By Desire Emmanuel
The family of the late gospel musician, Evangelist Toun Soetan, has announced the activities for her funeral as she will be laid to rest on Thursday, April 16.
Mrs Soetan died on March 13 this year at the age of 73.
Known for her deep spiritual messages and timeless worship songs, Soetan spent decades impacting lives through music, evangelism and ministry.
In a schedule of events announced by the family, on Tuesday, April 14, there will be a night of worship which will be held at the Ashi Baptist Church, Ibadan, Oyo State, at 4:00 p.m.
On Wednesday, April 15, there will be celebration of life service which will be a night of tributes, testimonials and worship and it will be held at Tutu’s Event Centre, Samonda, Ibadan, at 4:00 p.m.
On Thursday, April 16, the homegoing service will be held at the Oritamefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, at 10:00 a.m. after which she will be interred in a private burial ceremony.
Born Rachael Olatoun Soetan in Lagos, the late gospel minister grew up in the Beere area of Ibadan. She was one of 28 children in her family and was originally raised in a Muslim background.
Her spiritual journey took a new turn in 1974 after she attended a revival service at Oritamefa Baptist Church, where she had a profound Christian experience that later shaped her music ministry.
Before fully committing to ministry, Soetan worked as a teacher for 16 years at Oritamefa Baptist School. She later became co-proprietress of Pathfinder College, a school founded by her husband, while continuing her music and ministry work.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, she became widely recognised as one of Nigeria’s pioneering gospel singers, known for spiritually themed songs such as “Train Up Your Child” and “Darling Jesus.”
