Mrs. Elizabeth Tolulope Ashibuogwu is one of the foundational members of The BUD Family who also doubles as the General Secretary of the family- a position she’s held for more than three terms consecutively. What does she say as her family turns 1o?
QUESTION
Kindly introduce yourself and when you joined the BUD Family Africa?
ANSWER
My name is Elizabeth Tolulope Ashibuogwu, and I joined The BUD Family in November 2016.
QUESTION
How did you get introduced to the Family:
ANSWER
At that time, I was a young undergraduate, naive, shy, and still trying to find my footing in life. I loved writing on Facebook, and an uncle of mine noticed my posts about plants and their benefits and encouraged me to open a blog. At that point, I did not even understand what blogging meant, but his words planted a seed.
Around that same period, a friend also asked me if I had heard about Mrs Yaks (she was known as De-raconteur then) and if I know that she has a blog. I got introduced to her blog, read her writings which left me in awe, and somehow I found the courage to approach her. She eventually connected me with someone who helped me start a free blog in 2016.
It was from there I also joined The B.U.D Family. That was the beginning of my journey.
QUESTION
How will you describe your person when you joined?
ANSWER
Joining The B.U.D Family came at a very confusing stage of my life. It was the season I was battling depression and personal struggles silently. On the outside, everything looked fine, but inwardly, I was fighting. But after joining the family, I encountered sisters who were genuinely on fire for God. Their lives showed me that it was possible to love God sincerely and live it out. That alone gave me hope.
QUESTION
Were there any challenges as you joined, apart from the good times?
ANSWER
Yes. Towards the end of 2017, challenges arose in my school fellowship. That was when the The B.U.D Family began to gain more visibility. Many sisters in my school were members of the group, and it started to raise questions. People would ask, “Which group is that?”
Some leaders became uncomfortable that many sisters in the fellowship belonged to an online group that has the name ‘Babes’ in it. I remember one student leader asking, “What does Babes even mean? Why would you call yourselves Babes?”
I explained patiently that it was an acronym which means (Bible-believing, Amiable, Beautiful, Empowered Sisters of Unique Dynamite) but my explanation was not accepted.
He argued that if someone shouted “Babes” across a male hostel on campus, it would not sound spiritual. To him, the name alone was enough to disqualify the group. I explained that a name that sounds spiritual does not automatically mean what happens inside is godly.
I used an example of another group I belonged to at the time, one with a very spiritual-sounding name, yet the teachings were filled with errors. I asked which was better: a name that sounds spiritual but carries error, or a name people may misunderstand but carries truth and sound teaching?
Around that same time, The B.U.D Family organized a programme titled “Praying for My Future Husband.” It trended online, and many people misinterpreted it. Some even claimed the group was about “sharing husbands.” The misunderstanding became serious.
Eventually, I was pressured, almost forced to leave the group. When I refused, my student leader reported me to the associate fellowship leader. I explained myself again. Interestingly, even though he was much older, he understood where I was coming from.
Still, it was a very painful season. I remember crying deeply over the issue for days. It was not funny at all. Looking back, I still don’t know where the courage came from, but I made a firm decision: I was not going to leave The B.U.D Family.
QUESTION
Why didn’t you leave? What made you stay?
ANSWER
I stayed because I knew what I was gaining – sound teaching, sisterhood, love, and truth. I had never experienced that depth of teaching or fellowship anywhere else. The love was genuine. The growth was real. I knew, without doubt, that this was where I was meant to belong.
Looking back, I honestly do not know where I would have been if I had not stayed. Joining The B.U.D Family gave me a sense of belonging at a very formative stage of my life. I was young, uncertain, and still finding my feet, but I was surrounded by people who believed in growth and expression. From then till now, it has truly been glory to glory.
QUESTION
How much does the BUD Family Africa mean to you?
ANSWER
By this November, 2026, it will make 10 years since I joined The B.U.D Family, and sometimes I still cannot believe it. Honestly, after salvation and marriage, joining The B.U.D Family is the another best decision I have ever made in my life.
It has been family in the truest sense. I honestly do not know where I would have been today if I had not joined when I did. God used and continues to use The B.U.D Family immensely in my spiritual growth and even in my marriage.
(Also read an interview with the founder of The BUD Family Africa from three years ago)
QUESTION
In the last three years of BUD, what has the Family done in you?
ANSWER
A major highlight of the family in the last 3 years has been the discipleship classes and the Biblical Womanhood Course we started. The teachings have reshaped my understanding of womanhood, marriage, faith, and responsibility. They were timely, grounding, and life-giving.
QUESTION
Any words for intending members of the Family?
ANSWER
For anyone who will love to be part of this amazing family, I would love to say that there is a difference between just joining and truly belonging. Belonging requires participation and commitment, You must be ready to serve, learn, and be planted to truly benefit.
QUESTION
Your main prayer for the BUD Family Africa would be?
ANSWER
One thing I sincerely pray never changes in The B.U.D family is the conviction upon which the family is built. I pray the love of God that reigns among us never fades. I pray we remain firm in righteousness, in truth, and in confession, and that we continue to stand apart from the world without compromise.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the The B.U.D Family, my prayer is that God will preserve the vision, strengthen the leadership, enlarge our influence, and keep us united in love and truth. May the generations yet unborn find refuge, direction, and growth in this family.
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