By Vera Wisdom Bassey
Rev. (Mrs.) Olabisi Aboyeji, wife of the General Overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, chose an unconventional way to celebrate her 65th birthday by reaching out to drug addicts, the homeless, and ex-criminals under the Ojuelegba Bridge in Lagos.
Through the “No to Crime Concert”, a two-day soul-winning program, she sought to bring hope and transformation to those living on the streets. Addressing attendees, she stressed the importance of parental guidance in preventing children from falling into crime, attributing many cases of waywardness to negligence, poverty, and lack of opportunities.
“Parents must prioritize morality in raising their children,” she urged. “The breakdown of family values stems from neglecting moral teachings and the Word of God.”
She revealed that her decision to celebrate among the underprivileged was divinely inspired. “While praying about my birthday, God led me to Luke 24:15, where a man invited the needy to a banquet. God specifically told me to reach the unreached, and He pointed me to Ojuelegba.”
The event featured music, worship, and testimonies of transformation. In his sermon, Pastor Chukwu Chinedu encouraged participants, reminding them that no life is beyond redemption. “God has the power to restore lost glory,” he declared.
One of the most moving moments came from Pastor Adebayo Adesuyi, who shared his testimony of once being trapped in a life of crime under the same bridge. Despite coming from a good home, he became addicted to drugs and was deeply involved in cultism. He recalled several near-death experiences, including a brutal stabbing by fellow gang members.
“God saved me, and today, I am a pastor, a music director, and a business owner. If He can change my story, He can change yours too,” he told the crowd.
The event witnessed a massive turnout, with gifts, food, and evangelism offered to attendees. Several lives were transformed, with testimonies of healing, deliverance, and newfound faith recorded.