Rev. Paul Kadir Shidali
Dec. 4, 1933 — Aug. 16, 2026
- Teacher
- Headmaster
- Pastor
- Preacher
- Writer
- Prayer Warrior
- Bible Student
- Husband
- Father
- Grandfather
Rev. Paul Kadir Shidali lived a long and purposeful life shaped by education, responsibility, family, faith, sacrifice, ministry, and service to others.
His story was not one of sudden prominence. It was a life built gradually—through learning, work, conviction, perseverance, and a willingness to serve faithfully with whatever was in his hands.
He was a teacher before he became a pastor. He was a husband and father before he became a church leader. He knew public service, professional responsibility, sacrifice, uncertainty, and the demands of ministry. He spent decades building, teaching, praying, leading, and guiding others.
By the time his earthly journey ended at the age of 92, his life had become more than a collection of dates and accomplishments. It had become an inheritance carried by his wife, children, grandchildren, church family, and the many people whose lives he touched.
His journey can be understood through a simple pattern:
- Life Received
- Life Formed
- Life Engaged
- Life Found
- Life Given
- Life Sacrificed
- Life Matured
- Life Transferred
- Life Released
- Light Continued
Paul Kadir Shidali was born on December 4, 1933, at Emi-Aguye in Bassa Division of Benue, to Aguye Shidali and Nashe Shidali.
He was born into a world very different from the one he would eventually leave behind. His lifetime would span more than nine decades of social, educational, religious, political, and technological change.
The environment of his early years helped form qualities that would remain visible throughout his life: discipline, resilience, responsibility, respect for learning, and the ability to persevere through changing circumstances.
Those early years were the beginning of a journey that would eventually take him from village life to the classroom, from public service to pastoral leadership, from a Muslim background to personal Christian faith, and from a small gathering in a rented living room to decades of ministry in the Apostolic Faith Church.
Life Journey
- December 4, 1933Born at Emi-Aguye, Bassa Division of Benue, to Aguye Shidali and Nashe Shidali.
- 1943–1949Attended primary school.
- 1962–1969Completed teacher training and obtained Grade III and Grade II Teaching Certificates.
- 1963–1969Worked as a Primary School Teacher in Akabe, Jebba, and Ilorin.
- December 23, 1965Married Phebean Zuyali Shidali at Akabe, Bassa Nge, Benue State, now Kogi State.
- 1970Experienced salvation at Jebba under the ministry of Brother Joseph Adenola.
- 1970Began public service with the Kwara State Census Office and later the Ministry of Health.
- January 1973The Apostolic Faith work in Ilorin began in his rented apartment on Ibrahim Taiwo Road.
- 1973–1982Served as a part-time Pastor.
- January 1974–May 1975The growing congregation worshipped at United Primary School, Ibrahim Taiwo Road, with approval from Ilorin Local Government.
- 1975The congregation moved to its permanent place of worship.
- 1976Resigned from the Kwara State Ministry of Health following a transfer to Benue State so that he could remain committed to the Apostolic Faith work in Ilorin.
- 1976Returned to education and served as Headmaster of Chapel Primary School.
- 1982Obtained an Associate Certificate in Education from the University of Ilorin.
- 1982Began serving as Assistant District Overseer.
- 1992Obtained ministerial credentials in the Apostolic Faith Church.
- 1995Ordained as a minister in the Apostolic Faith Church.
- 1996Retired from professional service and entered full-time ministry.
- 1996–2022Served in full-time Christian ministry with the Apostolic Faith Church.
- 2022Retired from full-time ministry.
- Early 2026Family began noticing changes in his physical health and provided ongoing care and medical support.
- May 2026Experienced an illness of approximately three weeks and began repeatedly saying, “I am going home.”
- After May 2026Recovered, returned to church services, and continued speaking about “going home.”
- August 3, 2026Wrote John 14:12, the last Scripture reference he is known to have written.
- August 4, 2026Became ill after breakfast; received medical attention and expressed gratitude to God and those caring for him.
- August 16, 2026Completed his earthly journey at the age of 92.
A Life Received. A Life Given. A Legacy Continued.
Rev. Paul Kadir Shidali’s earthly journey is complete.
But the questions his life leaves remain alive:
- What will we do with the faith he placed in us?
- What will we do with the wisdom he passed forward?
- What will we build with what we inherited?
- What will our own children receive because his life passed through ours?
His story reminds us that a meaningful life is not measured only by how long it lasts, but by what it gives, what it builds, what it transfers, and what continues because it was lived.
His earthly assignment is complete.His legacy is now entrusted to those who remain.His light has not simply gone out.It has changed hands.
A Life of Impact
- Early LifeA foundation of faith and values.
- Teaching CareerA passionate educator shaping young minds.
- Headmaster & FounderBuilding institutions of excellence and discipline.
- Pastoral MinistryPreaching the Gospel and shepherding God’s people.
- Family LegacyA devoted husband, father and grandfather.
- The Legacy ContinuesGenerations still being built.
The last date stays open on purpose. The story did not end in 2026.
Character
The words people reach for before they reach for his achievements.
- Caring
- Loving
- Humble
- Respectful
- Courageous
- Dedicated
- Faithful
- Disciplined
Can you fill in a gap?
If you knew him, you hold part of this story. Photographs, dates, school records and memories are all wanted — especially from the years his children were too young to remember.