Remembered for his profound impact on Nigerian Pentecostalism, Daniel Taiwo Odukoya (15 June 1956 – 7 August 2023) left an indelible mark on both his congregation and the broader community.
As the esteemed senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, Odukoya’s ministry extended far beyond the pulpit.
This article delves into the life, contributions, and legacy of this influential clergyman, exploring his early years, his transformative role within the church, and his unwavering dedication to uplifting society through various outreach initiatives.
Odukoya’s journey, filled with triumphs, controversies, and personal milestones, paints a vivid portrait of a man who touched the lives of thousands and whose memory continues to resonate long after his passing.”
Taiwo Odukoya Bio
Daniel Taiwo Odukoya (15 June 1956 – 7 August 2023) was a Nigerian clergyman known for his role in Pentecostalism.
He served as the senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church located in Ilupeju, Lagos, a congregation with a membership exceeding 8,000 individuals.
Taiwo Odukoya Wiki
Full Name: Daniel Taiwo Odukoya
Date of Birth: 15 June 1956
Place of Birth: Kaduna, Northern Region, Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria (now in Kaduna State, Nigeria)
Died: 7 August 2023 (aged 67) in United States
Occupation: Pastor
Website: www.tfolc.org
Taiwo Odukoya Early Life
Born on 15 June 1956 in Kaduna, Colonial Nigeria, Taiwo Odukoya was raised in the same city.
He received his primary education at Baptist Primary School on Kigo Road, Kaduna, and his secondary education at St. Paul’s College (now Kufena College, Wusasa) Zaria.
In 1976, he enrolled at the University of Ibadan, where he pursued and completed a degree in petroleum engineering in 1981.
Following a year of mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he commenced work at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in April 1982.
His tenure at NNPC lasted until his voluntary retirement in January 1994, prompted by his call to ministry.
The Fountain of Life Church
In collaboration with Bimbo Odukoya (1960–2005), Taiwo Odukoya co-established The Fountain of Life Church in 1992.
The church’s mission was centered around imparting the knowledge of successful relationship building and leadership principles to enable individuals to fulfill their intended purpose.
Community Engagement
Odukoya’s strong belief in the church’s role within the community was exemplified through various outreach initiatives.
These included a hospital, an orphanage, a school for underprivileged children, a farm, a water project providing clean water through strategically placed boreholes, and a skill acquisition and entrepreneurial institute for disadvantaged individuals.
Odukoya also initiated Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women in 1997, which aimed to help both genders unlock their potential through rallies, mentorship programs, and practical life skill training.
Controversy
In 2014, Odukoya sparked controversy by expressing his opinion that pastors should consider using private jets, citing their suitability for pastoral work and enhanced safety compared to commercial flights.
Personal Life and Passing
In 1980, Odukoya’s relationship with Bimbo Williams, formed during their time at the University of Ibadan, culminated in their marriage in 1984.
Tragedy struck on 10 December 2005, when Bimbo Odukoya, along with 102 others, lost their lives in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash.
On 5 January 2010, Taiwo Odukoya remarried Rosemary Simangele Zulu from South Africa, resulting in the birth of two boys.
However, in November 2021, Odukoya faced the loss of his second wife to cancer. Taiwo Odukoya himself passed away on 7 August 2023 in the United States at the age of 67.
Bimbo Odukoya(wife)
Abimbola Rosemary “Bimbo” Odukoya (nee Williams; 12 September 1960 – 11 December 2005) was a Nigerian pastor and televangelist. She was married to Taiwo Odukoya, the founder of Fountain of Life Church.
Bimbo Odukoya, also known as “Pastor Bims,” was recognized with over 60 national and international awards for her contributions to nation-building and leadership.
She was admired for her high moral standards and role model status. A prolific writer, televangelist, conference speaker, youth mentor, and marriage counselor, she even represented Nigeria at the 2004 Olympic Games by carrying the Olympic Torch in Athens, Greece.
Sadly, she passed away due to the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash.
Jimmy Odukoya (Son)
Jimmy Odukoya, a Nigerian actor, portrayed the character Oba Ade in the 2022 film “The Woman King,” sharing the screen with Viola Davis and John Boyega. He is the son of Bimbo Odukoya and Taiwo Odukoya.
Jimmy Odukoya Wiki:
Name: Jimmy Odukoya
Nationality: Nigerian
Citizenship: Nigerian
Education: Graduated from Oral Roberts University
Professions: Actor, motivational speaker, preacher, musician
Notable achievement: Featured in “Crazy Grannies”
Spouse: Married to Kemi Odukoya
Children: Father of two children
Parents: Born to Bimbo Odukoya and Taiwo Odukoya
Filmography:
Jimmy Odukoya has appeared in various films, including:
– “Baby Palaver” (2018)
– “Crazy Grannies” (2021)
– “I am Nazzy” (2022)
– “The Woman King” (2022)
– “Man of her Match” (2021)