BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF DEACON JOHN AYANTUNDE OYEDEPO

Deacon John Ayantunde Oyedepo, 82 years old of Okimoye Compound of Isanlu Isin, Isin LGA of Kwara State, passed to glory in his sleep at his Residence in Ilorin on the early hour of 30^th August, 2021.

Born in Isanlu-Isin on the 22^nd June, 1939 to the family of late Pa Amodu and Late Madam Wuraola as the third out of four children, the second boy of two boys. He was raised by his uncle, having lost his father at a very tender age (he was 40days). He was a bright young boy who, in his words ”was always available to help out farm works and other home chores whenever required”.

In his pursuit for a better life, Deacon John Ayantunde Oyedepo was enrolled into Baptist Day Primary School, Isanlu Isin (1949 – 1959), and proceeded to Oke-Iragbiji Grammar School of the old Western region (1960 – 1963) for his secondary education.  He had his tertiary education at the Railway Traffic Training Institute School, Zaria graduating with a diploma in Accountancy.

Deacon J.A. Oyedepo worked briefly with the Institute For Agriculture Research, A.B.U Zaria before joining the Nigeria Railway Cooperation as an Accountant (1967 -1977), the position he held till he voluntary resigned from service, because he wanted to be closer to the family. He set up his own company, Jaoye Nigeria Limited, a company that ranges in all form of civil constructions.

A devoted Christian, he gave his life to Christ in 1967 and was baptized. He was ordained a Deacon at First Baptist church; Minna on the 22^nd November, 1981 dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity.

Below are some of the Position he held, Awards, and Achievements:

• Auditor Of First Baptist Church, Minna
• Youth Pastor
• Youth President First Baptist Church, Minna
• Chairman Building Committee
• Sunday School Teacher
• Treasurer Niger Baptist Association (1986 – 1990)
• President Bethel Baptist Youth Conference
• Treasurer Niger-Baptist Conference
• Member Nigeria Baptist Convention E.C (6 Years)
• Chairman  M.M.U Niger 1 Association
• Member Of Management Board Of Niger Baptist School
• Chairman Deacon Fellowship Of F.B.C Minna
• Church Leader FBC, Minna (2003 -2003)
• Adviser To MMU At Fred Leveret Association
• Visited Israel, USA, Britain and many Other Countries.

Deacon John Ayantunde Oyedepo had the following Awards:

• Outstanding and commendable contribution  to the growth of Nigeria Baptist convention as a member of the E.C
• A distinguish merit award  by the bethel Baptist youth conference as a pioneer president (1980 – 1983)
• Meritorious service  to Niger kebbi Baptist conference as treasurer (1998 – 2007)
• Certificate  of recognition by Beula Baptist Church

He loved playing table tennis and watching soccer also as he got older he spent most of his time serving the Lord together with his spouse.

He was joined in holy matrimony with Deaconess Comfort Funke Oyedepo for 53 years. The marriage was blessed with children and grandchildren.

Your memories will ever be fresh in our minds.

 Rest in Peace Deacon J.A. Oyedepo.