Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was a Nigerian Pentecostal pastor who dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and helping people discover their potential. He was the senior pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, a fast-growing church in Lagos, Nigeria, with branches in several countries.
He was also the founder of Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women, non-denominational outreaches that empower men and women to fulfill their God-given purpose. He was a man of faith, vision, and compassion, who touched many lives through his ministry and humanitarian projects.
Early Life and Education
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was born on 15 June 1956 in Kaduna, Nigeria, where he grew up in a Christian home. He attended Baptist Primary School and St. Paul’s College (now Kufena College) in Zaria, before proceeding to the University of Ibadan in 1976.
He graduated with a degree in petroleum engineering in 1981 and joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as an engineer. He worked there for 12 years until he resigned to pursue his calling to the ministry.
Marriage and Family
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya met his first wife, Bimbo Williams, at the University of Ibadan in 1980. They got married in 1984 and co-founded The Fountain of Life Church in 1992. They had three children together: Tolu, Jimi, and Tobi. Pastor Bimbo Odukoya was a renowned speaker, author, and counselor, who ministered alongside her husband until her tragic death in a plane crash on 10 December 2005.
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya remarried in 2010 to Rosemary Simangele Zulu, a South African woman he met at a conference. They had two sons together: Timi and Jomiloju. Pastor Rosemary Odukoya was also a pastor and a mentor to many women. She died of cancer in November 2021.
Ministry and Impact
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was a passionate preacher of the word of God, who taught people how to build successful relationships and lead effectively.
He was known for his practical and insightful messages that challenged people to grow in their faith and walk with God. He authored several books, such as The Covenant Marriage, The Beauty of Oil, The Power of Vision, The Force of Joy, and many others.
He also established various ministries and outreaches that catered to different segments of the society. He founded Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women in 1997, which are quarterly rallies that attract thousands of men and women respectively.
He also set up a vocational center that trains people in various skills and entrepreneurship. He initiated several community projects, such as a hospital, an orphanage, a school for destitute children, a farm, and a water project.
He was a mentor to many pastors and leaders across the world. He was also involved in interdenominational and ecumenical movements that promote unity and cooperation among Christians.
He was a member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the International Communion of Charismatic Churches (ICCC), and the International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM).
Legacy and Tribute
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya died on Monday, 8 August 2023, in the United States, where he had gone for medical treatment. He was 67 years old. His death was announced by his church on Tuesday, 9 August 2023, in a statement that read:
“It is with heavy hearts but total submission to the will of God that we announce the passing on to glory of our dearly beloved father, husband, brother, friend, mentor and senior pastor – Pastor Taiwo Odukoya.
He fought a good fight; he finished his course; he kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). We are confident that he is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in glory.
We thank God for his life and legacy of faith, love, service and excellence. We celebrate him for all he was and still is to us.
We request that you kindly respect the privacy of his family at this time even as we all grief this painful loss.
We will communicate further details on funeral arrangements shortly.”
His death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from many people who knew him or were impacted by his ministry. Some of them include:
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG): “I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing on of my dear friend and brother, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya. He was a great man of God, a faithful servant of the Lord, and a blessing to the body of Christ. He will be greatly missed by all of us who loved him and learned from him. My condolences to his family and church. May his soul rest in peace.”
Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church: “Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was a father, a friend, and a fellow soldier in the army of the Lord. He was a man of integrity, humility, and generosity. He was a visionary leader, a dynamic preacher, and a compassionate pastor. He was one of the pillars of the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria and beyond. He impacted millions of lives through his ministry and humanitarian works. I am honored to have known him and worked with him for the advancement of God’s kingdom. I pray that God will comfort his family and church and grant them the grace to carry on his legacy.”
Pastor Sam Adeyemi, Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre: “Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was a mentor, a role model, and a hero to me and many others. He was one of the pioneers of contemporary church growth and development in Nigeria. He taught me how to preach with clarity, conviction, and relevance. He showed me how to love God and people with all my heart. He inspired me to pursue my vision and purpose with passion and excellence. He was a man of faith, courage, and wisdom. I am grateful for his life and influence. I pray that God will uphold his family and church and give them peace that surpasses all understanding.”
