BOX OFFICE: YOUNG, AMBITIOUS AND BOLD. BISOLA BADEJO AMONGST THE NEW LEADERS SHAPING AFRICA

Bisola Badejo  has it: effortless confidence and flow, style in abundance. Bisola had her roots in Lagos as an extrovert, but since breaking out in the Gospel industry, she has taken giants strides there by making her brand global by becoming one of the most powerful women out of Africa. One spotlight into her career, Bisola after getting the world's attention to her brand, though with the help of God, remains somehow remarkably unphased, as if success was never in doubt. In August, Bisola connected with our founder Pelumi J. Adeboye  in Lagos to discuss staying true to yourself, and living a life Jesus even when it feels impossible. 

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PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Whilst discussing your breakout into the Gospel industry, we cannot leave out without you briefly taking our readers through your Educational background. Care to share? 

BISOLA BADEJO: I’m a graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. I started my career in the largest distribution company in Nigeria, possibly West Africa as well — Ikeja Electric. I was employed as a Graduate Trainee under Sahara Power Group. I worked there asan Engineer for seven years. I got a job that required me to move to Abuja, so I did. At 30, I was the Chief Operating Officer of a renewable energy company in Abuja. 

In 2023, after being in Abuja for almost two years, I moved back to Lagos to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Celebration Church International (CCI).

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: We have the popular tag you have been labelled with by your fans, “IYALOJA OF FIELDS”. What does this mean? Break it down for me.

BISOLA BADEJO: Lol okay, So someone jokingly called me Iyaloja of Fields one day when I wore Iro and Buba with Gele. It resonated with me because it fit into the prophecy of my life. What do I mean? My Lead Pastor and Boss, Apostle Emmanuel Iren, believes that a mandate we have in this Joshua generation is to take over fields (territories) for God, both as individuals and as churches. 

If you know Yoruba, you’ll know that Iyaloja means the female market leader; so for CCI, I’m the Iyaloja of fields.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Mm…hmm so tell me, what will you describe your person as?

BISOLA BADEJO: I would describe myself as many things, but boldness, fearlessness, and firmness are key characteristics. These three have helped me stay true to myself and go hardafter my goals. In work environments, where I manage many people and tasks, they are essential traits for getting things done. While some might perceive these as rude or harsh, that’s not usually the case. I believe in my words and actions being seasoned with grace, so while I’m firm, bold, and fearless, I treat people with kindness.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What would you say are the strategies already in place to keep you relevant in our competitive creative industry?

BISOLA BADEJO: I believe that to stay relevant in any industry, continuous improvement is asignificant strategy. It’s a journey of constant learning and continuous exposure to thetrends happening in any industry that’s related to what I do, because my job overlaps with different industries.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Into your appointment as the CEO of Celebration Church so far, which moment would you describe as challenging? Real question right now.

BISOLA BADEJO: I had to leave a well-paying job in the energy industry to follow God’s call for my life. It seemed like career suicide at the time to many people, but I knew God was leading.

When the time is right, I’ll share the story. However, what I’m sure of is that everystep in my career journey led me up to this role. Here, God gives us seemingly oversized dreams and we grow into it, so I get to manage even bigger things.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: May be now, may be not now, Which Nigerian gospel creatives would you love to work with?

BISOLA BADEJO: I believe we have many amazing gospel creatives in Nigeria, so as many as Kairoswill bring my way, I’m open to working with them.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: There's a common idea that as young creatives, especially artists, once you are reposted by Blogs, you become known. Do you think it will help them grow or rather make them fade out, as a result of the Industry hazards within the shortest period of time, not being a master of their crafts? What’s your opinion on this?

BISOLA BADEJO: I don’t think that your sustenance in any industry is in the hands of anyone; it’s in your hands. If you get exposed before the time is “right”, and you fail because of that, you’d, in the end, only have yourself to blame. Opportunity doesn’t RSVP; someone will reach out to you. You need to be prepared to handle whatever exposure you’d get. My pastor usually says, “Don’t use your desert period to perform miracles.” Jesus fastedfor 40 days and 40 days; there’ll always be a preparation period.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What other accomplishments of yours would you like to pursue in future and what advice would you give young females out there modelling their lives after you?

BISOLA BADEJO: My life is in God's hands. I know my assignment: to influence culture and work with God's general in this end time to achieve His plans. Besides wanting to write books, be a good example to women in ministry, be a good wife and mother, and excel in my job as CEO of CCI, I want to do everything I can through that platform. My purpose is to know God and make Him known. As I age, the expressions may differ. I don't have ambitions; I know what I'm supposed to do right now, and the rest is in God's hands.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What are your happiest memories from your teenage years?

BISOLA BADEJO: Happiest memories from my teenage books would be reading books from different authors like Sydney Sheldon, Jeffrey Archer, and even my school textbooks. I loved being a student. I enjoyed going to school, focusing on my studies while someone else took care of my personal needs.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: How would you describe your relationship with your parents?

BISOLA BADEJO: I lost my father when I was three years and some months old, so I just have my mother. My mum is an amazing person; she’s my sister, best friend, and mother in oneperson. I love her so much. Our relationship is amazing. Many people say we look so much alike.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: So tell me, what were the core values passed unto you by them?

BISOLA BADEJO: My mother passed down discipline, hard work, and excellence. She taught me to read and study. She’d buy books for my siblings and me, and she’d expect us to not just read, but also write a book report. She’s the reason I have outstanding writing and comprehension skills. My mum also taught me to pray and believe in the power of prayer. I remember her praying at night for her children. One night earlier this year, I spent the night at her place. I heard her ringing a bell and praying while calling the names of her children. She taught me to believe in God above all else, and that the only person she has in this life is God. She taught me favour. She’d always tell me that the favour of God was with me and that I shouldn’t look down on myself.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Asides your parents, whoom would claim played a crucial role into what have become today?

BISOLA BADEJO: I've met many people along the way and had various mentors. My former COO at Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan, inspired me to aspire to that role because of her excellence. I've also learned from teachers like Mr. Sowole, my Physics teacher, who helped me believe in myself. And my Pastor, Apostle Emmanuel Iren, has been instrumental in guiding me toward fulfilling God's plans for my life. It's been a privilege to be part of his mission.

I'm fortunate to have a supportive husband. We've moved between Lagos and Abuja together, and he has played a pivotal role in my life and success. support has been crucial to my success. One of the most important decisions a woman can make is marrying right, and I’m thankful to God that I have done that. I have someone who supports me. Without the support of my husband, I wouldn’t have been who I am today.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Mm..hmm Young creatives out there struggling to juggle education and work - What's your advice to them?

BISOLA BADEJO: Balancing work and education? Balancing work and education is like balancing other aspects of life. The truth is that balance is a myth. You need to prioritise what needs your attention at any giventime. Nothing can be perfectly balanced; you achieve balance through imbalance. Everything in your life has different priority levels at different times. As a student, your education takes top priority. If you miss that opportunity, it may be difficult to regain it. In your early career, your focus should be on gaining as much experience as possible. When you get married, your number one priority is your marriage. 

You're balancing different balls (with different materials) at different times, and the importance of each ball can change based on its priority level. For me, my marriage is like a glass ball, while work is more like a ceramic ball. You'll also have rubber balls. Rubber balls can be dropped and bounce back, but ceramic and glass balls are more fragile. You need to prioritise based on the situation.

In some cases, a glass ball can become a rubber ball. For example, as a man, if your pregnant wife calls you to say she wants suya from a distant place and you have a work meeting or a promotion exam, your wife's desire is a rubber ball compared to the work/exam. However, if your wife is in labour, your wife becomes a glass ball, and work is a rubber ball. Balance comes from understanding that not everything will have the same priority level throughout your life.