01 Apr Interview: Agodi Family Weekend 2025

The Interview

Toluwalase Ololade is in his final year at Lead City University, studying Computer Science. He is a member of Zion Center and an active member of both the Technical and Drama teams. I found Toluwalase at the registration stand, doing the work of God.

Did anything surprise you about this program?
TL: Yes!

What surprised you?
TL: The movie surprised me. I wasn’t expecting that we would get to watch a movie at a program like this, especially one involving adults. We don’t even see that at youth programs anymore.
The adults are really outdoing us. Youths, let’s wake up!

What was the most interesting part of the program?
TL: I guess the movie part was the most interesting.

Why?
TL: Because it felt different from the usual.

In one word, what is your takeaway from this program?
TL: I got to learn more about discipleship.

How do you think this program helps the youth?
TL: Youths from different centers get to connect, learn together, and rub minds. I always look forward to that.

Toluwanimi Ilesanmi is in her third year at the University of Ibadan, studying Environmental Health Science. She attends the New Bodija Center and serves in the youth church choir as well as in the media team during the adult service. While at school, she attends the New Covenant Church campus fellowship.

Is there anything that surprised you about this program?
TN: Errrrmmm… no?

No? Ehnehn? Are you sure?
TN: Oya, let’s do it again. Let’s do it again.

Laughs

Is there anything that surprised you about this program?
TN: Yes! They didn’t allow us to do the usual gathering and split into sessions. So, the fact that we watched a movie was quite unexpected. 

What’s your biggest takeaway from the program?
TN: If you are not discipled, you will not be able to disciple others.

How do you think a program like this helps the youth?
TN: Us coming together! Glory to God! Bringing the vibesssssssss!
(Laughs)
Okay, on a serious note, the fact that we get to connect with each other, tell ourselves the truth, and listen to the truth is important. For example, today’s program helped us realize that as youths, we can’t run from discipleship. We need to be discipled and also disciple the generations after us.
So this program helps bridge those gaps.

Is there anything you would like to see added to make the program better?
TN: Food! Food! There should be food. This is not Tolu; please don’t put my name.
Actually, there should be more room for communication. People should be able to speak more and interact because, at a point, it started getting tiring, and I was wondering when it would end. But if it’s more interactive, people will contribute more, and this will spark more interest.
That being said, it was really nice overall.

Pastor Ololade is one of the best fashion designers for men’s wear in Ibadan. He is also the Assistant Pastor at Zion Center. 

Is there anything that surprised you?
PO: The movie screening. It’s not common in a workers’ meeting, so that was very powerful and impactful.

What part of the movie blessed you the most?
PO: When you are a blessing to someone, that person can also be a blessing to you in return; not because you demanded it or feel entitled to it, but because they choose to.
So don’t look down on others, wondering what they have to offer you, because you never know how they might show up for you.

How do you think a program like this helps the youth?
PO: For example, this program on discipleship has taught youths the importance of being teachable. Nowadays, many young people feel they know better than the adults, thinking the adults are “old school.”
But as disciples, we need to humble ourselves and learn so we can grow, not just spiritually, but also in career, business, relationships, and other areas. And this applies to adults too.

At this point, I was searching for one more person. Luckily, I found Aunty Ronke.
She initially refused because she thought I was going to record a video. Why do people always shy away from interviews? Lol.

Aunty Aderonke Ayo-Adio is a minister at the Life Application Service at Agodi Center and also works at Ecobank.

What surprised you about this program?
AR: Okay! I loved the movie. It was very apt, and it felt like it was made just for us.
It’s something I encourage everyone to watch fully because some parts had to be cut. If we watch it in full, we would really understand what it means to be a disciple and to be discipled.

What struck you personally from the movie?
AR: So many aspects, actually, but one stood out to me the most—the way Joshua reached out to Isaiah. He met him right where he was and didn’t care about the gap in their age or status. He was ready to invest in him, to disciple him in all aspects, and took his time to pour into him.
That’s why, when the time came for Joshua to face a tough client, he gave Isaiah the opportunity instead—because he trusted in the impact he had made on him regarding leadership.

Is there anything new you’ve learned about discipleship today?
AR: Yes. In the aspect of care, I learned that discipleship isn’t just about giving money or meeting financial needs. It’s more about being present in a person’s life—experiencing what they are experiencing.
For example, no one knew what Joshua and Isaiah were going through, but because Joshua was present in Isaiah’s life, he was able to walk with him through it. So, care isn’t just about giving and giving—it’s about having a personal relationship and being ready to pour into others.

In what ways do you think this kind of program impacts the youth?
AR: I believe programs like this are very important for youths to prioritize. They are the future of the church and will eventually take the lead.
If they attend programs like this, they will be better equipped, groomed, and prepared to take responsibility in the church. People are getting older, and the youths need to step up and develop themselves.
No one is an island. You can’t know it all. It’s in programs like this that we get to share ideas, learn from each other, and become better people—consequently, better leaders.

Do you have any suggestions on how the program can be improved?
AR: The youths should be more involved in planning and execution. If they are, they won’t feel isolated.Thank you, Aunty.
See? That wasn’t so hard.
AR:(Laughs) I know, I was just— (laughs).

Read Agodi Family Weekend 2025 Experience