Celebrating a Kingdom Steward: Pastor Elijah Oludele Abina at 90
Beloved readers of The Top Achievers, yesterday we gathered in gratitude to the God of overtaking grace, who has sustained His faithful servant, Pastor (Dr.) Elijah Oludele Abina, to the glorious milestone of 90 years!
We are honored to celebrate a kingdom steward whose life is a radiant testimony of faith, humility, and divine purpose. As Psalm 92:14 declares, “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,” Pastor Abina’s ministry continues to flourish, inspiring generations across Nigeria and beyond. His journey from humble beginnings to global prominence is a testament to God’s faithfulness, and it is my privilege to share his story with you.
Born on June 16, 1935, in Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State, Pastor Abina’s early life was marked by humility and a deep devotion to God. From these modest beginnings, his path has become a shining light, as Proverbs 4:18 says, “shining more and more unto the perfect day.” His story mirrors the biblical mustard seed, growing from a single church in 1956 to a global movement through The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT).
Taking the mantle after founder Pastor Reuben Akinwalere George, Abina led with unwavering passion and spiritual discipline, and what began as one church has spread everywhere—Lagos, London, Accra, Atlanta, you name it. His leadership, as His friend Papa Ayo Oritsejafor said, has advanced the mission at an “astronomical pace,” earning him a place among Pentecostal giants.
But Pastor Abina’s legacy extends beyond GOFAMINT. As a founding member and first Treasurer of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), established in 1985, he laid foundations for unity and doctrinal soundness among Nigeria’s Pentecostal churches. Bishop Francis Wale Oke, PFN National President, hailed him as a “pillar of faith” whose godly wisdom has shaped the Nigerian Church.
His commitment to collaboration fostered a fellowship that strengthens the Body of Christ, ensuring its growth amidst a vibrant landscape. Pastor Abina’s impact resonates through the collective voices of PFN, GOFAMINT, and countless lives transformed by his ministry.
What sets Pastor Abina apart is his embodiment of Christlike virtues. Testimonies describe him as a “true replica of the life of Jesus,” living for God’s glory and eschewing materialism. His favorite song, “Let the Beauty of Jesus be Seen in Me,” echoes his mission to reflect Christ’s love. A revered leader once testified in 2017, “If you want to make Heaven, Baba Abina is a leader to follow.” His humility and contentment shine as a model for believers, proving that true greatness lies in serving God’s purpose.
His home, built with his late wife, Matron Felicia Oluremi Abina, models Christian virtue, blessing their six children—Folorunsho, Olabisi, Funmilayo, Ebunoluwa, Gbenga, and Femi—alongside grandchildren and a great-grandchild. This family continues his spiritual inheritance, proving that a leader’s influence begins at home. But it’s not just his own family he’s shaped—he’s been a mentor to so many others, earning the nickname “pastor of pastors.”
Abina’s mentorship is unparalleled. Described as a “rugged church planter” and “trainer of leaders,” he has raised generations of ministers, spotting potential in young men and women nearly 30 years ago and nurturing them into vessels for God’s glory.
Pastor Abina’s global influence is equally remarkable. His leadership style, dynamic yet disciplined, has ensured GOFAMINT’s progressive growth, making it a model for church expansion. From Iwaya, Lagos, to a worldwide movement, his obedience has fulfilled the promise of fruitfulness in old age. Even at 90, he remains active, preaching with the fervor of his youth, reflecting Deuteronomy 33:25: “As your days are, so shall your strength be.”
Pastor Abina’s 90 years are a clarion call to believers: live for Christ, serve with humility, and lead with integrity. His journey from Aradagun’s simplicity to global prominence exemplifies divine grace, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
So, let’s thank God for his 90 years of faithfulness to Pastor (Dr.) Elijah Oludele Abina and pray he keeps going strong. Like Bishop Wale Oke says, may his later years shine even brighter. And while we’re at it, let’s ask ourselves: How can we follow his example? How can we live with that same faith and heart for others?
