Hello my dear; Nigeria will be great!

By Bolaji O. Akinyemi.

It was the burial service of Pastor Issac Oke Amesinlola at the Saint Stephen’s Protestant Church, Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) Oshodi, on Saturday the 1st of March 2025, where a legacy of prayer for Nigeria by one who is no doubt a super patriot of Nigeria was relived.

In the audience to savour the life and time of this late rare patriot were Patriots in service to the nation and their retired compatriots were not left behind. Members of the retired Armed Forces Officers of Army, Navy and Air force were not missing in action. They came in their numbers.

Several other guests made the day colourful, and the intention to make it a glorious rite of passage was realised.

The late Amesinlola was neither an Army, Navy or Air Force, but his Son; Adeniyi Herbert Amesinlola is an Air Force Senior Officer, previously the Commandant at the Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, where the burial service and reception held. Air Vice Marshal A.H. Amesinlola is now the chief of Transformation and Innovation at the NAF Headquarters. Heading this Branch, is for me, a revelation of the bookworm attitude of an effico “A” student that AVM was when he was much younger, to that A Intelligent Quotient came the call to lead a Tech savvy Branch of the Air Force to drive its transformation.

I wasn’t surprised to see that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa who was ably represented. I had met Amesinlola at church Thanksgiving function organised in honour of CDS when he was newly appointed, a reflection of the cordiality between the Nigerian Airforce and the Nigerian Army.

In his testimony about his father, the AVM told how as a young man of frail body he survived the rigours of Nigeria Defence Academy, simply because the strength of his father’s children resides in the mind. They were brought up to be bold, courageous and never to consider any price too high to pay for patriotism. His father’s pattern of phone conversation instilled in all, the patriotic value that Nigeria is worth dying for if need be. He stated; every call from his father usually in all cases will begin with; hello my dear; God bless Nigeria”!

This is the mindset that raises all the Amesinlolas, which their late father extended to friends ‘without foes’. The senior Amesinlola was too loving to consider anyone a foe. Too committed to peace and unity of Nigeria as stated by another son, Pastor Clement Jesubamikole, who read his biography. If the recent book launch by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, the former Head of State and self styled Military President stirred the honet’s nest on the side of Nigeria’s civilian citizens, the testimony of how their father opened his gate to military men and officers sent to quell the inferno that civilian agitation post June 12 upheaval who were under attack was personally a thrill to me. That was what inspired this article. To hear of a man who was there for the safety of officers and men at a great risk to himself and family was great courage. This is a lesson for all, with the perilous time of insecurity behind us, to improve on the mileage gained by the combined efforts of the military and other security Agencies, agreed it is the duty of the Military and other Agencies to secure all, but we could also help at such time when the military needs us. An information of what you know that others don’t may be all that is needed to end the siege that insecurity has become to all and sundry. In my company was Da Jonathan Sunday Akuns, Galadima Daffo, Daffo is a community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, he, probably more than anyone else appreciated the gesture of late Amesinlola, knowing the wroth of insecurity.

Late Pastor Issac Oke Amesinlola, was a servant landlord as Pastor Olabode Zacchaeus of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Chapel of Peace will testify. According to him the late landlord asked them how much they can afford to pay for the place to which he said 120k, after ten years, it was he who approached his landlord for upward review and Papa said the ultimate owner of the earth who brokered a piece to him to manage hasn’t instructed him to increase the rent. He, however was compelled to review the rent upward. May God make out of all landlord in Nigeria, men with such heart.

But beyond the information gleaned during the funeral service. Who is this rare breed without greed in a nation governed by greed?

His biography as written by his family will let us into his life and times:

“The Life and Legacy of Pastor Isaac Oke Amesinlola – A Man Larger Than Life!
Ladies and gentlemen, buckle up, because we’re about to take a joyful stroll through the extraordinary life of a man who was as wise as he was witty, as fearless as he was faithful, and as loving as he was legendary—Pastor Isaac Oke Amesinlola!
A Grand Entrance into the World
On Monday, 2nd October 1939, the world was blessed with the arrival of a young lad named Isaac—destined to become a beacon of wisdom, kindness, and leadership. Born into the prestigious Amesin family, he was the proud son of Chief Pa Amesin, the great Risapetu Alomo (second-in-command to the King himself!), and the ever-graceful Madam Oni Amesin of the Elemo Compound. With roots firmly planted in the historic Oba Odo Compound, Ipetu Ijesha, Osun State, it was clear from day one that this was no ordinary child—he was a man of Destiny,
Brains, Ambition, and a Sprinkle of Adventure.
Pastor Isaac was a scholar through and through. His early years were spent in Ipetu Ijesha, where he excelled at the prestigious Ipetu Ijesha Grammar School. But why stop there? He took things up a notch by diving into the world of distance learning (Correspondence lectures) at none other than the London Business School. Long before Zoom classes were a thing, he was already ahead of the curve!
A Career That Was Nothing Short of Spectacular!
Pastor Isaac’s professional journey was like a blockbuster movie—full of ambition, breakthroughs, and unexpected twists.
He kicked off his career at Lagos Airport Hotel, where his intellect and hard work saw him soar to a managerial position but did he stop there? Of course not! The entrepreneurial fire burning in his soul was far too strong.
Enter Lamesco Driving School—his brainchild, his legacy, and a venture that gave countless people the skill (and confidence) to hit the road in style! But, true to form, he didn’t just teach people how to drive—he equipped them with life lessons, discipline, and the patience to navigate both roads and life’s challenges.
Not one to sit back while things happened, Pastor Isaac was also a pioneer of community security! He played a key role in shaping the Civil Defence Corps, which later became the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). And guess what? He didn’t stop there! He also lent his time and energy to the Road Safety Corps in its early days, making sure Nigeria’s roads were safer for everyone.
A Man Who Stood for Justice, Unity, and Patriotism
Pastor Isaac didn’t just believe in fairness—he embodied it. He often said that leadership was a privilege from God, not a tool for oppression. To him, a true leader treated everyone equally, regardless of tribe, religion, or status.
He was a passionate believer in a strong and united Nigeria. In a world where people often chose safety over principle, he chose courage. One of the most unforgettable examples of this was during the Lagos clashes of the 1990s, when violence and chaos were the order of the day.
In an act of extraordinary bravery, Pastor Isaac opened his home to a group of young officers under attack by hoodlums along the expressway. It was a time when taking such a risk could cost you everything, but his faith in God was unshakable. His words still echo today:
“My children are all over Nigeria. If I protect these officers, God will protect my children.”
And that was the kind of man he was—bold, selfless, and guided by faith.
A Spiritual Giant and a Man of the People
Faith wasn’t just something Pastor Isaac practised—it was who he was. He served diligently as an elder at the Apostolic Church, Kosofe Ketu, before embracing his divine calling as an inner-city pastor, offering spiritual guidance and counsel to those who needed it most.
His message was simple yet powerful: Worship no man, but respect all. Your destiny is not in the hands of any man but in the hands of the Almighty God!
He wasn’t just a preacher; he was a mentor, a role model, and a father figure to many. His integrity, kindness, and devotion to God and humanity left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.
A Family Man Extraordinaire!
Pastor Isaac Oke Amesinlola was married to Ms. Florence Abebi Amesinlola (née Awosanmi) in 1967, and their marriage lasted for 30 years until her passing in 1997. After her demise, he married Mrs. Awele Amesinlola, with whom he remained until death.

Now, behind every great man is a great family, and Pastor Isaac was no exception. He was the definition of a no-nonsense father to his loved ones. We, his family, our mother here, wonderful children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces will continue to carry on his legacy forward:
Mrs Awele Amesinlola – his loving wife and lifelong partner.
Air Vice Marshal Adeniyi Amesinlola – soaring through the skies with honour.
Deacon Kehinde Amesinlola – a guiding light in faith and wisdom.
Mrs Janet Adegoke – nurturing family and community with grace.
Pastor Clement Jesubamikole – carrying on the spiritual legacy.
Pastor Isaac William Amesinlola – steadfast in his calling.
Mr Ebenezer Amesinlola – honouring the family name with pride.
A Life Well Lived, A Legacy That Will Never Fade
Pastor Isaac was not just a man—he was a movement! A force of nature whose influence will be felt for generations. His was a life filled with love, laughter, faith, and fearless service.
Though he may no longer walk among us, his wisdom, courage, and unwavering love for humanity live on in the lives he touched. His legacy is not just written in history—it is engraved in our hearts.
So today, we don’t just mourn a Pastor and a Prophet—we celebrate him. We remember his laughter, his wisdom, his sacrifices, and his unshakable faith, and we will carry forward the lessons he taught us.
Rest well, Baba Lamesco. Your race was well run, your impact is eternal, and your story; absolutely unforgettable!

Dr. Bolaji O. Akinyemi is an Apostle and Nation Builder. He’s also President Voice of His Word Ministries and Convener Apostolic Round Table. BoT Chairman, Project Victory Call Initiative, AKA PVC Naija. He is a strategic Communicator and the C.E.O, Masterbuilder Communications.

Email:bolajiakinyemi66@gmail.com
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