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What She Told City People About Her Life
It was sad news a few weeks back when news broke that Arewa Gbolasere Deborah Oshoffa had passed on. She is one of the biological children of Late SBJ Oshoffa who was the founder of the Celestial Christian Church. He died a few years ago, and many of his children are doing well in their different fields of endeavour. One of them is this pretty woman, Mrs Deborah Oshoffa-Ogunbiyi, who is a successful Lagos businesswoman. She is the junior sister of Sup Evangelist, Tosho Mathew Oshoffa (popularly called TMO), the Shepherd-In-Charge of CCC International Headquarters in Ketu. She was also a devoted member of the church and her husband is also a member of the Celestial Church. She was born into the Cele church in Port Novo before her dad relocated to Nigeria.
On Sunday 3rd February 2019, City People Publisher, SEYE KEHINDE interviewed her at the Ketu church, during which she spoke about her life as Oshoffa’s daughter.
Prophetess Deborah Gbolasere Oshoffa, born on May 25, 1973, in the ancient city of Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin. emerged into a world rich with spiritual legacy and familial devotion. She entered this realm as a precious gift to Reverend SBJ Oshoffa and Mother Celestial Elizabeth Abibatou Oshoffa (Nee Akadiri), becoming a beacon of hope and inspiration from her earliest days.
Growing up amidst the vibrant tapestry of her family’s spiritual lineage. Deborah’s upbringing was marked by the profound teachings of her parents, particularly her mother’s guidance in matters of faith and righteousness. It was under this nurturing guidance that Deborah embarked on her journey of learning and growth, with her educational pursuits beginning in Porto-Novo before transitioning to Nigeria along side her father in 1975.
In Nigeria. Deborah’s academic journey continued to unfold, shaping her into the woman of substance and grace that she is today. Her formative years were spent at Mate Primary School in Ketu. where she imbibed not only academic knowledge but also the values of diligence, perseverance, and compassion.
Transitioning into her secondary education, Deborah’s path led her to the esteemed halls of the Federal Government Girls College. where she navigated the transition to the 6-3-3-4 education system with poise and determination. It was during these transformative years that Deborah’s innate leadership qualities began to emerge, setting her apart as a beacon of inspiration among her peers.
Yet, it was not merely academic accolades that defined Deborah’s journey. Alongside her scholarly pursuits, she was deeply immersed in the teachings of her faith, imbibing the principles of worship and spiritual devotion that would later become the cornerstone of her life’s work.
Guided by the unwavering love and wisdom of her mother, Deborah blossomed into a formidable force within the C, channeling her passion for service and her unwavering faith into tangible acts of compassion and mentorship. As the president of the Oshoffa Heritage and Chairman of the Tabitha Foundation, she has tirelessly championed causes of peace, empowerment, and spiritual growth, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless individuals.
Beyond her roles within the church and community.
Deborah’s entrepreneurial spirit has led her to become the CEO of Serosh Ventures, where she continues to demonstrate her commitment to excellence and innovation. Additionally. she oversees her mother’s spiritual store, Iya Amidu Stores, preserving and perpetuating the sacred traditions passed down through generations.
Yet, amidst her myriad responsibilities and accomplishments. Deborah’s greatest role remains that of a devoted mother & a mentor to many celestial youths. Blessed with three children – Oluwamuyitomiwa Joshua Aghere, Temitope Emmanuel Aso, and Christianna Mimido Aso – she epitomizes maternal love and sacrifice. going above and beyond to ensure their happiness, well-being, and success.
In the eyes of her children, Deborah is not only a mother but also a source of strength, wisdom, and boundless love. Her unwavering dedication to their growth and happiness serves as a testament to the depth of her character and the richness of her spirit.
Prophetess Deborah Gbolasere Oshoffa stands as a shining example of faith, love, and service – a true luminary whose light illuminates the hearts and minds of all who have the privilege of knowing her. Below are excerpts of the interview.
Tell us about Deborah Oshoffa? Who is she?
Deborah is late SBJ Oshoffa’s daughter. My name is Deborah Oshoffa-Ogunbiyi, a younger sister to Sup Evangelist Ola Tosho Oshoffa, the same mother, the same father.
How does it feel being an Oshoffa?
Its like a dream come true. Its like a priviledge that is rare because our father left a name which 34 years after he left us the name has continued to bring honour to us. Whereever we go and people see us, they always transfer the honour and pride they have for him to us, we the children. And as part of our duties as children we have been able to maintain that name because our father gave us something more than gold and silver. He didn’t leave us a big estate. He didn’t leave us money in the account, but he left us a name. And the name has been able to open doors for us.
When you were young what was you relationship like with your dad?
Oh. I was very close to him. He died when I was 12 years old. I had a personal relationship with him because he used to refer to me as his mother. He used to say I look like his mother. I was the only one he allowed to go to a Boarding House. I went to Federal Government College, Lantang, Plateau State.
Why?
I don’t know why. My sister had an admission to FGCC, Yola. He didn’t allow her to go, but he allowed me to go. I had this type of relationship with my dad. In the morning, he had this person who used to interprete newspapers for my dad. There was this morning, the man came late and I told my dad to let me read and interprete. I was 10 years old. My dad said no. He said I am too young that I wouldn’t be able to read and interprete it.
I said no. I will. So what he did was, he asked them to bring the daily newspapers and I read them in English and I interpreted them. My father said I should sit down. He said he won’t let me go until the person interpreting for him comes.
When the man came, it was exactly the way I interpreted it to my dad. My dad was very proud of me. He told everybody that I have a Professor, my money is not wasted. We had a dad who had so much interest in our education. He wasn’t well read, but he wanted the opportunity of good education for his children. He didn’t care if you were a boy or girl. All he wanted was education. I grew up knowing a dad who loved everybody in the community. I had friends we grew up together. They will come in the morning, and my daddy will share money to everybody. He doesn’t want to know if you are his child or not. His own is anybody coming, let them come. He was humble. My dad had something I have not seen in many people. He had humility. He was humble to a fault. Many of our Pastors don’t have half the gift God gave Baba. But yet Baba remained humble. He was jovial. If you see him talking among his lieutenants, if you don’t know him before, you will be looking for the founder. You will be wondering if he’s the one? This is because he jokes a lot. When he eats, he does not finish it. He loves eating and leaving the remaining for the people. He loves to share. Even after his death, we hear stories of how he has helped many people. He sowed into peoples lives. And we his children have been able to reap. I have a younger brother that was looking for a job and he got to an office and immediately they just saw his C.V. the MD asked him: are you Oshoffa’s son?
He said yes. The MD said I have employed you. Reason? He said his father didn’t know me, but his father paid my school fees throughout his university and Papa didn’t know his parents. Those are the things we are enjoying. We are just trying our best to keep up with his legacy as a family.
Lets talk about your educational background?
After I left Lantang, I went to Ogun Polytechnic. I studied Mass Communication. That is where I stopped before I got married. Now, I am into Event Planning. I have a security company. I just left an event at National Stadium. I have 15 guards working there now at an event taking place there. I am into private security contracts. I am also in Philanthropy. We lost my mum 3 years ago. Mrs Elizabeth Oshoffa popularly called Iya Middle. She was the most senior wife in Nigeria. After she died, I decided to set up an NGO in remembrance of her. So it’s like a foundation. Its called The Tabitha Foundation where I cater for the less privileged. But I don’t make a noise about it. I don’t carry cameras with me when I am going out to give them gifts. I want whatever I do to be between me and God. So whenever I am going to sew seeds into peoples lives, I don’t go with cameras. I don’t put it on any social media. It better that way, we don’t need peoples praises to sew seeds.
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