From a young age, Daniel Taiwo Odukoya held a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Initially drawn to politics as a means of achieving this goal, he eventually found a different path that allowed him to serve people’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
Odukoya, known affectionately as Pastor Taiwo, has dedicated his life to tending to the well-being of individuals globally and using his resources to nurture leaders across various fields.
Early beginnings
Born on June 15, 1956, in Kaduna, Pastor Taiwo’s journey started with his primary and secondary education at Baptist Primary School and St. Paul’s College Zaria, respectively. His pursuit of knowledge led him to the University of Ibadan, where he graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering in 1981.
With his petroleum engineering degree, he embarked on a career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in April 1982. He actively participated in various policy-drafting committees that shaped crucial policies still employed in Nigeria’s oil industry. After a fruitful career, he voluntarily retired in 1994, leaving an indelible mark in the sector.
Ministry – The Fountain of Life church
In 1992, the inception of The Fountain of Life Church marked a significant turning point in Pastor Taiwo’s journey. Guided by a vision to serve, he and his late wife, Abimbola, were released by the presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) to establish a new congregation.
Beginning with fewer than 20 members, The Fountain of Life Church has blossomed into a notable Pentecostal denomination in Nigeria, fostering numerous local assemblies across the country. Its influence has also extended globally, with missions in the United Kingdom, United States of America, and Equatorial Guinea, alongside parishes within Lagos.
Gospel and empowerment outreach:
Pastor Odukoya’s commitment extended to the community, manifesting through numerous outreach projects. The Fountain of Life Church, under his guidance, founded initiatives such as hospitals, orphanages, schools, and vocational centers to empower those in need.
His belief in the role of the church as a force for positive change was reflected in these endeavours.
Publications:
An accomplished author, Pastor Taiwo has written over 300 publications, including books, articles, and seminar papers. His works like “Unleash Your God-given Potential,” “Glorious Legacy: The Life and Times of ‘Bimbo Odukoya,” and “Reclaiming the Nigerian Dream” have garnered a global readership.
Legacy:
At the heart of Pastor Taiwo’s ministry lies a commitment to nurturing relationships, cultivating leadership, and encouraging enterprise. His compassion for the underprivileged and marginalized segments of society has led to various impactful initiatives, including:
Nidus Aquilae medical centre: Providing quality medical care to the less fortunate in the community.
The Hope centre: Offering nourishing meals to those who lack access to proper sustenance.
Education support project: Enhancing public education with educational materials, scholarships, and recognition awards.
Water project: Installing boreholes to provide clean water to underserved areas.
Area Boys rehabilitation project: Assisting street boys with education or vocational training and reuniting them with their families.
Grace Springs business and vocational centre: Equipping the unemployed and those seeking to learn new skills.
Pastor Taiwo Daniel Odukoya’s legacy lives on through these initiatives he established, the lives he touched, and the inspiration he provided.
Believing in Nigeria’s potential, he launched initiatives such as ‘Discovery for Men’ and ‘Discovery for Women’, focused on equipping both genders for leadership roles and transformational change to reorient the nation toward values that promote moral, educational, and political growth.
Although Pastor Odukoya is no longer physically present, his vision continues to guide The Fountain of Life Church and the community it serves. His commitment to empowering others, fostering leadership, and supporting the less privileged lives on, inspiring generations to come.
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Family and loss:
Throughout his life, Pastor Odukoya’s personal journey intertwined with his mission. He experienced love and loss, finding love with Bimbo Williams, whom he married in 1984.
Tragedy struck in 2005 when Bimbo Odukoya, along with 102 others, lost their lives in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash.
Despite this heartbreaking loss, Pastor Odukoya’s determination remained unwavering.
On January 5, 2010, five years later, Taiwo Odukoya entered into another marriage with Rosemary Simangele Zulu from South Africa.
This union resulted in the birth of two sons. Sadly, in November 2021, Odukoya’s second wife passed away due to cancer.
Call to glory:
On Monday, August 7th, 2023, the world mourned the passing of Pastor Taiwo Daniel Odukoya at 67 years old. He breathed his last in the United States of America.
