By Ngoka Ijeoma Lesley
Rev. Fola Achudume was a vibrant woman of God, with a profound passion and burden to see women, irrespective of age or social standing, step into their God-ordained destinies and make significant impacts in their spheres of influence. Her life’s work was driven by a vision to empower women to rise above their challenges and live purposeful lives. This divine mandate took her to nations across the globe, leading to the establishment of various missions and impactful programmes.
As the president of Royal Ladies International Ministry (RLI), a dynamic non-governmental organization, Rev. Fola devoted herself to ensuring that every woman awakens the giant within her.Through teaching, training, and empowerment programs, she sought to encourage women not to be constrained by life’s difficulties but to manifest their hidden potential and contribute to the betterment of society.
RLI’s work reached women across the globe, creating platforms for transformation and growth. One of the hallmarks of Rev. Fola’s leadership at Royal Ladies International (RLI) is the Annual Women’s Summit – a unique conference designed to bring together women of all ages, from diverse backgrounds, to ignite their purpose. These summits featured esteemed speakers who addressed topics ranging from politics and entrepreneurship to health, marriage, and career. In recent times, young men were also welcomed, emphasizing her belief that both men and women must be equipped to contribute positively to society.
Another key initiative was the Bi-Annual Eminent Personality Conference, where she gathered high-profile individuals to impart lessons relevant for navigating the more difficult seasons of life, and the night seasons of life. These gatherings were known for their depth and practical relevance, providing insight for leaders in society.
Her deep compassion for women, especially those affected by abuse, led her to found the Save Her Foundation. This NGO was dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and restoring and releasing victims of abuse, helping them to rediscover their purpose and find healing. She created safe spaces where survivors could be rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, contributing to the creation of new beginnings. Under this foundation, Rev. Fola developed programmes targeting teenagers, helping them navigate their formative years.
The Just Boys and Girls Summit and school outreach programmes became critical vehicles for instilling moral values and guiding teenagers toward a purposeful and Godly life. A significant aspect of her ministry was her commitment to reaching out to women in the most vulnerable circumstances. Through her brothel outreach program, Rev. Fola extended love, compassion, and support to women trapped in the sex trade. She firmly believed that no matter what life had thrown at someone, God’s love could
bring about transformation. This outreach, sometimes called “Brothel Fellowship,” provided these women with a message of hope, leading many to a life of freedom, healing, and purpose. She emphasized that everyone, regardless of their past, deserves a chance for a better life
Rev. Fola also founded GemAme Royal Institutes, a mentoring school designed to mentor individuals of all ages. She believed in bringing out the “gemstone of royalty” in every person, nurturing them in various aspects of life, including leadership, personal development, and spiritual growth.
One of her signature events was the Female Ministers Conference, a powerful initiative that sought to equip female ministers for excellence both in ministry and in life. Rev. Fola was passionate about ensuring that every female minister thrives, firmly believing that the call of God on their lives was not meant to be a burden but an opportunity to shine brightly in all areas of life. The conference, which is held both in Abeokuta and Lagos, has become a hub for knowledge sharing and spiritual empowerment, where ministers gained wisdom from one another’s journeys.
Rev. Fola was also the president of the Victory Women International, the women’s arm of Victory Life Bible Church International, organizing annual conventions that impacts women in profound ways.
She was also the visionary behind Let’s Pray, a weekly online prayer meeting that brought together believers from across the globe to pray and build their faith. The platform, which is held every Friday, saw countless testimonies of lives transformed through prayer.
As the proprietor of Faith Heritage Group of Schools, she dedicated her life to raising, educating, and building future leaders grounded in strong Christian morals and values. Her vision for the school was to create an academic environment that instilled these principles in every student, preparing them to make a positive impact in the world.
Additionally, she pioneered the Women Arise Prayer Meeting, a monthly gathering where women come together to pray for their homes, children, husbands, and overall lives. She believed that as women and mothers, the home is a vital space to build and nurture.
As a prolific writer and thought leader, Rev. Fola authored several books, each carrying deep insights into life, leadership, and faith.
She was well-traveled, sought after as a conference speaker, and certified as a marriage, relationship, and leadership coach. Her therapeutic insights and wisdom made her a mentor to many, with her influence spanning continents.
Rev. Fola’’s legacy continues to live on through the lives she touched, the institutions she founded, and the countless individuals she mentored and empowered. She was a true servant of God, whose life was marked by her unwavering commitment to seeing people, especially women, rise from the ashes of their past and become all that God destined them to be.
Though she has gone to be with the Lord, her impact remains indelible, a testament to a life well-lived for God and for others.
