Over three decades, and during my ministry at Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos, I encountered many people with beautiful souls and families with a passion for mission and evangelism. One such family is the Sir Lion Engr Owen Adesina and Dame (Princess) Bridget Adetope Tychus (Iya Oba, Iya Pastor, Iya bisobu), both Knight of John Wesley. As a praying partner and member of the Methodist Evangelical Movement (MEM), Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos, I have developed a deep missional admiration for Dame Adetope, a model of Proverb 31 woman and a Methodist Local Preacher. Her strength is God and her family. Dame (Princess) Tychus’ ideology reminds us, “Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (ESV). Proverbs 31 is not just a chapter about a wife of noble character, despite how the Bible titles verse 10-31. Proverbs 31 exemplifies Dame (Princess) Tychus as a woman of valour. A courageous woman. A woman of strength and dignity.
Dame (Princess) Tychus’ kindness, strength and the grace of God continue to strengthen and shape her as a vessel in God’s hand. Dame (Princess) Tychus, a woman who fears the Lord, refers to having a heart completely in awe of God. She is a woman, wife, mother, and preacher who honours God by seeking Him in everything she does and trusting Him wholeheartedly. She has a heart of reverence that overflows into a life of spiritual maturity and wisdom. Dame (Princess) Tychus, an outstanding woman of substance, is “clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (Prov. 31:25).
Dame (Princess) Tychus, while serving as the Chairman of the Lagos Chapter Council of Knights, decried the disappearing culture of Hymns/Psalms in the Methodist Church in Nigeria and across the globe. She called for the preservation of the culture of Hymns/Psalms preservation. According to her, the culture of hymn singing was handed over to the Church by its founding fathers, John and Charles Wesley and urged for its rejuvenation so that upcoming generations will continue with it. She also served as a Senior Local Steward at Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos. At a time, she felt the call of God, and she volunteered to be a candidate for the Tent-Making ministry at Methodist Church Nigeria.
Dame (Princess) Tychus honours God serves out of love and smiles at the future. As a testimony, ‘an example of her giant strides, visionary ideologies and unparalleled commitment to service galvanized into raising resources, eventually leading to the construction of the Cancer Screening and Treatment Centre (“the Centre”) within the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. Notably, this cancer screening and treatment centre caters to patients from the surrounding and very far Provinces. This herculean effort was accomplished through collaboration with senior government officials, corporate organizations, and grants from the Lions Charity International Foundation (LCIF). Princess Bridget Adetope Tychus, a philanthropist par excellence, has awarded students over $18,000 in merit scholarships, boosting primary and secondary school enrolment in Nigeria and ensuring award recipients acquire the basic skills necessary for success later in life. A prominent leader whose influence knows no bounds, she sits on corporate and not-for-profit Boards. She has led and continually led several strategic initiatives for the Lions Clubs International (LCI), including hosting the 2004 Africa Conference in Lagos, Nigeria. She is a great mentor and an embodiment of knowledge with a mandate to coach and develop future leaders and a burning desire to deliver more humanitarian service projects in Africa.’
Dame (Princess) Tychus, ‘a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, a Humanitarian Per Excellence and staunch member of Ikeja Viva L’amour Lions Club, District 404B2 Nigeria’ was ‘a onetime District Governor, when Nigeria had a single District, the pioneer Multiple Council Chairperson of Multiple District 404 Nigeria and also, a Past Council Chairperson.’ Indeed, a godly vessel has no place to hide; hence ‘her enchanting personality brought delegates far and wide across multiple District 404 Nigeria to unanimously certify and endorse her as the candidate to contest for the position of International Director, Africa constitutional area 8, and delegates across the world duly elected her during the 2024 Melbourne International Convention. History was made during the 106th Lions Clubs International Convention, which took place from 21st – 25th June 2024 in Melbourne, Australia, with the theme ‘Grow the Good.’ Dame (Princess) Tychus became the First Female Black Int’l Director of CA 8, Africa, at the 106th LCICON24 in Melbourne. Dame (Princess) Tychus, an astute project manager and civic leader with extensive knowledge of humanitarian service activities, whose journey exemplifies service and groundbreaking achievement, became the first female black international director of Constitutional Area 8, Africa. Dame (Princess) Tychus has consistently chipped away at barriers that ordinarily hold women back and continuously “breaks the glass ceiling” with weapons of effectiveness, efficiency and high-level performances. She is an ally in peacekeeping, continuously contributing to harmony and unity across societies. Having received international recognition as an Ambassador for Peace, the World Peace Organization (Nigeria Chapter) appointed her the Southwest Coordinator for peace matters.’ It is important to note that Lions Club was established in Nigeria in 1964 and ‘has done many things to serve humanity in Nigeria. Lionism was responsible for eradicating measles in Nigeria; Lionism was also responsible for eradicating River blindness in Nigeria. [1]
Dame (Princess) Tychus PMJF NLCF is a ‘leader with a good heart, an elegant woman of steel, endowed with grace and high intelligence; the current International Director for Constitutional Area 8 has served in numerous positions which include, Zone Chairperson, Region Chairperson, District Treasurer, District Governor, Pioneer Multiple Council Chairperson, District Governors Elect Trainer/Mentor and she is the one and only female on the Board of Trustees, MD 404 Nigeria. Her commitment to Lions Club’s principles is not just a role; it is a passion. The Princess strongly believes that service is not just about numbers but the people, the impact, and the shared journey towards a brighter and more connected future. ID Princess Adetope Tychus is a leader of leaders who has consistently led emerging lion leaders and colleagues on a path of excellence, weaving a symphony of life and changing the quality-of-service delivery through selfless contribution and utmost dedication. PCC Princess Adetope Tychus believes teamwork powers togetherness, enhances visibility and helps expand reach. She is an advocate for inclusion, collaboration, unity and peace.’ [2]
Dame (Princess) Tychus helpfully described her methodology using her own words. She said, “Believe in yourself, keep adding knowledge and skills to garner more experience, and be strong enough to pick yourself up should you encounter setbacks on the way to success.” On her vision for her new role as International Director, she explained that “I will be a leader who listens to the verbalized, but more essentially to the unspoken word, and because I am a woman of prayers, I have implicit confidence that the bar of excellence will surely be raised.” Dame (Princess) Tychus believed that ‘the world will produce more women in all works of life if women keep supporting women. However, for future leaders aspiring to break barriers and get to leadership positions, Dame (Princess) Tychus, based on her personal experience, advised that aspiring leaders should believe in consistency, resilience, commitment, determination, perseverance and persistence because quitters don’t win.’
Married to Past Lion Zone Chair, Sir Lion Engr. Tychus, a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, and blessed with three accomplished children, three successful children-in-law, and nine adorable grandchildren; it is on note that ‘Past Council Chairperson (Princess) Bridget Adetope Tychus is an astute project manager and civic leader with extensive knowledge of humanitarian activities. She collaborates with media, government, businesses, and community leaders to provide solutions that deliver value to societies and enhance Nations.’ Dame (Princess) Tychus humbly described her husband of nearly 47 years as ‘one who gave me the wings to fly. Incidentally, he became a Lion before me, but here we are today. Lion Sir Owen Adesina Tychus of Lagos Eko Lions Club not only takes centre stage in my every challenge but also ensures the children are co-opted. Lion Tychus is a great teacher, encourager, energizer, friend, consultant and stabilizer.’ [3]
Dame (Princess) Tychus, a recipient of the Ambassador of Peace Award, weaves elements of African leadership philosophies into your global approach, thereby bringing Africa’s unique perspectives to the international stage. She envisions bringing membership growth to the international stage in such a manner as to reflect the continent’s population, where her philosophy of strengthening together comes into play. According to her, ‘The Lions out there are watching the leadership! The leadership must drive a new agenda of togetherness. It is a Herculean task, but we must start from somewhere, and the directors who come after me will build on the achievements in that area. Stronger together is inclusiveness, appreciating the strength in diversity,’ and focusing on one goal.
Lion Oluomo T.A.K. Oloyede rightly described Dame (Princess) Tychus as ‘an Icon, a woman of honour and integrity, a great achiever, Philanthropists per Excellence, Pacesetter with immense value. Quintessential Leader, Pride of Africa, Amiable, Resourceful, Knowledgeable, Passionate, Selfless Service Ambassador Extraordinary, 1st Female Lions International CAVIII International Director per Excellence DAME PRINCESS ADETOPE BRIDGET TYCHUS … our Great Role Model, a great blessing to Nigeria, Lions International and Humanity. A Caring Mother, Facilitator per Excellence, and Exemplary Leader, I am highly proud of you as our Pathfinder.’
Dame (Princess) Tychus, as the First Female Lions International CAVIII Director, calls for our prayer support in her strategies to balance cultural diversity and social and economic landscapes to ensure equitable development. Her vision is to have ‘representation for all nations played out and turning any challenge or challenges she may encounter into opportunities because she believes that there is strength in diversity.’ At 70, the joy of the Lord is Dame (Princess) Tychus’ strength as she ‘would be overseeing 54 countries in Africa, attending Lions International Board meetings, etc.’
Happy Renewing 70th birthday to a Kingdom vessel and pride of Africa.
[1] https://thenationonlineng.net/leadership-is-about-being-fair-and-firm/
[2] https://www.lionsclubs404b2.com/id-princess-adetope-tychus/
[3] https://brandmattersmagazine.com/lci-puts-premium-value-on-capacity-building-of-members-it-is-a-huge-investment-that-prepares-office-holders-to-excel-pcc-princess-bridget-adetope-tychus/
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