The OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach team visited The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary during chapel service in the month of April, 2025. OAK means Olufunke Adeloye Konsults Disabilities Outreach and the ministry is a ministry towards families and individuals living with disabilities. The journey of NBTS and OAKonsult goes back to 2020. To the glory of God and with the cooperation of many of God-sent individuals, OAKonsult Disabilities Outreach has trained a total of 142 people in NBTS at levels of participation and of completion using the Beyond Suffering manual.

On April 22, 2025, in Oolo on the way to Oyo; OAKonsult had a ground breaking ceremony for her disabilities community centre – OAK Centre Prime – for a future of inclusion, making history for children with disabilities. NBTS was represented there as the Deputy President Advancement, Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi represented the President to deliver fraternal greetings on the occasion. Also present were the Dean, Faculty of Education, Dr Mrs Ruth M. Oyeniyi who led the call to worship; and Dr Stephen Oyelowo, one of the hosts in Oolo and also instrumental in many ways towards the success of the endeavor. Dr Omolara Areo, Head of Department, Department of Teacher Education was also a part of the programme and so were Rev. Mrs Aderinto (A PhD candidate who had completed Beyond Suffering course) and music students who assisted with the music during the programme.

Among non-Seminary dignitaries present were Methodist Church Nigeria Clerics in person Rt. Revd S.O Onaleke & Very Revd T.O Kehinde, the Soun of Ogbomoso land Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, the Oloolo of Oolo Oba Micheal Oyebunmi Ajayi, Government functionaries from the Ministry of Education of Oyo State led by Rev. Dr Paul Oyedokun representing the Minister of Education; and the wife of the Deputy Governor of Osun State Her Excellency, Deaconess Olusola Adewusi representing Osun State Government. Mrs Olufunke Adeloye’s team, family members and well wishers. Physiotherapist Ashley Sparkman from the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and the people of Oolo community also attended in their numbers.

It is heartwarming that in an age when some are thinking only of what they can grab and get, some others are thinking of how to give to better the lot of those living with disabilities. We praise God for this! The relationship of NBTS and OAKonsult is a pointer to the inclusiveness of NBTS in her ministry for the transformation of society to the glory of God.

Read the speech at the OAK groundbreaking ceremony here

By

Olusola Ayo-Obiremi

Deputy President Advancement