Speakers at the third annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture have called on Nigerians to embrace selfless service, purposeful leadership, and nation building, saying lasting impact comes from investing in people rather than personal recognition.
The memorial lecture, held in Lagos on Sunday to commemorate what would have been the 70th birthday of the late founder of The Fountain of Life Church, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, drew family members, church leaders, professionals, and beneficiaries of his initiatives.
Themed “One Life, Many Harvests: The Multiplier Effect of a People-Centered Life,” the event reflected on Odukoya’s enduring influence on leadership, mentorship, faith, and social transformation.
Welcoming guests, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Jimmy Odukoya, described his father’s life as a seed whose impact continues to multiply years after his passing.
Referencing John 12:24, he said Odukoya’s life of obedience, sacrifice, and integrity continues to bear fruit through the many lives he touched.
“My father’s life was a seed planted into the earth, and everyone here today has, in one way or another, been impacted by the fruit of that life. He lived selflessly, served faithfully, and led with integrity,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson, said Odukoya’s influence extended well beyond the pulpit, describing him as a leader who intentionally developed people and built institutions designed to outlive him.
She likened his leadership approach to that of the late Richard “Dick” Kramer, former Managing Partner of Arthur Andersen Nigeria, noting that both men pursued long-term impact by investing in future leaders rather than personal acclaim.
“They both started things they knew they would never finish in their lifetime, yet remained fully committed to the work because they were playing the long game,” she said.
Johnson outlined six leadership lessons from Odukoya’s life, beginning with the distinction between “being in the light” and “being in the limelight.”
In an era driven by social media visibility, she said Odukoya consistently focused on empowering others instead of seeking personal attention.
“Pastor Taiwo was never about the limelight; he was always about the light, allowing what God had placed in him to shine through others,” she said.
She also described him as an exceptional listener whose willingness to understand people before offering advice strengthened his influence.
“Experience, age, and position do not automatically confer the right to judge and advise. Listening well without judgment does,” she added.
The event also highlighted initiatives established by Odukoya and his late wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya, which continue to impact thousands of lives.
Head of Grace Springs Business and Vocational School, Olumide Oyetunde, said the institution has trained more than 3,500 people in vocational and entrepreneurial skills since its establishment in 2009, helping many beneficiaries launch small businesses through partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations.
Similarly, Ronke Oyelakin said the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation has supported more than 233,000 women since it was established following Pastor Bimbo Odukoya’s death.
A major highlight of the memorial lecture was the unveiling of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s posthumous devotional, Reflections of My Heart.
Presenting the book, Abiodun Balogun described it as a lasting repository of the late cleric’s teachings and reflections, while reviewer Yewande Zachaeus said it offers messages of hope, perseverance, and faith drawn largely from Odukoya’s own experiences with grief and adversity.
Speaking on the sidelines, Associate Senior Pastor Tolu Odukoya said the annual lecture was established not only to honour his father’s memory but also to advance the values he championed.
“Our father loved Nigeria. He believed that when people understand their role in leadership and nation-building, the nation becomes stronger. That is the vision this lecture will continue to promote,” he said.
Also reflecting on her father’s legacy, Tobi Odukoya said the testimonies shared during the event underscored the lasting rewards of a life dedicated to service.
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“His life reminds us that true success is measured by service. It is now our responsibility to continue that legacy and leave a godly example for future generations,” she said.
Pastor Taiwo Odukoya died in 2023 after decades of ministry centred on faith, resilience, leadership and personal transformation. Organisers said the annual memorial lecture and the publication of Reflections of My Heart are part of ongoing efforts to preserve his teachings and inspire future generations.
