Rev. James Ademuyiwa is the Senior Pastor of In His Presence Christ Tabernacle Church with branches in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. He is a worshiper and founder of In His Presence Praise Ministry, an educationist, a businessman, a visionary, dependable, ideological, loving, caring and preacher of good tidings.
He is the author and writer of ‘’Dose of Heaven Daily Devotional’’ a daily devotional message that he sends out to over 2000 readers daily. He is totally committed to the work of God and SOLD out for Christ.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, he is the 2nd of 5 children, raised in a Christian home, his father is a Reverend who was a pastor for many years, his late mother was a devout and faithful head of intercessory prayer group. He had his primary and secondary education in Nigeria. In 1987, he travelled to the United Kingdom to further his education where he did his graduate and postgraduate studies. He also trained as a professional real estate agent; he is a ‘Fellow’ with the United Kingdom National Association for Estate Agents.
1. Why did you relocate to the UK?
I relocated to the UK to further my education.
2. How long did it take you to settle in the UK and what were the challenges? What was your first job in the UK and what is your current vocation?
It took me approximately 8 years to settle in the UK due to the time it took me to study. The challenges for me at the time was the restriction placed on my ability to work, I can only work for 20 hours a week and my bills were certainly more than my income could meet. My first job in the UK was working with McDonald’s as a crewmember. My current vocation is MD of real Estates group; I am also a Director of a Health and Domiciliary Care Agency, which I run with my wife. I am also a CEO/MD of a private Primary School and High School, which has been operating for almost 14 years; I am also a Senior Pastor of In His Presence Christ Tabernacle Church with branches in the UK and Nigeria.
3. For how long have you been living in the UK?
I have been living in the UK for 36 years.
4. What made you decide not to return to your country of origin?
The state of Administrative and security affairs in my country of origin is not encouraging, it discouraged me from considering to return permanently to my country of origin; however, I still invest substantially to contribute to the development and growth in my country of origin and l travel frequently there to oversee the businesses and Churches that are operating there.
5. What is the one thing you missed about home?
The one major thing I missed about home is the all round beautiful weather and happy people that are everywhere in the country.
6. What are the changes you would want to see in your country of origin?
The changes I would love to see in my country of origin are better Federal and state Administration and better security.
7. What has been your proudest contribution to British society?
My proudest contribution to British society was occupying the status of an employer who provided job opportunities and income to almost 80 people in our businesses, which invariably contributed to the growth, and development of the British Economy; I see that as a great privilege.
8. Are you optimistic about the political situation in your country of origin?
Yes, I am optimistic about the political situation in my country of origin; I can see prospects and a better future for the nation.
9. If you have to change anything in your country of origin, what would that be?
If I have to change anything in my country of origin, it will be to make strong and aggressive efforts to eliminate corruption mentality from all workers especially civil servants and political office holders in the county, I will also seek vigorously to improve the security architecture in the county so that the country can be safe for citizens; visitors and investors.
10. What do you most admire in your country of origin? And what do I dislike most?
What I admire most in my country of origin is the spirit of endurance and resilience in the people. And what I dislike most is the dishonest and corrupt mentality among workers, especially among the civil servants and political office holders.
11. What is your opinion on the mass migration out of Africa (Japa Syndrome) and what do you think will improve the economy of your country of origin?
I think the Japa Syndrome was a necessity for a lot of the people from my country of origin due to economic hardships and insecurity. I believe every reasonable persons desire economic stability and security of their lives and properties, if a country could not provide those basic necessities of life, then that country could be considered inadequate; as a result, many reasonable people will migrate out of the country to a country that can offer them these essential basic necessities of life, however; we must note that every country have their own unique challenges; so, it is a matter of give and take. What I think will improve the economy in my country of origin is – number one – to discourage corruption and theft mentality in every form of employment in the county and secondly to encourage more entrepreneurship especially amongst young people who have great business visions and dreams. Many people in my country of origin are generally talented with strong business acumen and they are hard working. With little encouragement and empowerment, they will go very far.
12. How can those in the diaspora help to improve the image of your country of origin?
Those in the diaspora can help improve the image in my country of origin by investing in the country and supporting the growth and development of the country. We can transfer and repatriate the skills and knowledge we have acquired in the UK to further grow and develop our country of origin; by doing so, we can make our country of origin a better and safer place.
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