SolapeMarkObaba

Solape Mark-Obaba (nee Roberts) was born in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria on the 23rd of November, 1949. She started her early primary education in Ondo town and finished in Ibadan when her parents had to relocate. She had her secondary school education in Ibadan at Yejide Girls Grammar School and did her “Post Science” at St Annes’ School Molete. She then went to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo where she obtained a National Certificate Education (N.C.E). She taught at Mount Olivet Grammar School, Bodija, Ibadan for about a year before proceeding to University of Lagos, where she obtained a B.Sc (Education). It was in Lagos she met her husband Samuel Kayode Akinwande Mark-Obaba. He was an astute Biochemist who worked with the Nigeria Bottling Company (a subsidiary of the Coca Cola Company). They were soon married and started a family. She combined being a wife and a mother with her teaching job. In 1980, she and her husband were involved in a ghastly accident and at the young age of 30, she became a widow. This marked the beginning of a journey through some very interesting, albeit difficult times. After her husband’s death she moved to Ibadan to be close to her parents. It was there she started her new life with her two young children whilst teaching at the International School, University of Ibadan. Over the next four years after her husband’s death Solape searched for answers through her relationships with old and new found friends and also from God whom she knew casually at the time. In July 1984, the greatest thing that can ever happen to anyone happened to her; she met the Lord. She became born again and her life turned around. By 1989, she decided to leave her teaching job due to challenges with her voice. She moved into the Banking sector, working with the former Owena Bank. Within two years of being with the Bank, the Lord called her to serve full time in her church (Scripture Pasture Christian Centre). This she did with a willing and obedient heart by working full time as an intercessor and counselor. Of course this came with its physical challenges; with 2 children and a niece-in-law all in school at the time and bills to pay. Through it all, the Lord showed Himself faithful by being the “husband to the widow and the father to the fatherless”. By early 1995 the Lord called her to yet a higher level when she was led to resign her church job and spend her time praying and counseling. This seemed preposterous, especially at a time when she had 3 wards, all in University. However, God didn’t leave her wanting. Since 1995, she has not earned a salary working for any organisation but God has shown himself to be her provider. The Lord made a way for her and the children through the years. Her children have since left university and are all settled happily in homes of their own. In 2005, she was instructed by God to publish a book (not for sale) which shares her life testimony. The riveting, moving and highly inspirational book titled “He Turned my Mourning into Dancing” and "Read Through The Bible in One Year" is available everywhere and is touching and changing lives in Nigeria, UK, US and as many places as the book has found its way and a new release of another title "Women Arise and Stand Upon Your Lot" . Today, Solape still spends all her time praying, interceding and counseling and God has remained her faithful employer. She is a loving mother, doting grandmother, inspirational mentor, passionate intercessor, compassionate counselor and a faithful minister. She lives in Ibadan and ministers wherever God leads her.