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| (Second from left) Former President of CAC, Pastor A.O. Akinosun; (middle) the celebrant, Pastor M.O. Yusuf; (second from right) Pastor Yusuf’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Oloyede; (first from right) Regional Superintendent of Pearce Region, Pastor S.O. Aluko; and (first from left) member of the CAC Management Committee, Pastor Kayode Omoniyi |
By Oluwagbenga Bankole
It was a day of honoring a living legend—a man of faith and a devoted servant of God—at the 80th birthday celebration of Pastor Moses Olaniyi Yusuf, pioneer Regional Superintendent of Christ Apostolic Church, Akinyele Region, organized by his spiritual sons and daughters.
The service, held on Saturday, November 9, 2025, at CAC Oke Ibukun, Yaba DCC Headquarters, Lagos, celebrated a man who was born to an Islamic scholar and attended Islamic school, but later encountered Christ in 1956—an encounter that transformed his life and set him on a new path of faith.
His lifestyle of selflessness, humility, and unwavering dedication to God’s work has impacted countless lives, many of whom came together to organize his birthday celebration—a powerful reminder that faithful service to Jesus leaves a lasting legacy.
The service featured several engaging segments, including a tribute to the celebrant, a biography of Pastor Yusuf, his favorite hymn, a personal testimony, special musical performances by the CAC Yaba Choir and CAC Pastors Choir, birthday messages, prayers for the celebrant, presentation of gifts, and more.
Delivering the message of the day on the topic "Availability Unto God Till the End", the President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele—represented by the Regional Superintendent of CAC Pearce Region, Pastor S.O. Aluko—recalled that he first got to know Pastor Yusuf in 1978, when he taught him and others in Sunday School for three months.
He encouraged Pastor Yusuf to hold firmly to what he has received from God and to keep believing till the end.
He noted that the Sunday School which Pastor Yusuf started 50 years ago celebrated its 50th anniversary this year — a clear testimony of enduring commitment to God’s work.
According to him, God warns us to remain relevant and faithful until He finally calls us home, urging the congregation not to allow civilization or modern trends to take away their faith or separate them from God.
Pastor Aluko, in his counsel to the celebrant, said: "Let the Word of God never cease from your mouth. The same legs that once carried you out for evangelism as a member of the Light of the World Society should continue to move with that same zeal for the Master’s work."
The former President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor A.O. Akinosun, in an interview with CAC News spoke highly of Pastor Yusuf, highlighting his unwavering dedication to the work of God.
Pastor Akinosun recalled that he first met Pastor Yusuf in 1973 at the CAC Bible College, where Yusuf spoke about his efforts to establish Sunday School programs in CAC assemblies—an initiative that began even before the return of Baba Olusheye from overseas. “God has used him greatly in the establishment of Sunday School in our churches,” Pastor Akinosun said. “He loves the work of God deeply because he loves Jesus Christ.”
He further noted that Pastor Yusuf’s contributions went beyond the Sunday School department. “Not everyone can become President or General Superintendent of the Church. Because of him and others, we introduced regional administration for the church. He was among the first Regional Superintendents,” Pastor Akinosun stated.
Reflecting on Yusuf’s service on the CAC Management Committee, Pastor Akinosun added, “When he was invited to join the Committee, he performed tremendously. He does not harbor jealousy or malice of any kind. He is humble and possesses a steady mind for doing the work of the Lord without letting anything hinder him.”
Pastor Yusuf’s legacy, according to Pastor Akinosun, is a testament to a life devoted to God and faithful service in leadership within the CAC.
The Director of Administration, CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Tope Dada lauded Pastor Yusuf for his dedication and contributions to the church.
Describing him as “dogged, hardworking, tenacious, and straightforward,” Pastor Dada highlighted his long-standing acquaintance with Pastor Yusuf, noting, “I had known him for many years. He married from CACSA, and I knew him even before they got married.”
He praised Pastor Yusuf for his enduring impact on Christ Apostolic Church and the wider Christendom. “I praise the Lord for his life and for what he has contributed. I am happy to celebrate him today, and I pray we celebrate him more and more, in Jesus’ name,” Pastor Dada said.
The Chairman of the birthday ceremony planning committee, Pastor I.D.O. Akinpelu in an exclusive interview with CAC News described the celebrant as “worth celebrating” and a “father to all.”
Pastor Akinpelu, who was once a student of Pastor Yusuf at the seminary, recounted how the veteran minister preached at his wedding—a message he says has continued to guide his marriage for nearly three decades. “By December 16, my marriage will clock 30 years. He’s an amazing man,” he said.
Highlighting Pastor Yusuf’s humility and mentorship, Pastor Akinpelu noted, “He will not underrate you. When he was the Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, I served as the Mission Pastor and Secretary of the Evangelical of the region. It was amazing working with him.”
He also emphasized Pastor Yusuf’s love for the youth and the encouragement he has given to many over the years. “A lot of people supported this birthday ceremony, and it showed the kind of life of impact he lives,” Pastor Akinpelu concluded.
Earlier in his speech, the Secretary of the birthday planning committee, Pastor S.E.A. Oludare described the day as a day of reflection, celebration and thanksgiving.
He added that;"We are not merely marking eighty years of existence, but right decades of grace, faithfulness and fruitful service in the vineyard of the Lord."
According to him, Pastor Yusuf has remained faithful, flourishing, and faithful in the Lord's service, noting that although retired, his influence and impacts remain very fresh upon all his spiritual children and contemporaries.
Pastor Oludare appreciated the Board of Pastors and Elders of CAC Yaba for graciously hosting the service, noting that their love, generosity, and support have made the day truly special.
The celebrant of the day, pioneer Regional Superintendent of Akinyele Region, Pastor Yusuf expressed profound gratitude to God, sharing reflections on his life and spiritual journey.
“I’m greatly surprised by this birthday, especially with the presence of the immediate past President of the church. I return all the glory to God for everything,” he said.
Pastor Yusuf recounted how God’s hand has been evident throughout his life. “God miraculously found me. I started Islamic school at age three, learning Arabic, which I can still write. God used the free education initiative started by Obafemi Awolowo to enable me to attend school, and it was there that I gave my life to Christ. I thank God that I know Him.”
He humbly attributed his accomplishments to God’s work through him. “Everything said about me is not done by me; it is God who works through me. He can do the same in your life if you allow Him,” he said.
Pastor Yusuf also encouraged attendees to remain steadfast in the face of challenges. “In life, we will face many trials and persecution, but you will surely overcome.”
He appreciated the planning committee and everyone who contributed to the success of the service.
His testimony was a powerful reminder of faith, perseverance, and God’s sustaining grace across decades of service.
BIOGRAPHY OF PASTOR M.O. YUSUF
Early Life and Background
Pastor Moses Oluniyi Yusuf was born on August 1, 1945, into the family of an Islamic scholar, Pa Yusuf Ani, and Mrs. Afusatu Yusuf, of Ile-Oke, Molete/Onju, Iwo, in Osun State, Nigeria
He began his academic journey at the age of four in an Islamic school at Aba Nia, Isero, in 1949,
In 1955, the introduction of the Free Education Programme enabled him to enroll at Methodist Primary School, Isero.
After his conversion to Christianity in 1956, he completed his primary education at Ansar-Ur-Deen Primary School, Araromi, Iwo, in 1960.
Between 1960 and 1963, he worked briefly as a petrol attendant and butcher. In 1964, he moved to Lagos, where he learned bricklaying under Alfa Lamidi Fasasi.
Ministerial Calling and Theological Training
He joined the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) at Bariga, Lagos (28, Igi Olugbin Street), under Pastor G. A. Adunbarin. There, he served actively in the choir, ushering department, and the Light of the World Society (Prayer Warriors).
In 1965, he received the call of God into full-time ministry and underwent discipleship training for one and a half years under Pastor M. O. Agbede of CAC Ikoyi/Ayedaade.
In January 1970, he proceeded to Life Bible College, where he studied until October 29, 1972, earning a Diploma in Theology. He later attended Aba Bible College (ECWA Seminary) in the former Imo State, now Abia State
Ministry and Leadership Trajectory
In 1973, Pastor Yusuf pioneered the Sunday School work under the Christ Apostolic Church in Iwo and later extended it to Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Bauchi, Kano, and other locations.
He was ordained as a Pastor in September 1981 at CAC Oke Isegun, Irowo, Akure.
While serving as a lecturer in the CAC Sunday School Department and the CAC Theological Seminary, he continued to pursue academic advancement. He obtained a BA in Religious Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University (1986-1990) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos (1994/95).
Before his transfer to Ketu, Pastor Yusuf served faithfully as the District Superintendent of CAC Grace Tabernacle District. Ijeshatedo, Lagos, where his ministry recorded tremendous growth in membership. leadership training, and evangelistic outreach.
In June 2004, he was transferred to CAC Oke Igbala, Ketu, as the 3rd District Superintendent. Under his dynamic leadership, the district expanded rapidly from one district to fifteen districts within the DCC structure.
On January 1, 2018, he became the first Regional Superintendent of the CAC Akinyele Region (Lagos/Ogun States).
Vision and Emphasis
Pastor Yusuf's vision for the Akinyele Region focused on the holistic development of ministers morally. spiritually, and theologically
His major emphases included:
- Ministerial education and moral discipline
- Youth empowerment and spiritual revitalization
- Church planting and missionary expansion
Notable among his achievements at CAC Oke Igbala, Ketu, were
- Aggressive church planting and mission adoption (notably the Sierra Leone Mission Field)
- Purchase of ministry vehicles
- Construction of classroom blocks for a nursery and primary school
- Introduction of a pension scheme initiative for church workers
Personal Life
Pastor Yusuf is happily married to Mrs. Mary Adeola Yusuf, a woman of virtue, prayer, and unwavering support. Their marriage is blessed with children who are actively involved in ministry and service to God.
He is fondly called "Baba Yusuf by all who love and admire him for his humility, wisdom, and spiritual depth.
Impact and Legacy
Pastor M. O Yusuf stands as one of the enduring icons of the Christ Apostolic Church. His ministry, spanning over six decades, is marked by:
- Church planting and missions
- Leadership development and ministerial training
- Sound teaching, discipline, and administrative excellence
From humble beginnings as the son of an islamic scholar and manual labourer, he rose through diligence, divine grace, and commitment to the pinnacle of his calling.
Countless ministers and lay leaders in the CAC family regard him as a spiritual father, mentor, and model of godly leadership
A Celebration of Grace
Today's celebration is historic in the annals of our great Church, a joyful occasion honoring a retired minister whose life continues to inspire both young and old
Under the banner of "The Spiritual Sons and Daughters of Pastor M. O. Yusuf," lovers, admirers, and beneficiaries of his ministry have come together to celebrate this spiritual colossus, moral enigma, and true father in the faith. We pray that the Lord will preserve his life in sound health to celebrate many more fruitful years in Jesus name. Amen.
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