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The enduring legacy of the late founder of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, came into sharp focus on Sunday as family members, church leaders, professionals and beneficiaries of his initiatives gathered in Lagos for the third annual Daniel Taiwo Odukoya Memorial Lecture held in commemoration of what would have been his 70th birthday.

The lecture, themed “One Life, Many Harvests: The Multiplier Effect of a People-Centered Life,” highlighted Odukoya’s impact on leadership development, nation building, mentorship, faith and social transformation.

In his welcome address, Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, Jimmy Odukoya, said the theme of the memorial lecture reflected the life and enduring influence of his late father.

On the theme, Jimmy Odukoya cited John 12:24, where Jesus likened fruitfulness to a seed that must first be planted before it can produce a harvest.

According to him, his father’s life exemplified that principle, as the impact of his sacrifices, obedience and service continues to be felt years after his passing. “I can boldly say that my father’s life was a seed that was planted into the earth of life, and you and I sitting here today, in one way or another, are being impacted by the fruit of that life. His obedience and sacrifices, he lived a selfless life. He lived a life of service and a life of integrity,” Odukoya said.

Delivering the keynote address, former Minister of Communication Technology, Dr Omobola Johnson described Odukoya as a leader whose influence extended far beyond the pulpit, saying his life demonstrated how one person could create lasting change through service to others.

Johnson compared Odukoya’s life to that of the late business leader Richard “Dick” Kramer, former Managing Partner of Arthur Andersen Nigeria, noting that both men shared an uncommon commitment to developing people and building institutions that would outlive them.

According to her, both men understood that the visions they carried were larger than themselves and intentionally invested in raising leaders who could continue the work beyond their lifetimes.

“They both started things that they knew they could not finish or could not be completed in their lifetime. But that did not in any way diminish their enthusiasm and commitment to the work at hand. They were both playing a long game,” she said.

Johnson identified what she described as six lessons from Odukoya’s life, beginning with the distinction between “being in the light” and “being in the limelight.”

She said that in an era dominated by social media and a culture of constant self-promotion, Odukoya remained focused on illuminating others rather than drawing attention to himself.

“Pastor Taiwo was never about the limelight; he was always about the light, diminishing himself so that the light he received could shine more brightly on others,” she said.

The former minister noted that Odukoya consistently celebrated the achievements of others and used his influence to empower people rather than seek personal recognition.

She also described him as an exceptional listener who resisted the temptation to offer quick judgments despite his vast experience and position as a respected pastor.

“Experience, age and position do not automatically confer the right to judge and advise. Listening well without judgment does,” Johnson said, adding that Odukoya’s ability to listen deeply enabled him to positively influence countless lives.

The lecture also spotlighted several initiatives established by Odukoya and his first late wife, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya that continue to impact lives years after their deaths.

Speaking on behalf of the Grace Springs ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ and Vocational School, its head, Olumide Oyetunde, said the institution was founded in 2009 to empower residents of the church’s host community through vocational and business training.

According to him, the school has trained more than 3,500 people and helped establish numerous small businesses across Lagos and beyond through partnerships with various government and non-governmental organisations.

Similarly, Ronke Oyelakin of the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya Foundation said the organisation has supported more than 233,000 women since its establishment following the death of Pastor Bimbo Odukoya.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Odukoya’s posthumous devotional book, Reflections of My Heart.

Presenting the publication, Abiodun Balogun described the book as a lasting testament to the late cleric’s vision, teachings and commitment to transforming lives.

“Though Pastor Taiwo is no longer here physically, his thoughts, experiences and profound contributions remain vibrantly alive in this book,” he said.

Reviewing the book, Yewande Zachaeus described it as a message of hope, perseverance and faith for people facing hardship, delayed expectations and uncertainty.

She said the devotional draws heavily from Odukoya’s personal experiences of loss and adversity while reaffirming his conviction that God remains faithful even in difficult seasons.

According to Zachaeus, the book is divided into four sections covering God’s promises,
Speaking on the sideline, Associate Senior Pastor Tolu Odukoya, said the annual memorial lecture was designed not merely to remember his father but to sustain the ideals he championed.

“Our father loved Nigeria. He loved leadership and always believed that if people understood where to plug into leadership and nation-building, Nigeria would be better,” he said.

Tolu Odukoya stressed that the lecture would continue to focus on legacy, leadership and national transformation.

Reflecting on her father’s legacy, Tobi Odukoya said the numerous testimonies shared during the memorial lecture demonstrated that a life devoted to service ultimately produces enduring impact. “His life exemplifies that service is what success is really about. It is what Christianity is about. It is now up to us to continue what he did and leave a godly legacy for those coming after us,” he said.

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya died in 2023 after decades of ministry marked by teachings 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.