Evangelist Aanuoluwapo Adenrele Adegboye (née Olukunle)

Evangelist Aanuoluwapo Adenrele Adegboye, fondly known as Mama Niyi, lived a life marked by compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to God and family. Her presence carried warmth; her words carried wisdom; her hands carried healing. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, mentor, nurse, evangelist, and a quiet pillar whose influence shaped generations.

🌼 Early Life

Born on 1 October 1948 in Oke‑Iyin, Ilesha, Osun State, Aanuoluwapo was the first child of Pa and Mrs. Olukunle. She spent her childhood in Ijeda and Ilesha, absorbing the values of discipline, faith, and hard work that would define her life.

Her journey took a profound turn at age 14, when she lost her mother. As the eldest of six children, she stepped into responsibility far beyond her years, becoming a caregiver, guide, and protector to her younger siblings. This early calling to nurture others became the foundation of her lifelong identity.

She attended St. Margaret’s School, Ilesha, and later pursued her passion for care and service by training as a Nurse at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan (one of Nigeria’s most prestigious medical institutions).

💒 Faith & Ministry

A devoted Christian, Aanuoluwapo served faithfully as an Ordained Evangelist of the Methodist Church Nigeria and subsequently honoured with the Susanna Wesley Award. Her ministry was gentle yet powerful - expressed through prayer, counsel, generosity, and a life that consistently reflected Christlike love.

Her faith was not only spoken; it was lived. She became a spiritual anchor for her family, church, and community.

❤️ Marriage & Family

In 1972, she married the love of her life, Sir (Dr.) Michael Babatope Adegboye. Their union was a partnership of purpose, affection, and shared service. Together, they built a home filled with warmth, discipline, and godly values. They were blessed with five biological children: Niyi, Kemi, Dimeji, Demola, and Ayokunle - each one carrying a part of her strength, compassion, and legacy.

As a grandmother, she was a source of joy, stability, and gentle encouragement. Her grandchildren remember her soft prayers, her stories, her laughter, and the way she made each one feel uniquely loved.

🏥 Professional Journey

After serving as a theatre nurse at University College Hospital (UCH) Ibadan (where she worked when she met her husband), she relocated with her husband to Ila‑Orangun, joining the pioneering team of the newly established College of Education created by the military government of Nigeria.

There, she founded the Nursing Centre of the institution, laying the foundation for health services that would support staff, students, and the wider community for decades.

Through dedication, excellence, and integrity, she rose to become the Chief Matron, serving faithfully for 35 years until her retirement. Her career was marked by professionalism, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.