His Early life

Rev. Dr. Edward Abiodun Ajibade Fapohunda was prophetically born on the cusp of the old and the new. His earthly life started December 31, 1943 and ended August 28, 2016. He was born in Ile-Ife, a small but significant town in Osun State, the bedrock of Yoruba land. As the oldest of many siblings, he became a natural leader and inspired millions of people to reach high and achieve success in life. His life was a continuum of prophesies fulfilled. From very meager beginnings, he created a dynasty of wealth and compassion that changed lives and brought comfort and healing, both physical and spiritual to people across many continents. His ministry “Voice of Comfort International Ministries and its many affiliates, still to this day continues to share the gospel of Jesus Christ through local churches, TV, Radio, internet in Africa, Europe, North America, Asia and other parts of the earth.

 A Legend

Rev Edward as he is popularly known was a legend in every sense of the word. He was a husband, father, pastor, founder, Government adviser, Visionary, Entrepreneur, Philantropist, Tele-Evangelist, preacher, friend, uncle, partner and the list goes on and on. He pioneered several business ventures across many industries- Engineering, Medicine, Education, Charity, Faith, Banking, Real estate and Non-profit. He never hesitated to step out in Faith, he needed no convincing as long as a need was being met and someone’s life was going to be better. His many businesses till this day continue to be a source of livelihood to thousands of families across the globe.

 A Giver

He was a giver in every sense of the word, he gave of himself, his talents, his love, his resources and his time. He gave selflessly to all who needed support, the poor, the rich, the lowly, the highly placed, it did not matter to him your status in life, your humanity was enough. Based on his accomplishments in life, he could have celebrated with the elites of society in the fanciest of halls but he always chose to represent the underdog, to side with the poor and oppressed, to change the plight of the broken-hearted, to bring hope to the hopeless and comfort to the hurting. For several years, he hosted his birthday at the Lagos State rehabilitation center, Majidun to shine a light on the strength and struggles and strength of the weakest amongst us. He pioneered a food bank in Ketu at the Miracle Center to ease the needs of the poor, he started a hospital in a poorly served area to make healthcare available and affordable for people in that community. His heart was golden and his vision was timeless. Daddy as he is popularly called by all who knew him was a kind, compassionate, disciplinarian who embodied the traditions of his past and fought hard to birth the visions of tomorrow.

 A Warrior

As a Valiant warrior he fought to break the chains of tradition, poverty and failure in his own life, in the life of his immediate family and in his community at large. His “can do” spirit matched with unwavering faith was infectious. He believed that with God all things were possible. He believed it literally and acted on it. He experienced the afflictions, suffering, victory and rewards of a believer. He inspired thousands that crossed his path to dream big and reach high. Daddy as we fondly call him had no money for frivolous things but always had money for books, business ideas and profitable ventures. Like a man on a mission, he had not time for deliberation but always had time for opportunities.

Like the Apostle Paul, he was decorated with the scars of battle but he never gave in or gave up. He stood up for what he believed even when it was inconvenient. He defended the poor and loved the less privilege, he cared for the fatherless and gave shelter to the homeless. He never forgot his humble beginnings. He taught by example that a man is not be judged by his or her earthly possession but by the content of his character, his actions based on convictions.

 A Hardworker

He worked hard because he realized that many lives rested on his, many hopes depended on his faith and he selflessly led all to a better future, not without casualties. Many will argue that a life lived with no scars is victorious but Rev Edward believed that life was to be spent in the service of humanity and if there was a price to be paid for the victory then so be it. He won some and lost some but he never gave up and his legacy lives on in the many lives he has touched. Many of us are who we are today because of the seed of faith he planted in our heart. Some are born great and some attain greatness, Edward Abiodun was destined for greatness and he attained greatness. Daddy, You are a true Hero.

 His Soul-Mate and Wife

In his quest for growth, he traveled to Europe to further his education and earned a Masters degree in Engineering and met the love of his life, Charlotte A. Fapohunda (nee Thomas), a beautiful gracious soul who was a perfect match made in heaven for him.. She was patient where he was motivated. She cared for details when he took large strides, she cuddled the people he inspired to reach high when they fell. She nursed his wounds when his ego was bruised, she quietly became his strength, his rock and support. For over 45years, they shared a relationship of mutual respect and love. Their commitment to one another showed the depth of their love for one another. They disagreed but never separated, they argued but still ate together. Their life was a picture book for a true Marriage, “for better for worse until death do us part”.  Their love may not have been expressed in flowers and niceties of life but it was expressed in the actions and decisions they took on a daily basis to put each other first. For example, Daddy chose to live in Charlotte, North Carolina because it was named after his Soul mate. Mommy cooked three different soups every day so she could make daddy’s special dish. Their commitment and love to each other was deep. They are an example of  

2 Corinthians 13: 4-7

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy;

love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,

 is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity,

 but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things,

 believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

 Mummy as she is dearly called is a pillar of love and kindness. Her tender heart provides a warm resting place for a Soldier that never quits. Mamma, We salute your strength and bravery and pray that God will grant you the fortitude to bear this loss and long-life to rest and enjoy the rest of your days.

 His Children

Edward Fapohunda is blessed with 10 children, 5boys and 5girls with 9 surviving ministers of the gospel. All of the them actively serving in the Lord’s vineyard across the globe like he prayed for and desired. He always said, :I did not pray to God for children, I prayed for partners in the Vineyard”. He inspired them to read, write and venture out early in life. Many of them are in ministry in addition to their professional fields that range from Education to Law to Healthcare, to Media, to Government and more. We rest in our Christian faith that is daughter, Damilola Deborah who went to be with the Lord many years ago was there to welcome him with songs and rejoicing to the bosom of his Lord and master as he transitioned from flesh to eternal glory.

 A brother’s Perspective

A family visit to daddy Edward Abiodun Fapohunda 2007. Daddy was born in December 31st 1943. Ever before he was conceived, prophesy was given of his coming just as Isaiah prophesied the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.. after graduating from Ile _ ife grammar school, he worked briefly in Lagos state before proceeding to u.k to further his studies. He was our mentor and custodian I the early and later part of 50's. He was a good leader, disciplinarian, kind and loving leader. He came back to Nigeria from London in the later part of 1960's to fulfill his purpose on earth, god sent to him good destiny helper. They have wonderful children together. He was a source of blessing to the family and to the at large. The family appreciate your wife and children that takes good care of you during the period of challenges you went through. We commit wife, children and family into the hand of he that called himself the husband of the widows and father of the fatherless. I pray he will continue to sustain you from now till we meet to part no more. All the family member will miss you. Ahora lewebi oroke, ari gaga elu Kan daro, ari gaga elu Kan Digby ileke, ojo ku giriri Anu lelu MA semi o. Seun  finran  semode.