The Nigerian Christian community is currently enveloped in sorrow following the demise of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, the esteemed Senior Pastor of the Fountain of Life Church.
The church officially confirmed the news of his passing via their Facebook page, announcing that Pastor Odukoya had transitioned to the realm of greater glory on August 7, 2023, while residing in the United States.
A Life and Legacy of Reverence
Born on June 15, 1956, in Kaduna, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was a highly respected figure within the religious sphere.
He assumed a prominent role as the leader of the Fountain of Life Church, situated in Ilupeju, Lagos, a congregation boasting a membership exceeding 8,000 individuals.
His educational journey commenced at Baptist Primary School in Kaduna, subsequently progressing to St. Paul’s College in Zaria.
Furthering his studies, he pursued a degree in Petroleum Engineering at the University of Ibadan, which he successfully attained in 1981.
From Petroleum Engineering to Spiritual Leadership
Before dedicating himself fully to ministry, Pastor Odukoya’s career path led him to work as a petroleum engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).
Despite his success in the engineering field, he responded to a higher calling and chose to retire voluntarily in 1994.
Alongside his late wife, Bimbo Odukoya, he co-founded the Fountain of Life Church in 1992.
Tragically, the church and its followers suffered a great loss in 2005 when Bimbo Odukoya’s life was claimed in the Sosoliso plane crash.
A Journey of Love, Loss, and Impact
In 2010, Pastor Odukoya entered into a new chapter of his life by marrying Rosemary Simangele Zulu, a union that gifted them with two sons.
Regrettably, November 2021 brought the heart-wrenching loss of his second wife to cancer.
Condolences from Prominent Figures
Notable figures, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have come forward to express their condolences.
Governor Sanwo-Olu characterized Pastor Odukoya’s passing as a profound loss not only to the Christian community but also to Lagos State and the entirety of Nigeria.
The governor highlighted the impactful nature of Pastor Odukoya’s ministry, one that left an indelible mark on numerous lives both within and beyond his congregation.
A Legacy of Benevolence and Service
President Bola Tinubu also joined in mourning the late pastor, emphasizing his notable contributions to charitable initiatives, particularly within the education and health sectors.
President Tinubu extended his sympathies to the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and all those closely associated with the late pastor.
An Enduring Impact
The news of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s passing has reverberated throughout the nation, evoking deep reflections on his teachings, outreach efforts, and the lasting impression he left on the Christian community.
As tributes and condolences continue to pour in, the legacy of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya endures as that of a spiritual leader, a dedicated teacher, and a devoted servant of God, leaving an indelible imprint in the hearts and memories of many.
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