By Peter Bakare
His is a compelling testament to resilience, faith and the power of a good name. Born into a family renowned for its integrity, he recalls how the name “Adedire” still evokes respect and goodwill in his hometown. Yet, behind the honour of that name lies a deeply personal story of struggle, sacrifice and transformation, one that began with profound loss.
Dr. Bisi Adedire lost his father more than five decades ago. The early years following that tragedy were marked by hardship, but also by the grace of others. Strangers who had known his father would often offer what they could, a single kobo, a word of encouragement, all in memory of a man whose legacy continued to give even in death. These acts of kindness left a lasting imprint on Bisi, instilling in him a deep desire to give back and a belief that integrity would always open doors.
He initially gained admission to study Accountancy at the University of Ilorin. But he decided to forgo the opportunity rather than risk dropping out mid-way. While many of his peers turned to vocational skills like tailoring, carpentry, or bricklaying, Bisi sought a more strategic academic path, one that would offer practical application and a future professional career.
His elder brother, an assistant registrar at Lagos City College of Science and Technology (later Lagos City Polytechnic), advised him to do study Town Planning, a field Bisi had only vaguely heard of through a local draftsman in their community. That decision would prove life-changing.
After completing his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and subsequently his Higher National Diploma (HND) in Town Planning, Bisi was aware of the societal bias that often favoured university graduates over polytechnic students. Yet he remained undeterred. Determined to bridge the gap, he began exploring paths to further education, knowing that most universities required HND holders to restart their studies or wait years for direct entry.
Then came a turning point. He travelled to Ibadan, Oyo State, to sit for a professional examination conducted by the Nigerian Institute of Spatial Planners (NISP). There, he crossed paths with Professors Agbola, Onukesusi and Adiniji. After the exams, Onukesusi and Adiniji, impressed by his performance, invited him to an academic interview.
To his astonishment, Adedire was not only admitted into the programme but was placed directly into its final stage, an unprecedented advancement even among those with international degrees. Convinced there must have been a mistake, he sought clarification, but was reassured that his qualifications and performance had earned him the honour. He went on to take and pass the highest-level professional papers with flying colours.
The story of the young man with an HND who had not only competed but excelled among the best spread rapidly and widely. Agbola personally facilitated his admission into the master’s programme, University of Ibadan.
Adedire rose to become a respected urban planner, consultant and educator. He has mentored others, helping them navigate the same path he once trod with uncertainty. Despite the challenges, he never once wrote a letter to beg for financial assistance. Instead, help found him, unsolicited and timely, offered by people moved by his character, story and unwavering integrity.
For Adedire, philanthropy is not just an act, it is a calling. It is how he honours the memory of those who helped him and pays forward the blessings he has received.
Today, he stands as a pillar in both professional and spiritual communities. As Senior Special Apostle in the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (CSMC) Worldwide Àyò Ni O!, he holds numerous leadership roles: Member, Board of Trustees; Co-chairman, Titles and Ordinations Committee; Chairman, Choir Council; Chairman, Galilee Land Development Committee and President of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON).
When the Church’s revered Spiritual Father, His Grace Prophet (Dr.) Emmanuel Abiodun Alogbo, was approaching his 92nd birthday last month, Adedire offered heartfelt advice grounded in wisdom: That the elder statesman should continue to surround himself with people of value, not sycophants and focus on sustainable growth within the church. He cautioned against the unchecked creation of new districts, which may face administrative and financial challenges once the founding passion wanes or leadership transitions occur.
He prayed for divine protection, longevity and enduring impact for the Spiritual Father, asking that sorrow never crosses his path and that he lives to witness the continued glory and expansion of the church’s mission.
Adedire’s life is not just a story of rising from poverty to prominence. It is a portrait of integrity, perseverance, and purpose. His message is clear: beginnings do not determine endings. With faith, hard work and a commitment to doing good, anyone, regardless of circumstance, can rise beyond expectation.