In order to honor his late son, music legend Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi decided to launch a different ministry that would concentrate on raising public awareness of the risks of addiction.
The death of Olayinka Obey-Fabiyi, the music legend's 48-year-old son, inspired the Evangelist to join the fight against drug and alcohol abuse, especially among young people in Nigeria and overseas.
The "Freedom from Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Ministry" (FADAM) is a distinct organization from the Ebenezer Obey Evangelical protestant Ministry and the Decross Gospel Mission that are already in existence.
The general manager of Obey Music Group, Tunji Odunmbaku, released a statement to press on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, informing them of this situation.
According to the statement, FADAM would also become a way to help parents and relatives of young people who are addicted to alcohol and drugs so they may overcome their issues and become better members of society.
The 80-year-old musician also emphasized that the goal of the new ministry's launch was to transform the pain of his son Olayinka's death into a ministry offering solutions to the parents and families of other children and youths going through the same experience. He learned of his son's passing while on a brief vacation in the United Kingdom.
Obey expressed his sorrow at the passing of his son Olayinka, who was 48 years old, and said that he had done all in his power to assist the man fight his weakness, but it had been in vain.
"The doctors called me six months ago to inform me that Yinka has less than six months to live, this was very painful and bad news that a father must not hear about his son, since then, “l went back to the Holy Spirit to teach me what to do and the result of my communication with the Holy Spirit is the launching of this ministry," he said.
"I have received several condolence messages from all and sundry, l appreciate and thank you all for your love and concern. l also thank Yinka’s friends for their effort and support and l must thank Shina Obey-Fabiyi (my eldest son) for coordinating all his younger brothers and sisters, for extra and special care for Yinka till the end of his life. I also thank the pastors, elders, and the entire Decross family for everything."
"Once again! I appreciate all condolences, but let us rather turn further condolences to prayer support of this new ministry to help those who are in pain of alcoholism and drug addiction. Job 22:21: "Acquaint now thyself with God, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Get out of Alcoholism, Get out of Drugs. Jesus Loves you," he concluded.
Even though it was tragic, Obey promised his supporters and music enthusiasts that none of his upcoming commitments will be impacted by it.
