TRIBUTE TO PASTOR CHRISTIANA OWOLABI:

My name is Moses Julius Muganga, and I write this tribute with a deeply grateful heart in memory of Pastor Christiana Owolabi, a woman of God, my mentor, guardian, mother, and one of the people who profoundly shaped the person I am today.

Pastor Christiana Owolabi was exceptionally kind to me. She taught me how to become a better person, how to preach the Gospel, how to sing, and how to organize Sunday services at the KIU Chapel, Kampala International University (KIU), Main Campus, Gongolamboto, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Most importantly, she taught me to remain humble before Almighty God and before all people.

She did not only teach me; she helped make me who I am today.

I remember how difficult life can be for families in the Global South. During my second year of university, around 2012–2013, I found myself in a very difficult situation. I was struggling to pay my tuition fees for my first degree at Kampala International University in Dar es Salaam. I was almost being sent away from the university because of unpaid fees.

Fortunately, I met my brother Prof. Niyii Owolabi, whom I affectionately called Professor because of the footsteps and legacy of his father. He told me to meet his mother, Pastor Christiana Owolabi, who was serving as a pastor at KIU Chapel and as the Director of Guidance and Counselling at Kampala International University.

When I met Mama, she welcomed me warmly and even invited me into their home. That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship. I still remember enjoying Nigerian food at their home—full of peppers! I loved that food, and I still do to this day.

Mama told me, “You must continue with your studies. No one will chase you out of the university. I will stand by you, my son.”

At first, I thought it was simply a comforting promise. But she meant every word.

She stood by me, supported me, and made sure that I continued my education. The University community respected her so much that I would sometimes hear staff members say, “Do not touch that boy; he is Mama’s son. Do not chase him out of the campus. Let him study.”

I will never forget that kindness.

Mama also trusted me deeply. Whenever she wanted to travel around, she would ask me to drive her. I became her trusted driver, and together we travelled from one place to another, preaching the Gospel and visiting KIU students in their dormitories. Those moments remain among the most precious memories of my life.

Later, Mama returned to Ibadan, Nigeria. In 2017, Prof. Niyii Owolabi invited me to Ibadan. That journey was very special because it was the first time I ever travelled by airplane. It was a miracle and a memorable experience for me. Prof. Niyii was waiting for me at the airport in Lagos, and he drove me to Ibadan, where I was reunited with Mama Christiana and her family.

I was so happy to see her again. She and her family welcomed me as one of their own. They treated me not as a visitor, but as a member of their family.

In December 2019, I visited them again in Ibadan. Mama was very happy to see me. Despite her age, she was strong and active, and I had the opportunity to accompany her to different places, including the local market, where we bought chickens, fish, and other items.

She treated me like her own son.

Even when I was preparing to return home to Dar es Salaam, she gave me money. I remember thinking that I should have been the one giving her something, but because of the love she had for me, she insisted on giving me something. That was Mama.

As time went on, I continued calling her. Because of her advanced age, there were times when she could no longer recognize my voice. But the love and memories between us remained in my heart.

Pastor Christiana Owolabi also played an important role in establishing and strengthening the KIU Chapel. The foundation she laid remains strong, and whenever I remember the Chapel, I remember her.

I will always remember her love, beautiful voice, singing, support, care, guidance, mentorship, humility, and prayers for my success in life.

Mama, you were more than a pastor to me. You were my mentor, guardian, teacher, and mother.

I am who I am today in part because you believed in me when I was struggling and stood beside me when I needed someone most.

Thank you, Mama, for believing in me. Thank you for standing by me. Thank you for teaching me. Thank you for treating me as your son.

Your legacy will continue to live in the lives of the people you touched, in the ministry you served, and in the KIU Chapel whose foundation you helped build.

I will miss you deeply.

May Almighty God grant you eternal rest.

Farewell, Mama.

Farewell, my Pastor.

Farewell, my Mentor.

Farewell, my Guardian Mother.

Rest in Peace, Pastor Christiana Owolabi.

With love, gratitude, and everlasting remembrance,

Moses Julius Muganga

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania