Bukola Ajilore: When women gather, there is great potential for power

In Ottawa, Canada, there is a remarkable woman who is using her talents and platforms to inspire and uplift women. Bukola Ajilore, popularly known as “Unstoppable Bukola,” is a Canadian businesswoman, passionate Christian leader, and successful franchise owner. Her story is one of determination, faith, and empowerment. Ajilore is the proud owner of the Grey Matlock Bakery franchise in Ottawa.
Established in 2018 by Adewale Rabiu, this Canadian-based business offers a taste of home for African Caribbeans residing in Ontario. At Grey Matlock Bakery, customers can savour the freshness and traditional flavours of Agege bread and indulge in delectable birthday cakes, all at affordable prices.
However, Ajilore’s influence extends far beyond the realm of business. With over 20 years of experience, she has emerged as a passionate Christian leader and advocate for women’s ministry and relationships. She has served various congregations in Canada, Nigeria, and Ghana throughout her journey, empowering youth and women to pursue their goals in ministry, homes, and careers. Driven by her fervour for prayer, marriage, and relationships, Bukola founded Billionaires Partners—an online prayer platform for women. This platform brings together women across North America every week, providing a space for them to join in prayer for their homes, ministries, and careers. Through this initiative, she has fostered a supportive community of women who uplift and encourage one another.
Ajilore is also a certified relationship and marriage counsellor. As the convener of Wivesgist, a prominent wisdom hub for wives and wives-to-be, she organises monthly spiritual re-awakening events. These gatherings unite women from around the world, allowing them to share wisdom nuggets and valuable insights that can enhance their homes, ministries, and careers. Beyond her professional and spiritual endeavours, Bukola is a devoted wife and mother. She shares a fulfilling life with her best friend and husband, Rotimi, and their two teenage daughters in the vibrant city of Ottawa, Canada.
Ajilore’s unwavering determination, faith, and commitment to empowering women have made her an influential figure in her community and beyond. Through her businesses, ministry work, and online platforms, she continues to inspire women to embrace their uniqueness and dare to be different. Her story serves as a reminder that with passion, faith, and support, one can truly become unstoppable in the pursuit of success and empowerment. In this exclusive interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her inspiring story and the inspiration behind her wivesgist Ministry.

Childhood Influence: Nurturing Accountability and Tenacity
I had to learn how to be accountable, independent and selfless at an early age. I started a business at the age of 7. I also learnt persistence and tenacity. In addition, I learnt the importance of integrity and working with people.

The inspiration behind prosperity praying billionaires partners and wives’ gist
The first thing was the purpose. I was led by the Holy Spirit to gather women to pray and to impart some wisdom I have learnt along my journey. I have always had a passion for impacting people, which has been my purpose. I also love to solve problems. Women usually do not like to associate with one another and there are usually negative things associated with women’s gatherings, but I wanted to break that. When women gather, there is great power potential.

Being the franchise owner of Grey Matlock in Ottawa
It feels like fulfilling a purpose at this present time. It is a privilege and a great honour to be part of a vision that is making waves.

The journey so far: Humility, perspective, and spiritual growth
It has been humbling and it has been a training ground. I have a better understanding and see life from a different perspective. More importantly, it has brought me closer to God.

Mentoring young people across the globe
It has taught me to understand the younger ones. I empathise with them and focus on what matters when I relate to them. I create a safe space for them. I also allow them to be themselves. Working with young people has taught me to be humble and to be abased. I have also learnt to have a large heart so that I focus on their and my salvation instead of condemning them.

Advice for young couples about to get married
They should allow God to lead them and not be led by pressure from anyone or anything. They should know their partner and be ready to be teachable. They should understand that marriage is a journey and not a sprint. Every season has its lesson. They should also surround themselves with the right people and listen to them. They should learn from people (mistakes and success stories) and be prayerful because marriage is spiritual. They should be ready to leave their father and mother (the familiar) and cleave to their spouse. They should be discerning and allow God. They should also be friends.

The importance of prayer in marriage
As previously mentioned, marriage is spiritual. Praying and listening to God is very important. Like Jer. 33:3 (AMP) ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’ There are hidden things, generational struggles, impending danger and unseen forces that are determined to destroy homes; these will be revealed in prayer. Praying together also builds bonds of friendship.

Challenges of being a business owner in North America
Funding and human resources (manpower) are the main challenges I have encountered. Having to bear risks and pressures alone can be challenging.

Other projects and activities
There are several other activities centred around women empowerment and youth development, as well as mentorship and training.

What brings joy: Meeting people and making a difference
I enjoy meeting people and seeing (as well as putting) smiles on their faces. I also enjoy meeting the needs of different people of different races.

3 women who inspire me and why
Ibukun Awosika: She is a focused woman and a woman of integrity.
Oprah Winfrey: She is a black woman who knows what she wants and is the epitome of the word ‘unstoppable’.
Eunice Macdeh: She is courageous, resilient and prayerful. She taught me not to give up on my marriage and to fight for it.

The role of the Church in supporting women in abusive relationships
The church needs to empathise and not be judgmental. The church needs to create a safe space and provide a listening ear. The church also needs to remove the weight of religion and bring them to the place of reconciliation with God by surrounding and showing them the love of God. Jesus always showed love. Even when He caught a woman in the act, He still showed love. These women should not be stigmatised regardless of their decision; they should feel love from the church and society.

Being a woman of rubies
My focus on God, my tenacity and my belief in myself makes me a woman of rubies.