Global Vision Support International Foundation (GVSIF), also known as Vision Center, embarked on its transformative journey with the official registration by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in Nigeria in 2018. However, the seeds of our mission were sown much earlier, back in 1997 when our visionary founders, Pastor Dr. John Obafemi Sotunsa and Professor Mobolanle Ebunoluwa Sotunsa, began their life together.
Pastor John’s spiritual journey led him from his role as the Pastor of Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ogba, Lagos, in the period from 1993 to February 1996. In October 1995, he was inspired to fulfill his calling into the medical ministry, a calling that had taken root in his heart since his conversion in 1983. To pursue his newfound purpose, he enrolled in medical school at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Despite the demands of studying and pastoring a church in Lagos, Pastor John continued his pastoral duties until February 1996 when the toll became overwhelming. At that point, he was advised to take study leave without pay. In a twist of divine fate, just a month after starting his study leave, he was called to pastor the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Olanrewaju, Modakeke, Osun State.
In this new pastoral role, Pastor John encountered a community with young people facing significant challenges but brimming with untapped potential. It was here that the seeds of transformation were planted. A prayer ministry was initiated, fostering a closer connection with God—the source of all goodness—and awakening a sense of self-discovery among the youth.
During a period of conflict, rather than becoming embroiled in the strife, these young individuals chose a path of positive change. They embarked on a mission to build the Olanrewaju Church, 11 classrooms for the Seventh-day Adventist Primary School in Olanrewaju, a Pastors’ house, and the Intercessors’ Chapel in Oke-Ola. Many young people returned to active schooling during this time and have since become professionals in various fields, including medicine, science, education, and construction.
As a testament to their commitment to positive change, a magazine called “Intercessors” was established to promote family values, health, holy living, and mission. This magazine, with its unwavering commitment to its mission, continues to inspire and educate to this day.
Following the completion of his medical education, Dr. John Sotunsa relocated to Babcock University to reunite with his family. In the community, a pressing issue came to light: many young girls were dropping out of secondary school at JSS 3, primarily due to poverty or unwanted pregnancies. This concern deeply moved Bola Sotunsa, prompting her to envision a center where these young individuals could be empowered, securing a brighter future for themselves. This vision led to the empowerment of women through grants to enhance their businesses, enabling them to meet the financial needs of their families.
To further expand our impact, GVSIF acquired a site at 27 Temidire Street, Ilishan-Remo, behind the market. Here, we established a hall, a computer training unit with 9 desktop computers, a studio space (still in progress), and a block of three offices. Free computer training and music lessons were offered to young people, many of whom have gone on to higher education, sustaining themselves with the resources gained from their computer skills.
In 2006, we initiated a scholarship program for indigent young people pursuing health-related training. Currently, we sponsor 3 medical students (2 at the University of Jos and 1 at Ekiti State University) and one dental technology student (School of Health Technology, Ilese, Ogun State) through this scheme. In response to a clear need identified during a free medical outreach in Bassa, Plateau State, we extended our support to an indigent young lady who aspired to be a teacher instead of facing early marriage pressures. With our scholarship, she completed her training, became a teacher in Plateau State, and now leads a fulfilling life as a gainfully employed educator with a loving family.
As we continue our journey, we’ve observed new challenges during our medical outreaches. The pressing need for effective cancer care and the demand for the training of indigent young people have become increasingly evident. With this vision in mind, we aspire to establish the Restoration Cancer Center to provide comprehensive cancer screening and treatment. Additionally, Vision College will offer entrepreneurial education to empower indigent young people, helping them become self-reliant and family uplifters. These initiatives embody our unwavering commitment to making every soul count by creating a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike. Together, we aim to foster positive transformation and fulfil our mission with deep dedication and unwavering love for humanity.