Her compassion for people in need
Welfare and emergency supportMama’s legacy
The Woman Behind the Vision
A life of faith, enterprise and compassion.
Born19 December 1940
Deaconess Deborah Olubisi Oloyede, née Osunleke, was born on 19 December 1940 into the family of Pa Osunleke and Ma Olayonu Osunleke. Raised in a devoted Christian and entrepreneurial household, she developed the values of diligence, responsibility, faith and generosity that would define her life.
She married Chief Ezekiel Oyekola Oloyede and became the mother of nine children. She nurtured her family with love, discipline, prayer and strong moral values, and was blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was an industrious entrepreneur who operated a large grocery store and later became established in sustainable charcoal trading. She was widely known for trading in large quantities and continued her business activities with perseverance and strength.
Her faith remained central to her life. She worshipped and served across Christ Apostolic Church congregations in Nigeria and later remained active in Redeemed Christian Church of God congregations in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Her compassion extended beyond her family. She supported widows, widowers, orphans, churches, strangers and people experiencing hardship.
A legacy made practical
From Her Life to Our Mission
The foundation carries the values seen in Mama’s everyday life into responsible programmes for today.
Her support for widows and widowers
Targeted empowerment programmesHer entrepreneurial spirit
Skills, livelihood and business supportHer faith and integrity
Responsible and transparent serviceHer hospitality and inclusion
Community-centred programmesHer devotion to family
Initiatives that strengthen householdsHer compassion began the story. The foundation carries it forward.
In their words
Selected family tributes
Brief reflections that reveal the love, faith and strength remembered by her family.
“You never saw me as a stepson; instead, you were my mother through and through.
Selected family tribute 01
“Her prayers covered her family, and her faith served as an anchor during difficult times.
Selected family tribute 02
“Your love is my inheritance, and your legacy lives on through my life.
Selected family tribute 03
“She was fierce in her convictions, fierce in her protective love for her family.
Selected family tribute 04
“The Deborah Olubisi Foundation shall continue to carry your legacy of helping the needy, widowers and widows.
Selected family tribute 05
Her portrait
Mama, remembered with warmth
Original family-supplied portraits of Deaconess Deborah Olubisi Oloyede.
Family archive
Mama with her family
Original family-supplied photographs are shown here. Names, relationships, occasions, locations and approximate dates can be completed as those details are confirmed.
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