMU) Okerenkoko; Chief Olufemi Godwin, former Chairman of Benikrukru community in Gbaramatu Kingdom; other church ministers and members as well as sympathisers. 

The Memorial Service which held 3pm in the church premises alsi featured prayers for the surviving family members of the late Rev. Adetola, praise and worship, singing of hymns, paying of testimonies and tributes in memory of the deceased, choir and guest ministration, among other programmes.

Described as "a rare gem of inestimable value", the late minister who transitioned to eternal glory on January 7, 2024, at the age of 57 years, was fondly remembered as a minister who "was always ready to support the less privileged and invest in ministerial training and development" according to a keynote address delivered by the Rev. Oyegoke.

"I encourage the committee to ensure the involvement of credible and honourable individuals in the governance of this Foundation," Rev. Oyegoke further cautioned, and added in counsel, "Let it be a legacy of seamless service, reflecting the heart and spirit of our departed sister, and ensuring that her good works continue to bless lives and advance the Kingdom of God."

The minister further charged the biological children (Lara, Karina, and Tomiwa) as well as spiritual children the late Minister nurtured in faith to "Let her memories on by carrying forward her legacies; embrace and imbibe the qualities that defined her life: humility, loyalty, dedication, and a heart of service" as well as to "Let her exemplary life serve as a guide for how you live, work, and serve in God's vineyard."

According to her citation, "The late Rev. Mrs. Adetola Emman-Imeleye Adetola was a distinguished minister of the gospel, educator, public servant, and role model. She was renowned for her multifaceted contributions to ministry, education and family life, as well as her unwavering commitment to the kingdom of God.

"A lifelong learner, Rev. Mrs Adetola Emman-Imeleye achieved academic excellence with degrees from the University of Jos, Delta State University, and the LIFE Theological Seminary, among others. Her career spanned public service, academia, and ministry including roles as a lecturer, examiner, and client manager.

"In ministry, she served faithfully in various capacities within the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, rising to the roles of National Ministerial Council Executive (Welfare), Member, Foursquare Assets Sharing Committee, Regional Secretary – Pastors Wives / Lady Ministers Fellowship; District Secretary, President– Pastors Wives / Lady Ministers Fellowship Ekpan District and Zonal Superintendent Ekpan Zone.

"Her services and leadership extended to Interdenominational platforms, where she held positions such as the Secretary of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Women Wing, Uvwie Chapter, and Member, Women Wing of Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN).

"Her life was characterized by selfless service, compassionate for humanity, and an unshakable faith in God. She was a submissive wife to Rev. Dr. Imeleye Emmanuel, and a caring mother to her children and grandchildren. Rev. Mrs. Adetola Emman-Imeleye is remembered for her kindness, intellect, and passion for building lives for the Kingdom of God.

“Her legacy lives on through the countless lives imparted in her ministry, family, and society. May she continue to rest in the Bosom of our Lord, Amen.”

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