Taiwo Odukoya, June 15, 1956–August 7, 2023, was a popular Nigerian pastor. He served as the senior pastor at The Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju, Lagos, overseeing a congregation of more than 8,000 members.
Taiwo Odukoya Bio:
| Full Name: | Taiwo Odukoya |
| Date of Birth: | June 15, 1956 |
| Place of Birth: | Kaduna |
| State of Origin: | Ogun State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Occupation: | Pastor |
| Net Worth: | $1 million |
| Wife: | Rosemary Simangele Zulu, Bimbo Williams |
Early Life and Education
Born on June 15, 1956, in Kaduna, Colonial Nigeria, Taiwo Odukoya grew up in the same city. He attended Baptist Primary School on Kigo Road, Kaduna, and later studied at St. Paul’s College (now Kufena College, Wusasa) in Zaria for his secondary education.
In 1976, he enrolled at the University of Ibadan, graduating with a degree in petroleum engineering in 1981.
Following his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, he joined the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in April 1982 as a petroleum engineer.
He dedicated his career there until January 1994, when he voluntarily retired after being called to the ministry.
Career
In 1992, Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya joined forces to establish The Fountain of Life Church. Their shared vision was to impart the art of building successful relationships and leadership principles, guiding individuals towards fulfilling their true purpose.
This church’s influence extends to multiple countries, including South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, the Republic of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.
Taiwo Odukoya strongly advocated for the role of the church within the community. This was reflected through numerous outreach initiatives such as a hospital, an orphanage, a school for vulnerable children, a farm, a water project installing boreholes to provide clean water at vital locations, and a center for acquiring skills and entrepreneurial knowledge, catering to the less privileged.
On April 19, 1997, Taiwo Odukoya established Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women, non-denominational programs designed to empower both genders to realize their full potential.
These efforts impact hundreds of thousands annually through quarterly gatherings, mentoring programs, and a vocational center aimed at equipping individuals with practical life skills and technical knowledge.
Taiwo Odukoya Net Worth
Taiwo Odukoya had a net worth of about $5 million. He was one of the richest Nigerian pastors.
Personal Life
During his time at the University of Ibadan in 1980, Odukoya crossed paths with Bimbo Williams, sparking a connection that blossomed into their marriage in 1984.
Together, they had three children. Tragedy struck on December 10, 2005, when Bimbo Odukoya, along with 102 others, tragically lost their lives in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash. Bimbo Odukoya’s teachings resonated deeply with many.
Five years later, on January 5, 2010, Taiwo Odukoya found love again and married Rosemary Simangele Zulu from South Africa, resulting in the birth of two sons.
However, in November 2021, Odukoya faced another devastating loss as he bid farewell to his second wife due to cancer. Sharing the sad news on November 9, the pastor revealed that his South African wife had bravely battled cancer for nearly two years.
