At 50, Pastor Durojaiye shows love to humanity, starts foundation

From January 1, the world has been celebrating the children born in 1967. And their coming of age. This year has been very remarkable in Nigeria, because it marked 50 years after the first gun was shot for the fratricidal civil war that lasted three years 1967 to 1970.

Pastor John Babajide Durojaiye was born that period. He was actually born on November 30, 1967. And last Thursday, he was 50 years old. On that day, professional colleagues, friends and family members poured encomiums, tributes and inspirational messages on him.

The Thursday event was not that of long speeches, though some of the dignitaries present had opportunity of recounting to recount their experience with him.

Today, the drums will roll out properly to celebrate the day. The event, which will commence with a church service, will end with a musical concert that will not be devoid of quality entertainment. The highlight of today’s event is the expected launch of an organization that is geared towards lifting humanity.

He attributed his new age and other favour from God to what he called “the work of grace.”

His words: “It is worth thanking God, that one is 50 and in good health and one is able to serve humanity in the little ways that he has been able to do. “I am happy and fulfilled. I am thankful to God.”

Born into the family of Elder Raphael Adeilo and Pastor Margaret Durojaiye, a former teacher, trader and now full minister of God at the Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, John Babajide has shown a commitment to humanity.

The second of his parents’ seven children and first male, he was brought up in the Christian way and he used to be an altar warden at the Holy Covenant Church, Palmgrove.

This was where he learned both the value of giving as well as tolerance for all religions and people. It was at this point that he started demonstrating the qualities of forthrightness; keen intellect and uprightness, which not only set him apart from his peers, but also prepared him for community leadership and service.

According to Pastor (Mrs.) Margaret Oluyemisi Durojaiye,” his mother, Jide epitomises the real meaning of giving. She said, “he understands this and that has been the reason for what he has received from God. He goes out of his way to lend a helping hand.”

A board member of the Margaret Oluwayemisi Durojaiye (MOD)Foundation, where he sponsors a lot of less privilege children in school. He has equally sponsored a lot of surgeries for restoration.

While saying that Jide John is a team player, Pastor (Mrs.) Durojaiye said Jay Jay is a mover and beacon of hope. “Since I had him, he has given me confidence. There was no time that I had time to regret he was my son. All the ailments children have, he never really had. I never had moments to run helter and skelter for his life.”

She continued, “I’m thankful to God for in his life, because with him, you won’t regret anything.”

While thanking him for providing him with a never-ending sense of physical safety and emotional security, Adedayo Durojaiye said, “he is not only my brother, he is my pastor and has been a father figure in my life.”

He had so much to be grateful for in his elder brother. It’s because of the man he is and the example he set, that he is able to love humanity with deep passion and appreciation.

He continued, “from childhood, he taught me that the only substitute for hard work is integrity. I remember one experience, when I was in secondary school. I had not paid my school fees and there was no sufficient fund at home. He offered to go to school with me to negotiate with my principal so that I won’t be sent home. They don’t grant such request in the school, but somehow he talked to tem and they agreed. And on the agreed day, he paid up. I give it to him for showing me that your word is your honour.”

His younger sister, Jumoke Owoamanam, has this to say: “Thank you for teaching me the significance of “knowing what the world is, and the power of prayer, hardwork, humility and selfless service to those around him.”

She added, “he is a giver to God’s work, a life transformer and destiny builder. He is a true father to the fatherless. All about him is doing good.”

She concluded, “thank you for teaching me the importance of humility, and the remarkable power of emotional and financial generosity. He is an exemplary man of honour and virtue. Everything about him is a strong lesson to all Christians.”

Over the years, he has worked tremendously to provide his family with a comfortable lifestyle. He is the Chairman/Managing Director of Legrande Engineering Services Limited.

An embodiment of intelligence, who has made the pursuit of excellence his trademark, he is an astute manager of resources whose attention to detail, calmness, and ability to simplify, and proffer solutions to complex issues is uncommon.

For his meritorious service to the engineering sector, he was conferred with the fellowship of the of Society of Nigerian Engineers, FSNE.

He attended Bariga Comprehensive High School, Ifako, Gbagada, Lagos. For his higher education, he first went to the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu. Later, he went to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, where he did his first and second degrees.

He married on June 8, 2002 to his loving wife Mrs Olanike Durojaiye nee Glover. The marriage has produced three wonderful children.