Pst Dele Salewon was born into the Salewon royal family in Lampese, at the base of the Kukuruku hills, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Paul's Modern school, which over the years evolved into the present-day Ekpese College Lampese, Edo state, Nigeria. Pastor Salewon lost his father at a very early age, which created an untold hardship for the family. His mother took the re
sponsibility of caring for him and his two siblings. His mother had to do menial jobs to provide for the family, and due to the burden of catering for her children alone, she had to send Pastor Salewon to live with family members. He lived with family members in Lagos and Warri before returning to Ikiran-Ile near Lampese. From Ikiran-Ile near Lampese, he joined the Nigerian Army and served from 1969 to 1982. He was posted to several cities in Nigeria, including Igueben, Awka, Umunede, Uromi, Benin City, Ilaro, Abeokuta, and finally, Lagos. While in the Nigerian Army, he served as a combatant with the Nigerian Army Corps of infantry. Later, he went to serve in the Nigerian Army Band Corps, where he acquired proficiency in musical instrumentation. In addition, due to his high level of intelligence, he moved to the military intelligence department. He obtained some professional certifications and rose to be an instructor at the military intelligence school in Lagos. In his quest for knowledge, he attended the Nigerian Army School of Education in Ilorin where he obtained his Advanced Level Certificate. Pastor Salewon had always had the calling to serve God, and he became born again while serving in the military. He started his early Christian life at Church of God Mission, Benin City. He joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God at Ilaro in Ogun State. On his redeployed to the Military Intelligence Corps HQ in Lagos, he joined the HQ Parish church in Ebute-Metta in 1979. He assisted in the children's department by playing the guitar on Sundays, and afterwards formed the first musical band with Pastors John Omewah, and Kunle Ajayi, called The Regenerated Singers, now known as The RCCG National Praise Team. In 1981, the team led by Pastor Salewon and supported by the RCCG general overseer (Pst. Adeboye) introduced musical instruments into the Redeemed Christian Church of God. It is worthy to note that Pastor Salewon was the pioneer worship leader at the RCCG HQ and the monthly Holy Ghost nights at the Redemption Camp. Doesn't this qualify him for the title of an ancestor in RCCG? He was transferred to RCCG Ladipo Oluwole Parish in Ikeja when the Parish was going through a crisis. He became the choir leader at the Parish; and was later redeployed to Solid Rock Parish, Ojodu, in 1996 and from there to Ebenezer parish, Oko-Oba, as the pioneer parish Pastor. Pastor Salewon was voluntarily discharged from the Nigeria Army in 1982. For a better prospect, he went on to study law at the prestigious Bendel State University (BENSU), now Ambrose Alli University (AAU) Ekpoma, in Nigeria. While studying at the university, he joined the Nigeria Fellowship of Evangelical Students (NIFES), an interdenominational Christian campus movement. He served as the fellowship evangelism coordinator, campus fellowship president, and later became the national general secretary of NIFES in Nigeria. Till date, he continues to assist the fellowship and has made donations to the ongoing Christian students' building project on campus. Pastor Salewon graduated from the university, attended The Nigerian Law School, Lagos, and was called to the bar in 1988. He practiced law and worked with Pastor Tunde Bakare, among others, in Lagos. In 1998, he was the area pastor of RCCG before relocating to the United States. He was encouraged and assisted in relocating to the US by Pastor and Pastor Mrs. On his second visit to the US in 2002, Pst Akinkoye offered him a platform at Heaven's Glorious Embassy (HGE) parish, in Dallas. He even assisted him to relocate his family to the US. Pastor Salewon was transferred to Oklahoma City in January 2003 as the resident pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God New Covenant Parish (RCCGNCP). Then RCCGNCP was going through some challenges; only very few members were attending the church. The church has grown, with many members, a new church building, and other parishes. Pastor Salewon is in the process of creating a non-for-profit organization called The Dele Salewon Foundation. The foundation will aim to assist vulnerable people, especially in third-world countries. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he led the Parish to assist the vulnerable in Nigeria. In 2020, Pastor Salewon helped purchase food items and provided financial resources to alleviate the sufferings of the aged, widows, and most vulnerable people in his hometown of Lampese. Pastor Salewon collaborates with a not-for-profit organization to provide financial assistance to the underprivileged students in a school in Lagos. RCCGNCP, led by him, is also financially supporting organizations who respond to disasters and those spreading the gospel world-wide through the mass media. Pastor Salewon, alongside other old students of Ekpese College Old students Association (ECOSA) provided benches and desks for school students. Also, he has provided resources to help with the school building that was in a state of ruin. He received an award of recognition for his services to the school and community during the old students' reunion. He is now regarded as an honorary member of the association, with his name boldly written on the ECOSA 2022 hall of fame. By the grace of God, Pastor Salewon has written many songs and produced several albums digitally and hard copies. The following people are appreciated for their role in Pastor Salewon's life over the years,. especially on his arrival in the USA. Pastor and Mrs. Akinkoye, Pastor James Fadel, Pastors Ghandi Olaoye, Bayo Adeyokunnu, John Omewah, Albert Idowu, Peter Ayeni, members of HGE, and others, for their moral and financial support. Finally, it's a common belief amongst the people of Lampese, that the success of a man can be related with the kind of woman in his life: in other words, A GOOD WIFE... And as such, permit us to appreciate Mummy Moji Salewon, for her kind heart, support and love for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Kudos also goes to the godly and supportive members of the New Covenant Parish, for making ministry a delight for God's anointed. Unquantifiable appreciation goes to the G.O, Pastor. Adeboye and Pastor. Adeboye for their unwavering support over the years, and finally to God Almighty, who alone deserves all the glory and honor, in Jesusโ name, Amen! Happy birthday to Pastor Dele Salewon. We wish you more heavenly guidance in the Lord's Vineyard.
