Kemi Ajumobi 
FUNKE FELIX ADEJUMO
Her Story, Her Faith, the Impact and Law
Funke Felix-Adejumo, an English Graduate and the President of the Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation. She is also a high performance coach at FFA Matrix Centre, a total-life management coaching firm helping individuals and corporations unlock their innate potentials. Enthusiastic about the female gender, she is also a Philanthropist. Her unique unction and utterance has endeared her to the hearts of millions of people that have listened to her at conferences and seminars around the world. She has a great passion for womanhood with a divine purpose on earth “Honouring God and Blessing Humanity”. This vision has transformed into many works such as the Grace Orphanage, Karis Life Hospitals, FFA Resort Centre, Widows’ Empowerment Scheme, Lepers’ Care Programme, and many others. Her foundation is dedicated to making a worldwide impact with a special call to restoring dignity to womanhood and equipping women from all over the world. She is a recipient of many honors by reputable global institutions, such as the distinguished Award of Outstanding Contribution to Women in the Commonwealth. Funke Felix-Adejumo is currently a law student. FFA as she is fondly called has authored over 100 book titles such as “Fifty Lessons Life Taught Me”. “My Seed is Designed for the Palace”, and many others. She is married to Bishop Felix Remi Adejumo and their most blissful home is blessed with two men, two women, nine grandchildren and many adopted children. She is the mother of the Agape Family Worldwide; and hers is a story of a woman helped by God.
Formative years and impact till date
I didn’t come from a wealthy family as such. My family was okay until my kid brother took ill for 6 years. However, I had a loving father who ensured that I had education even as a girl at that time. The love, the fatherly guidance really shaped where I am today. Most importantly, I made Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour very early. I got born again and that changed the trajectory of my life. This experience precipitated my awesome privilege of coming out on top in many things I do, I have seen the Hand of God changing and arranging things on my behalf.
From being an English graduate to a high-performance coach, what were some pivotal moments in your career?
I have always been a student and I prioritise improving my life. So, in my journey of personal development, I read a lot, got coaches and mentors that God used to shape my life. As I experienced growth, I saw many people who remained stunted and compassion gripped me. This is what led me to being a transformational coach, helping others gain the growth and freedom I have experienced. On a general level, I offer value that can shift people from zero to hero, my coaching clients however do have personal access to me and that way I can look at their lives as an individual and as a consultant, diagnose what is wrong and prescribe the treatment needed for them.
What motivated you to start the Funke Felix-Adejumo Foundation, and what are its primary goals?
I have lived my life helping people, I am a woman helped by God. My entire life’s work can be categorised into two phrases; Honouring God, Blessing humanity. The foundation was structured to do what I have always done by allowing me to reach more people as the Lord helps me. We focus on so many things in the foundation that ultimately help women and children. We pay school fees, hospital bills and empower start-up businesses. Furthermore, we have a temporary shelter for the abused, a place for them to gain clarity and safety. My husband and I built and run two hospitals. Also, we cater to lepers even built a house for them in their government-run camp.
As an author of over 100 titles, how do you find inspiration for your writing, and how has your writing evolved over the years?
I happen to draw inspiration from a lot of things. A lot of my books are inspired by God, other channels are my husband, something someone said that sparked light or the drive to research in me, my journey, my life. Yes, a lot of things inspire me.
Your mission includes restoring dignity to womanhood. Can you elaborate on why this is so important to you personally?
As a woman myself, I have faced my own share in life. But as I read through scriptures and I knew God better, I knew it shouldn’t be so. I was handed a gift by my husband that many people don’t have access to. My husband said to me ‘Darling, don’t die under my shadow’ He gave me a platform to preach. I remember the first time I preached in church, a man stood up, hissed and walked out saying he could not stand a female preacher. But this didn’t stop my husband, I just wanted to hand down the same gift that was handed down to me. To give voice to women that are ‘blessed but muted’, to encourage the woman that is scared, to tell other women it is okay to want more. So, yes it means a lot to me because it is not the ordinance of God for a woman to be a second class citizen, and because I was given a gift that many didn’t have, I want to hand that gift to many that I can find.
What do you believe are the biggest challenges women face today, and how can these be addressed?
First, I would like to celebrate the victories we’ve won as women. Women were often seen as one to be relegated majorly to kitchen duties no matter what she acquired, this perception has long been a wrong one. Kitchen was where many felt she should end up. “Weak” they called her, but now it end’s in politics, the banking hall, in government, in business, in Ministries. From where we started, we’ve come a long way. However, there is so much more for us to attain. First, women should learn to come together to build together. It used to be that men didn’t give us a chance, now, we women don’t give ourselves chances, we need to do better for ourselves and with each other, and also accept that we deserve more. I have dealt with many cases where women just don’t want to separate themselves from abusive relationships. So, I will say we are our own challenge and the way is for us to know ourselves, what we are capable of and we must know the power we possess. Then and only then can nothing stop us.
Your foundation has initiated several impactful programmes like the ‘Grace Orphanage’ and the ‘Widows’ Empowerment Scheme’. What inspired you to focus on these specific areas?
Compassion, yes compassion. I hate to see these women and children suffer and this is what fuels me every time. We all deserve to live happy and healthy lives. If you have it, some don’t, and it is okay to give the grace of that opportunity to someone else, hence my reason to do so. The children were brought to the world by their parents, if their parents are no more, we have chosen to be parents to them. The widows might have lost their husbands, but they also deserve to know that God is their husband and also the father to the fatherless, we his children should extend a hand of love to support them, orphans and widows.
How do you assess the effectiveness of your foundation’s initiatives, and what metrics do you use to measure success?
Very successful. The testimonies are humbling. The lives that are changed. The intangibles and tangible effects. Only God could have made this possible and I give Him my massive thanks.
As a high-performance coach, what key principles do you emphasise to individuals seeking personal and professional growth?
I will leave the juicy ones for my clients (laughs). First, I will say that you need to come to the realisation that life is governed by principles, irrespective of your colour, culture, race, background. The law of gravity is applicable everywhere and to everyone. If you jump up in the White House and you jump up in a slum somewhere, the result is guaranteed there will be a gravitational pull. There are life’s principles, and this allows you to honour and have respect for principles you will learn from any mentor, coach or a book. The result of your life right now is a report card of the principles you’ve obeyed and lived by or the ones you ignored. So, find the principles that govern the results you are looking for and stay with it. I will give you one more because there are a lot. How you show up for one thing is how you show up for everything. You can say this is just my house, I don’t need to put my all or it’s not my business I can’t die on another man’s work. No, it’s a trap because the way you show up for one thing goes a long way to show how you will show up for many things in your life.
How do you approach coaching different individuals or organisations when their goals and challenges might vary widely?
First, I am a vast learner, so that helps me to meet countless people at different points. And honestly, the principles are the same. I just need to communicate in the language they can relate to. If I am with a scientist, I speak what they understand. If I am with Christians, I speak what the language demands. I understand whatever cycle it is and I speak their language. Just be a vast learner and understand how to speak different “languages.”
What advice would you give to someone feeling stuck or unsure about their purpose in life?
It’s okay to be unsure and stuck, just take a step back and reflect. This is mostly caused by noise of peer pressure and social media, so take a pause, breathe, practice mindfulness and meditation, allow your mind to find its centre point, and by then you should gain clarity. Another proven strategy is to serve faithfully in another man’s business that is in line with what you want, this guides you to gain clarity and position your mind in some purposeful productivity. You must learn to be comfortable around successful people, not trying to pull them down with your mouth or fingers on social media. You can never attract what you attack.
Why the decision to study law, how is it going and how will it help what you do?
Why law? Hmmmmm, when I was about to turn 60 years old, I reminisced over my life and realised that I had two regrets: one, I didn’t know earlier that I could donate my eggs for IVF to help couples. Second, that I did not fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. Shortly after, a precious lady in church who I mentioned it to said: “Mummy, do you know you can still study law?” And that is how my law journey started. So far, God has helped me marvelously. I have said it in one of my messages that if you refuse to hear me as a preacher or an advocate, you will hear me as a lawyer. This is just another avenue to help as many people as possible. As I draw close to finishing, I am glad I am fulfilling my dream of being a lawyer. Law is an honourable profession of service and justice. I will use it as a service to humanity.
There is an ongoing advocacy for more women in governance and bills proposed to be passed, what is your take on it, what would you like to say to the leaders and what are the benefits for Nigeria?
I agree that there is a lot that women can do to add to the greatness and progress of this nation. I ask that the government take stock of what has been achieved by the outstanding women that have led several offices in the nation, and the results they’ve produced, and take a cue from that. One amongst many of that model would be Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.
Many people are inspired by your story. What are some of the most significant lessons you have learnt throughout your life and career?
Develop a dynamic spiritual life. God must be the most important person in your life. Love yourself. The greatest sale you can make is to sell yourself to yourself. Be focused. Elevated people will always be criticised by frustrated people. Don’t honour every invitation to fight. Do not dignify critics. Be destiny-conscious. Give yourself grace. Do not be so trusting to be careless.
What do you believe is the most important quality a leader should possess? When leaders err, what should be the appropriate thing to do?
The most important quality of a leader would be courage. The courage to stand out, to stand alone, to be attacked sometimes by the people you are trying to help. Many people will fight what they don’t understand and celebrate it when it produces results. I would say courage. When leaders err, they should admit, apologise and make corrections.
What role do you think social media plays in empowering women and raising awareness about important matters that concerns them?
Social media is a powerful tool. Many people use it as a tool to tear people down, but its power allows you to follow the people that inspire you, to share your story, to publicise your products and platforms. To create awareness, to connect and foster a movement that brings about the betterment of all of us. The power of the media is countless.
What day will you never forget and why?
The day I gave my life to Christ because it changed the rest of my life.
How do you handle criticism?
I don’t handle it. I have created a system that allows me to grow, take corrections and grow. I have people I value so much who are loving and brutally honest with me. Every other thing is just the noise of the market.
You are an ordained Bishop. Take us through the journey, what does the office mean to you and how are you fulfilling the purpose of impact?
When my husband announced it, I didn’t want it. It took me time, fathers and mothers in the faith counselled me to accept the calling. I remember when Mummy Foluke Adeboye called me and said, go and kneel down, thank your husband because what many men could not feel secure enough to do is what he has done. Daddy Adeboye also told me how happy he was at the news. His private prayers for me a day before the consecration sealed many things for which I’m grateful for. My husband is a rare man. He’s my most significant gift from God. Having sought the face of God and gaining clarity, I accepted that call and the consecration that came with it. It has amplified my calling and enlarged the scope of my assignment to the body of Christ.
You travel a lot for speaking engagements around the world. How are you combining that with study, managing your foundation, pastoring your church, being a wife, mother and grandma?
I would say it’s been grace. Life is lived in seasons not years. When our children were young, I didn’t travel. When they grew older, I travelled with them. Also, I have learnt to put power under control. God has graced me to have been able to have access to a lot of power in many areas but I put it under control by the mercies of God. I can’t be so drunk with power that I dishonour my husband, or not pay attention to my family. I have a loving husband who is the one that encourages me to go even when I don’t feel like going. He has been my support system. As a student, I honour my lecturers, one of them said to me; ‘thank you for not putting us in an uncomfortable situation. You are doing well and we celebrate you’. Yes, I’m privileged to be someone’s icon, mentor, coach, hero but I am just an undergraduate in class, a student of my lecturers. I am also a Jesus’ girl after the display of His glory, I always find my way back to draw strength and comfort from Him. There are many things I delegate, like I have my executive assistant who manages my schedule and plans events for me while I am praying or spending time with my husband and family. I hope someone pays attention to this and takes cues because keys to success are in the stories of champions.
How can women contribute to nation building?
First, by building themselves. Only people who have capacity can build a nation. Let’s not repeat mistakes because we have people who may have great intentions but have not built themselves enough to handle the responsibility of building the nation. So, I would say woman, build yourself first.
Can a woman have it all? Where does balance come in?
Just take a look at me and other accomplished women in the world. There, you have your answer.
Concluding words
There is room for you up there, you can be successful, and greatness is available for you. Please remember that on your way to the top, whatever happens TO you, happens FOR you. Thank you for this opportunity to share my heart with the world Kemi, God bless you.