Femi Somade
My name is Olufemi Somade and, I was born on October 6th, 1956, in Ibadan the old Western Region in Nigeria. My parents were Late Chief Henry Michael Babatunde Somade and Gladys Fehintola Somade (nee Martins.) I am married I have a daughter, a granddaughter and two grandchildren on the way (twins)
I completed my primary and secondary education in Western and Northern Nigeria. Upon completion of my secondary school education, I gained admission to the University of Oklahoma in the summer of 1979 where I obtained both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Over the next several years I worked for the Department of mental health, Department of Human Service and the Office of Personnel management. After obtaining my graduate degrees, I gained employment as a Functional Consultant in the private sector after which I became the Chairman and Executive Director of Maximus Inc. Over the past 8 years I have been engaged in consulting work overseas on ways to identify, prevent and treat substance abuse particularly with adolescents.
After attending a few churches, I found St. John’s to be suitable in meeting my spiritual growth and need. It was only natural I chose St. John’s after all I was born and raised in the Anglican Church. My grandfather was the late reverend M.S Cole of the Cathedral Church of Christ in Lagos Nigeria perhaps the most famous Anglican church. I became a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in the summer of 1980 and have remained a member since.
Over the years, I was married at St. John’s, my daughter was an Acolyte, my wife has appeared as a guest soloist, my child baptized, I served as a chalice and in the outreach committee, I sang in the choir during the Easter and Christmas seasons, I became a lay reader and read the prayer of the people as scheduled.
St. John occupies and plays a very important role in my life and that that of my family.
