The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of one of Nigeria’s leading pilgrimage tour companies, Funtade Tours, Rev. Dr. Ajani Olutade, says pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Israel should not be reduced to a mere jamboree, but rather provide pilgrims the opportunity to experience the realities of the Scriptures in practical terms. According to him, this has been the core focus and strength of Funtade Tours in its more than 15 years of taking Nigerian pilgrims to Israel.
Dr. Ajani Olutade, a University of Ibadan–trained geologist and a District Superintendent in Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), and Head Pastor, CAC Oro Iye. Idimu, Lagos shares with Christian Benefits his experiences as an apostle in the marketplace, being the chief executive of several business ventures, a community leader, and a politician. Excerpts:
Kindly tell us about your background.
I come from the family of Pa Solomon Amusa Ajani and Mama Olubukola Oladoyin Ajani from Ede in Osun State.
What informed your decision to study Geology at the University of Ibadan?
I initially did my Advanced Level (A-Level) studies at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where I studied Geography, Chemistry, and Biology. The Polytechnic is very close to the University of Ibadan, so after completing my programme there, I proceeded to the University of Ibadan. Initially, I had planned to study Medicine, but I eventually chose Geology. I thank God for that decision because the field has given me great satisfaction.
Besides being a church leader in Christ Apostolic Church, you are also an apostle in the marketplace. Tell us about your business concerns.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Spring Bureau De Change, my professional journey began with Pilot Finance Limited in Ikeja. After working there for some time, I moved to another organisation. Eventually, I started my own company with the support of some people. Before establishing Spring Bureau De Change, I made efforts to study the bureau de change business in Israel for about ten years because I wanted to introduce the concept to Nigeria. Unfortunately, our government does not always appreciate such innovations. While working with a firm in Ikeja, we used to buy dollars and take them to the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the process was extremely stressful. I told God that the job was not meant for me and prayed that He would change the policy. Within ninety days, the policy was changed. God truly hears the prayers of His people. However, I later made a mistake by allowing a partner to use my licence to transact beyond the stipulated foreign exchange rate. He advised me to process another licence, but I declined because I was satisfied with the income I was earning and the peace of mind that came with it. I also invested my earnings into meaningful causes, particularly kingdom projects. At one time, I was also involved in broadcasting. I ran a programme on Silver bird Television. I was once told to present the programme in English, but I refused and insisted on using Yoruba. The huge audience my Yoruba-language broadcast attracted eventually earned me an award. I take pride in my cultural heritage.
How did Funtade Tours come into your business portfolio?
I was working as a producer at Bond FM when an Alhaji approached me and asked why I was not taking Christians to Jerusalem. That question inspired me. I wrote a proposal to the management and they approved it. I then founded the company using my name and my wife’s name—Olufunmilayo and Olutade—forming the name Funtade. The company has now been operating for over fifteen years. I thank God for what He has used it to accomplish.
Please tell us more about the tourism company.
Funtade is not just a tourism company; it is a pilgrimage-oriented establishment. Our focus is spiritual rather than commercial. Over the years, we have experienced several challenges. Two years ago, I was part of the Christian Tour Practitioners Association of Nigeria. However, there were certain issues within the association that I was not comfortable with. Although I respected the national president, Dr. Israel Kristileri, we eventually had disagreements. I had already been operating my business before the association was formed, so some of their policies did not sit well with me. A petition was eventually written against my company. The secretary and legal department later gave me the option to associate or dissociate from the association, and I chose to step aside. Eventually, my licence was renewed. I was very happy and even shared the certificate with the chairman in Idimu because I have always operated as an independent-driven operator. By God’s grace, we have carved a niche for ourselves.
What has the experience been like managing the establishment?
Since we started operations, no pilgrim we have taken to Israel has ever disappeared. Everyone who travels with us returns safely. There was a time we had a wealthy individual who later turned out to be dishonest. Although we screened him, the Israeli authorities denied him a visa. Because of his influence, he reported me to the authorities. One Sunday, officials came to arrest my wife right from the pulpit while I was away. When I returned, I was informed and immediately went there. My wife was eventually released after I explained why the visa was not processed
.What other factors make your establishment different from other operators?
At Funtade Tours, having money alone does not qualify someone to travel to Jerusalem with us. For instance, we once had a vibrant pastor who could not afford the trip, but we found a way to support him so he could have the experience. Integrity is one of our strongest values. The highest number of pilgrims we have taken at once is sixteen. While many pilgrims go there for commercial activities, our focus is on spiritual encounters.
Can you share the experience that a renowned gospel music minister, Mama Deborah Fasoyin (popularly known as “Odun nlo Sopin”) had travelling to Jerusalem with Funtade Tours?
We once organized a First-Born Prayer Summit and invited Mama Deborah Fasoyin to minister. She attended, and God moved mightily. Later, I suggested the idea of visiting Jerusalem, and she agreed. When we got to the Garden of Gethsemane, I reminded her about the song she had written about the place. We encouraged her to sing it while we supported her. Before long, people started gathering around as she ministered in song. It was a powerful moment.
What are the spiritual significance and benefits of travelling to Israel on pilgrimage with Funtade Tours?
When people visit Israel, they experience the realities of the Scriptures physically. They see biblical sites firsthand. Pilgrims experience both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the Holy Land. During times of war, we suspend our trips and pray for the peace and victory of Israel. We also encourage pilgrims to deepen their understanding of the Bible by studying both the Old and New Testaments. There are three things that will surprise people when we get to heaven. First, some people we expect to see there may not be there. Second, some people we never expected to see may be present. Third, if you yourself make it to heaven, you may be surprised.
How many times does Funtade Tours take people to Israel in a year?
There is no fixed number. Once we have about ten or eleven people, we can organize a trip. Personally, I travel to Israel regularly. At one point, I applied for a visa to the United Kingdom. I remained calm and decided to focus on Israel instead. When I applied for Israel, the visa was granted, and since then Israel has become like a second home to me. I have also explored opportunities to buy property there.
How did you get involved in politics, and what motivates you?
In 1974, I graduated from secondary school and later gained admission into a Federal Government College but could not attend because of financial constraints. By God’s grace, when the Unity Party of Nigeria won elections in the Southwest, Lateef Jakande became Governor of Lagos State and introduced free education. That policy enabled me to attend The Polytechnic, Ibadan for my A-Level studies. Because my education was made possible through government intervention, I resolved that wherever I find myself, I will stand for what is right. I did not join politics for personal gain but to solve problems. Whatever resources I gain from politics, I try to reinvest into meaningful causes.
How do you combine your roles as a pastor, businessman and politician?
Politics itself is not dirty; it is the players that sometimes make it so. Balancing my responsibilities requires discipline. I follow the principle in Ecclesiastes 3—doing the right thing at the right time. Planning is essential. As a pastor, I spend time praying on the mountain. As a politician, I pursue policies that can help society. In business, I employ capable people to manage operations. One of Nigeria’s major problems is the absence of a strong system. That is one reason I admire President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; he is very intelligent.