By Alifia Sunday

In an extraordinary turn of events, the Mustapha family of Isanlu in Kogi State, Nigeria, has found their lives intertwined with May 27 – a date celebrated globally as Universal Children’s Day. Established in 1954 by the United Nations General Assembly, this day aims to promote understanding, welfare, and unity among children across the world. However, for the Mustapha family, the significance of this date extends beyond its international recognition. 

Remarkably, it is the shared birthday of three of their eight children, making it a truly extraordinary and cherished day for their family.

The Divine Journey of Apostle Dr. Solomon Moses Oni Mustapha JP (Babasebioba)

Apostle Dr. Solomon Moses Oni Mustapha JP, fondly known as Baba Sebioba, recently shared his divine journey and calling to ministry. Born on May 27, 1969, Mustapha is the fourth child and first of three sons in the Mustapha household. 

Notably, all three brothers were born on May 27, coinciding with Children’s Day. This unique circumstance led his father’s age group to jokingly refer to him as always giving birth on Children’s Day. 

Hailing from a town where no prophets resided, only orthodox churches like Methodist, Anglican, and Baptist were present. Apostle Mustapha believes that God’s plan for him involves ministering to children, which aligns with his birthday falling on Children’s Day. As such, he celebrates his church’s children’s anniversary on his birthday.Gifted in preaching, deliverance ministry, and revivalism, Apostle Mustapha embraced full-time ministry work on May 27, 2004. With a strong educational background, he has received numerous local and international awards for his efforts.

Happily married to Prophetess Eunice Mustapha JP, they have five children together. Before his calling, Apostle Mustapha was a diligent businessman, owning a printing shop, barber shop, laundry shop, and also a participant in the transport industry.

Despite initially not responding to God’s calling on July 17, 1994 due to being preoccupied with work, Apostle Mustapha received a second opportunity after nine years and this time, he couldn’t turn down the ministerial assignment.

God instructed him to leave Ikole Ekiti and his investments for a new life in Ibadan, Oyo State, he obeyed God’s directive. In Ibadan, times were tough; he resorted to selling calendars featuring phrases like: “Idile Onigbogbo, Ojuse oko si Aya, Ojuse Aya si oko” to support his family.

On May 27, 2003, his ministry began in a classroom at Hope Nursery/Primary School, Akinde Gbaremu, Ibadan, with just three members: his wife, Prophetess Eunice Mustapha JP, his eldest daughter Miss Justina Mustapha (now in Canada), and Mrs. Adijat Adewale. For five months, these members held service, and gradually more people joined them.

Apostle Mustapha’s first message focused on “FAITH” (IGBAGBO), eventually leading the ministry to a leased property at Orisunmbare Market on August 1, 2006.  After two years, the agreement transitioned from lease to ownership, and the land was sold to the church on April 2, 2008, marking a significant milestone for the ministry.

The foundation was laid by Apostle SMO Mustapha, Prophetess Mrs. Eunice Mustapha, Pastor Kayode Oyinloye, Mr. Ademilua, Mr.Muyiwa (PAKO), Pastor Samuel Ekundayo, Mama Kiesi; Deaconess Odebunmi, Mr.Akinrinola, Evangelist Timothy Abiodun and other members on Saturday April 19, 2008 and the church was built in just six mouths. 

The sudden spread of the church is an indication that God is at work and he was really called in the ministry, with  branches across Nigeria, London, Ghana, Gabon and Cote d’Ivoire. The  Lagos  branch was founded in 2009; likewise Ilorin, Oke-Kudu branch was founded in 2009; Isanlu Mopo branch was founded in 2013.

Abeokuta branch was founded in 2014, Apete Branch was also founded in April 2017; Kogi branch was founded in February 2018 and Isanlu also founded in 2018 and  they are all performing wonderfully. Presently, more branches have been founded and many more are their way.

Apostle Dr SMO Mustapha  whose grace from God has no equal in our time is empowered to  preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ on 101 radios and television stations across Nigeria apart from social media networks, organises prayer and fasting, as well as crusades tirelessly every week across the country. Little wonder his numerous admirers call him “Babasebioba”. 

The prolific preacher of our time has received both local and international awards, including the  special one from the  International Association of World Peace Advocate, IAWPA, who  honoured him with the award of First Mayor of Peace in Nigeria and Eunice B. Mustapha as IAWPA Ambassador under the World Peace President, His Excellency, Ambassador Per Stafsen of Denmark.

Babasebioba Annual Birthday Celebration… 

Apostle Mustapha’s special May celebration of the gift of life which comes up on the May 27 today is expected to be graced by  thousands of worshippers  across the globe.  Prophet Mustapha had used occasion like this annually to sponsor the less- privileged in the country and gifts of all kinds to the poor .

He the sponsors 250 patients for cataract surgery  monthly. But as part of the event marking  his May  birthday celebration and care for humanity, the Apostle is sponsoring 500 patients of glycoma operation while 200 physically challenged members will benefit from  artificial arms and legs; same goes for even none church members under the “Empowerment Movement of the Church”. The philanthropist will also be presenting an award titled, “Youth Ambassadors”  to 12 young men and women, members of Seed of Christ Golden Church Land of Reality World-wide Ibadan, tasking the awardees to  project, preach the gospel of Christ as the golden rule left down for us across Nigeria and outside world.

The birthday thanksgiving-cum-Youth Ambassador award is taking place at the Sebioba Headquarters Gbaremu Idi-Obi, Airport Area, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo State.