By Cally Ozolua
The residents of Ajegunle, Lagos, recently got treated to praise and worship session at this year’s Jamming for Jesus organised by evangelist Olufunmi Adebayo, also known as Holy Soja. The musical event held at the Okito Junction by Banana Bus Stop, was a movement of faith, love, and service to humanity featuring gospel artists such as Righteous Man, Ifeanyi Godwin, Rev. Stephen Adewale, Rev. Aderemi Adenike, Ethel Osita Nnadi, and Eromi. Their soul-stirring performances uplifted the spirits of attendees, reinforcing the power of gospel music as a tool for spiritual renewal.
Beyond the music, Jamming for Jesus doubled as an outreach programme, offering much-needed support to the less privileged. A free medical checkup initiative provided health screenings to over 500 people, including blood pressure and sugar level tests. The medical team, led by Head Nurse Okoye Prisca, ensured that those in critical condition were referred to hospitals for further treatment.
Also, hundreds of residents, regardless of their faith, were given essential food items such as garri, bread, and salt. For many, this act of kindness meant a temporary relief from the struggles of daily survival. One beneficiary, Seun Joseph, expressed his deep gratitude, saying, “This is the kind of help we need from those who can afford to give. It brings hope to the community.”
Among the many lives touched by Adebayo’s generosity was Tinuike Onofowokan, who had endured a long battle with a severe leg condition. After an amputation in 2019, complications arose in 2023, causing her condition to deteriorate further. When Olufunmi Adebayo heard her story, she stepped in, funding a N2 million treatment at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi. Tinuike, overwhelmed with gratitude, shared, “Mrs. Adebayo helped me when I had nowhere else to turn. Her kindness gave me a second chance at life.”
This year’s Jamming for Jesus was particularly special as it coincided with Olufunmi Adebayo’s 60th birthday. Although she was in the United States at the time, she joined the gathering via a live video call, expressing her heartfelt appreciation for everyone who participated. She thanked the ministers, gospel artists, and the Praise Media Evangelical Choir for their dedication to spreading the message of Christ. “Let your life be a plus one to the kingdom of God and a minus one to the kingdom of darkness,” she urged the audience.
Adebayo’s philanthropic work extends beyond the annual Jamming for Jesus event. Through the Olufunmi Adebayo Age Care Charity Organization, she has dedicated herself to caring for the elderly, ensuring that they receive the attention and support they deserve. She emphasized the need to honor and care for older people, reminding families not to neglect them in their twilight years.
Her son, Jude Osagie, highlighted the importance of generosity and love thus:. “We are here today because of love. When you give, God blesses you. If your neighbor lacks food, share what you have. If we all embrace the act of giving, the world will be a better place,”
As the event drew to a close, it was evident that Jamming for Jesus had once again fulfilled its mission—not just as a gospel concert but as a beacon of hope. Attendees left with their hearts full of gratitude, knowing they had been part of something greater than themselves. Through her unwavering commitment to service and faith, Olufunmi Adebayo continues to touch lives, proving that true worship is not just about music but about love in action.
