00:00In the heart of Nigeria, one woman's life became a beacon of faith, sacrifice and transformation.
00:08Her name was Ruth Elton, a British born missionary who dedicated over eight decades to serving the
00:15people of Nigeria. This is her story. Born on September 7, 1933, in England,
00:25Ruth Elton was just three years old when she arrived in Elisha, Nigeria in July 1937,
00:32holding the hands of her parents, Sidney Granville Powell Elton and Anna Elton.
00:38Her father, a pioneer of the Pentecostal Revival, was called to Nigeria to serve as area superintendent
00:45of the apostolic church under the legendary revivalist Joseph Ayopabalola.
00:51Ruth grew up in Okene, immersed in the vibrant culture and languages of Nigeria,
00:57learning to speak Yoruba and Iberia fluently. Ruth followed in her parents' footsteps,
01:04becoming a missionary herself. She served across Kogi, Ondo, Oyo and Oshun states,
01:11planting churches and spreading the gospel. But her mission went beyond preaching. In Okene,
01:18Ruth tackled infant mortality, a pressing issue in the late colonial and early post-colonial years.
01:25She taught women about hygiene and child care, drastically reducing infant death caused by poor
01:31practices like force feeding. A multilinguist and compassionate teacher, Ruth earned the name
01:39Omotereh, the one who does good among the Iberia people. She trained in sewing, handicraft and art
01:46across technical colleges, skills she used to empower communities. Ruth also authored three Christian
01:54books, leaving a legacy of wisdom and faith. In the 1970s, Ruth made a profound decision,
02:03unable to hold to her citizenship at the time. She renounced her British citizenship in a Kadona court
02:11to become a Nigerian. Nigeria was no longer just a mission field. It was her home. She believed in
02:19her father's prophecy that Nigeria, despite its challenges, would one day be known for righteousness
02:26and prosperity. Ruth remained unmarried, dedicating her life entirely to her calling. She pioneered an
02:34indigenous evangelical church among the Iberia people, handing it over to local leaders before
02:41retiring to Elisha, where she lived simply and humbly. On September 7, 2024, Ruth turned 90,
02:50celebrated as a living bridge between Nigeria's early Pentecostal revival and its modern Christian
02:56community. Less than a year later, on August 30, 2025, she passed away peacefully at her home in Sharon
03:04compound, Elisha. Her remains were laid to rest beside her parents in Elisha, the town where her journey
03:12began. Ruth Elton's life was a testament to selfless service. Ocean State Governor Ademala Adeliki called
03:21her passing a painful loss, noting her contributions to faith and grassroots health care. Known as Mama
03:28Elton, she inspired generations with her humility, unity-driven heart, and unwavering faith. Ruth Elton's
03:36legacy lives on in the churches she planted, the lives she saved, and the faith she nurtured. From a young
03:44girl from England to a beloved Nigerian missionary, she showed the world the power of her life forged in
03:51faith and service. Her story reminds us one person with courage and love can change our nation. Her memory
04:00will continue to inspire and our walls will endure, pointing us to a future where love and service prevail.
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