A BROTHER FROM ANOTHER MOTHER

Dr Philip Olatunji (now Prof) and myself would never have known each other if not for the platform of Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International (FGBMFI). He registered with Ilorin City Chapter in 1991 when I was the President of Ilorin GRA Chapter. While he rose very rapidly, becoming President of his chapter in less than two years, we were not familiar with one another until 1994 when I became the Field Representative of Kwara State and had to supervise his chapter.

Because we bear the same surname, we became very close and bonded so much that most people in Ilorin thought we were blood brothers. In fact, our families became so close that the youngest child in his family, Tooni came to spend one of her holidays with our children. We became close because he was extremely committed and passionate with God's work in the Fellowship, his Church and NIFES. He spoke so much about NIFES that one would think it was his personal organization.

Within the very short time that he became the President of his Chapter, virtually every member of his church, The Chapel of Light, had joined the Chapter. I remember a time when a member wrote a letter of petition against him to me as his Field Rep. complaining that virtually all members of the Executive of his Chapter were from the same church. His total commitment to the vision and missions of the fellowship led to the launching of many chapters within a very short time, which made him rise to the post of a Field Rep. as well. And by the year 2000, he was elevated to the position of a National Director for Kwara State. As ND, there was a great expansion in the Fellowship in Kwara State under him which caused the National President to remove Kwara State from South West Region and merged it with Kogi State to become a District and Dr Philip Olatunji became the Acting District Coordinator in 2006. This elevation made him the fastest member to rise to such a position up till today. If he had not relocated to Ogun State, by now he would have risen to the position of National Vice President.

Prof. Philip Olatunji made carried all members under him along and was never angry with anyone nor held any against anyone. He was down to earth and loved by every member. On behalf of FGBMFI, Kwara State, I celebrate Prof Philip Olatunji, a man of great discipline and principles, an astute teacher of the Word, a great counsellor and prayer warrior. We thank God for Dr Mrs Olatunji, his wife also a great lover of God, teacher, counsellor and co-labourer in God's Vine Yard, as she celebrates the 70th Birthday of her husband. My wife, Dr Mrs Felicia Olatunji, and our children join me to say Happy 70th Birthday to Prof Philip Olatunji. We wish you many more wonderful years in the service of our Lord. Elder Francis Olatunji, Friend and National Director- Emeritus of FGBMFI.