Guts and Grace: Meet Adedayo Michael Ojeleye, Okeho born 2nd Lieutenant in the Canadian Armed Forces.

2nd Lieutenant Adedayo Michael OJELEYE is an Okeho son Artillery Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. He is from the linage of a revered, hardworking farmer, astute businessman, and God-fearing personality of repute and of blessed memory, late Elder Samson Adigun OJELEYE from Ile Aare-Oje Compound, Ajelanwa, Oke-iho, Kajola Local Government, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Born more than 4 decades ago in Nigeria into a Baptist family of Mr. Moses Adelere OJELEYE (JP) and Mrs. Racheal Taiwo OJELEYE (JP). He was raised, breadth and trained as devoted Baptist Christian chap and nurtured alongside his other six (6) siblings though one is late (of blessed memory). His father is a retired military man with the Nigerian Armed Forces, so, he grew up in military barracks.

He is happily married to a God-fearing, jewel of inestimable value, and a woman of substance – Folasade Ibidapo DAYO-OJELEYE and the marriage is blessed with adorable children: 2 girls and 1 boy.

He joined the Canadian military based on his passion and feeling to serving his naturalized country, Canada. “For me, this is a sense of duty, or a call to service as part of my patriotic family values and the desire to do something meaningful which I got in Canada. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), thank you for this great, deserving, and rare opportunity to serve” – He said.

2Lt Ojeleye has more than 20 years of pre and post degree experience in interacting with employees, management and other stakeholders through banking and finance, payroll and human resource management, project management and planning, and strategic operations. As part of his professional experience, 2Lt Ojeleye has garnered experience as:

Artillery Officer (Reserves) – Canadian Armed Forces, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Planning and Project Support Officer – Canada Revenue Agency, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Payroll & Internal Control – University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; and Compliance Monitoring Officer – First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Nigeria.

2Lt Ojeleye has passion and flair for academic excellence and proficiency which has earned him the underlisted qualifications and awards:

Master, Information Management (In View) – Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (2024 – Present); Diploma, Project Management & Leadership (Distinction) – Shaw Academy (Online) – Ireland (2020); Certificate, Human Resource Management (Distinction) – University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2019 – 2022); Certificate, Payroll Professional Program – Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2016 – 2017); Master of Business Administration (Finance) – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (2011 – 2013); Bachelor of Science (Accounting) – Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (2000 – 2005); WASSC – Apapa High School, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria (1991 – 1996); and First School Leaving Certificate – Army Children School, Ashanti Barracks, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria (1985 – 1990)

2Lt Ojeleye is a man of many parts who believes in giving back to the society through volunteering and community involvement among which include:

Director, Governing Board – Aurora Academic Charter School, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2023 – Present); Co-Chair, School Council – Aurora Academic Charter School, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2022 – 2023); Volunteer (PDA & ERT Responder) – Canadian Red Cross, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2022 – Present); Finance Director – Nigerian-Canadian Association of Edmonton (NCAE), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2020 – 2023); Secretary, School Council – Monsignor Fee Otterson Elementary/Junior High School, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2020 – 2022); Mentor: New Immigrant Program – Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Counsel, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2019 – Present); Advisory Committee Member – Black Youth Mentorship & Leadership Program (BYMLP), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2019 – Present); Volunteer – Confederation Hockey Association, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2019 – Present); Assist. General Secretary – Nigerian-Canadian Association of Edmonton (NCAE), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (2016 – 2020); Finance Director – Rotaract Club of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria (2003 – 2005); Community Service Director – Rotaract Club of Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria (1997-1998), and Member, Royal Ambassador, Nigerian Baptist Convention (1993 – 2003).

He said it was a bold and courageous decision to follow and fulfill his long-time dream of becoming a Soldier in his lifetime. He appreciates his biological father, Elder Moses Adelere OJELEYE (JP) (fondly known as “Old Soldier) who served in the Transport & Logistic unit of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) for more than 30 years. “While growing up and looking at your well ironed uniform, smartness and handsomeness in your military paraphernalia motivated me though NAF did not give me that opportunity (despite my relentless effort) as a graduate (B.Sc. and MBA) then both from the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Sir, thank you for taking the initial courageous move” – He said in a tribute to his father.

He’s equally grateful to his mother as he states “To my biological mother, Madam Racheal Taiwo Kosenatu Omomeji OJELEYE (JP), I appreciate every aspect of your motherly affection and love, support, encouragement and fervent prayers. E o tun bo jeun omo l’ase Eledua. Amin”.

His heart of appreciation also goes to the woman he describes as God’s general, super-woman, supportive, strong, and beautiful wife, Ayanfe Folasade I. DAYO-OJELEYE. “I am forever indebted to you for the support given to me as a member of the CAF. Holding fort the home front, driving the kids around for their sporting activities, academic pursuits and other engagements during my military training and parade nights is well appreciated”.

“To my adorable kids, thank you for creating a conducive home, words of encouragement and prayers, and supporting Mummy and Daddy. May God fortify and increase you in every sphere of life”.

He concluded by saying that it is a rare privilege given to him by the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) which he does not take for granted. “Each time, I put on my military uniform as an Artillery Officer, I get that sense of fulfilment and heart of service to my dear country, Canada” – He said.