ACCOLADES FOR BISHOP BADA FUNSO AS HE CLOCKS 60 – by Isaac Daniel

When the list of the influential Nigerian Pastors in the last two decades is published, the name of Bishop Bada Funsho will unarguably take an admirable space. This because he has recorded landmark feats beyond his priestly calling.

He is a great man of many parts and has excelled in everything he laid his hand on. Funso has served as a shepherd, father, mentor, guardian, leader and academic theologian.  He is the General overseer of EPIC International Church, Provost of EPIC Seminary University and Secretary-General of National Association of Heads of Bible Schools (NAHOBSAS). No doubt, the giant strides of this humble and easy-going man of God, is worthy of emulation, especially his tremendous impacts in transforming people lives for the better.

Renowned journalist, author and publisher of E-life,  Dr. Bola Adewara testified that Bishop Bada has so much impacted his life and media ministry for almost a decade and has influenced his calling to greater heights. “He is a father to me. He counsels me like a son when I am facing challenges in life and my ministry. After the Holy Ghost, he is always my next point of call when the storms of life come. He is an embodiment of motivation and spiritual reinforcement and courage. This is a man you will approach in your deflated state but by the time you leave him, you are bouncing! When the history of E-life would be written, he is perhaps one of the very few people we would be able to mention as the encourager of the vision.’’

A Christian lady who prefers anonymity testified that Bishop Bada, took her in as a daughter, despite not coming from his ethnic group when her elder relation sent away, and she has nobody or any place in Lagos to run to. Besides, he has been responsible for everything about her,  even my education in the University.

Archbishop Olusegun Roberts, the President of West African College of Missionary Bishops, WASCOB, Lagos, a close associate of the bishop told this reporter that the Bishop is a true lover of God and has so much impacted his life and ministry. “I have known him for years. He is a lover of God, very gentle and consistent in his walk. Having been around him for a long time, I can say he has a very virtuous character. He is doesn’t owe people and doesn’t indulge in a sinful lifestyle. He is not hypocritical in his service to God and man. This why I pray for another sixty years for him.’’

* Bishop Joseph Bada Funsho

Pastor Omoruyi Idehen, Chairman Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Ikosi Ketu Chapter of Lagos state also contributed to the deluge of tributes. “He is our father, he advises us rightly and biblically. He hosts us to share and impart us with the Word. He organises training for us to excel in ministry. He is the sole sponsor of our quarterly bulletin. We as a body wish him more fruitful years ahead. We pray for more God’s grace for Him to work faithfully according to the word of God.’’

Speaking in the same vein, Pastor David Kehinde, Missionary Director PFN, Ikosi Ketu Lagos, added that the bishop is a father indeed. A true father figure to us at PFN. “He is very different from other men of God. He supports us and sponsors our mission programs at PFN. In fact, on a personal level, he has sponsored my missionary trip outside Nigeria. I pray for long life, sound health and all-around prosperity in Jesus name.’’

These and many more amazing compliments from the body of Christ single out Bishop Funso as not just a unique man of God, but a change agent and an exemplary follower of Christ. Surprising, the ebullient cleric many believe should be retiring from his calling as a transformer of lives for Christ, as he clocks 60 years, but he is not ready to give up or slow down his vibrant mission for God’s kingdom.

The bishop said that he is, in fact thinking of redoubling his efforts and take the gospel to greater heights because he is sold out to Christ. “I am planning to launch deeper with the gospel and accomplish more and more for God. I am not yet fulfilled, I have very high expectations which I desire to fulfil before the rapture .’’

On how he feels attaining age 60:  ‘’I am overwhelmed with overflowing joy and thanksgiving to God. It is by God’s grace that I am living today to witness this great day. So many of my relatives and friends who were born at the same time as I have all gone. God out of His mercy kept me alive till this day, I am so grateful to Him”.

On the secret of his success in the past 60 years: they are spiritual and physical strength, unshakable faith in the Word of God, absolute obedience to God and also be ready to ensure that every assignment under me is completed without any excuse. If you have faith in the word of God, He will make successful everything you do. I passionately appeal to ministers of the Gospel and our youths to adhere to these principles to make it in life”, he advised.

Bishop (Professor) Joseph Funsho Bada was born on April 17th, 1961, to the late Pa Folorunsho and Madam Malomo Ajanaku, of Omuo Ekiti. He attended St. Mary Primary School Omuo, for primary education and Omuo  Comprehensive High School for his secondary education. He did his A levels at OSCAS Ondo, before gaining admission to the University of Lagos where he bagged his bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance. He moved to Obafemi Awolowo  University, Ile-Ife for his Master’s degree.

The bishop commenced his Christian work in the Latter Rain Assembly, Lagos, Nigeria. He later left in 1993 to join EPIC International Ministry, Ikosi Ketu also in Lagos. He was stationed at the Shangisha branch of the Church. Therein, he rose rapidly from an elder to deacon, and then the Pastor of the branch in 1995. Bishop Bada joined the Bible School, then known as Epic Theological Seminary. He rose rapidly again to become the register. In 2016, he became the Provost of the now upgraded, internationally reputable Bible school, now known as Epic Seminary University, when the founding Provost, Apostle Aderotimi resigned from the school.

Similarly, in 2008 when the founder of the Church, Reverend Dr.  Odelade disengaged from the Church, likewise his Assistant General Overseer, Reverend Prof Olaniyan in 2010, the ministry was handed over to him as the General Overseer. In 2012, he was elevated to the office of Bishop by the United Cornerstone Churches International, North Carolina, UCCI, USA. The bishop bagged a Professorial Award in 2020, by the Fuller Theology Seminary, Ibadan, in recognition of excellent and pacesetting service in the body of Christ. He is happily married with children.