Taiwo Odukoya biography: Discover the life story of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, his age, two wives (Bimbo and Nomthi), children, ministry, net worth, cause of death, and lasting legacy at Fountain of Life Church.

Who Is Taiwo Odukoya?

Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya was a renowned Nigerian Pentecostal pastor, author, and leadership expert who co-founded The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos, Nigeria. Born on June 15, 1956, in Kaduna, he became one of Nigeria’s most influential religious leaders before his passing on August 7, 2023, at the age of 67 in the United States.

Known for his powerful teachings on relationships, marriage, and leadership development, Pastor Taiwo touched millions of lives both in Nigeria and internationally. He was a petroleum engineer who left a lucrative career at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation to answer his divine calling to ministry.

His life was marked by remarkable achievements, profound personal tragedies, and an unwavering commitment to building successful relationships and developing leaders. Through his ministry at The Fountain of Life Church, he created a lasting impact that continues through his children who now lead the church.

Quick Facts About Taiwo Odukoya

Category	Details
Full Name	Daniel Taiwo Odukoya
Date of Birth	June 15, 1956
Place of Birth	Kaduna, Nigeria
Date of Death	August 7, 2023
Age at Death	67 years
Nationality	Nigerian
Profession	Pastor, Author, Leadership Expert
Church	The Fountain of Life Church, Lagos
First Wife	Bimbo Odukoya (married 1984, died 2005)
Second Wife	Nomthi Odukoya (married 2010, died 2021)
Children	5 (Tolu, Jimmy, Tobi, Timilehin, Jomiloju)
Education	Petroleum Engineering, University of Ibadan (1981)
Net Worth	Estimated $5 million
Church Membership	Over 8,000 members
Notable Books	Unleash Your God-given Potential, Limitless, Home Affairs

Early Life and Background: Growing Up in Kaduna

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was born on June 15, 1956, in Kaduna, a city in Northern Nigeria, where he spent his formative years. Growing up in Kaduna during Nigeria’s post-independence era, young Taiwo was exposed to a diverse cultural and religious environment that would later shape his inclusive approach to ministry.

His early years in Kaduna were marked by a strong emphasis on education and moral values. The environment in which he was raised instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that would characterize his later achievements in both his engineering career and ministry.

Taiwo came from a family that valued both education and spiritual growth. He had a twin sister, Kehinde Olufunmilayo Hassan, who was very close to him throughout his life. Tragically, she also passed away from cancer on December 26, 2021, just a month after the death of his second wife, Nomthi.

The cultural diversity of Kaduna, with its mix of Christian and Muslim populations, provided young Taiwo with early exposure to religious tolerance and understanding. These experiences would later influence his approach to ministry, emphasizing practical Christianity that addresses real-life challenges rather than focusing solely on religious rituals.

Education: From Engineering Student to Ministry Leader

Primary and Secondary Education

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya began his educational journey at Baptist Primary School on Kigo Road in Kaduna, where he laid the foundation for his academic excellence. His primary education at a Baptist institution provided him with early exposure to Christian values and biblical teachings.

He proceeded to St. Paul’s College (now known as Kufena College) in Wusasa, Zaria, for his secondary education. During these years, he distinguished himself as a brilliant student with strong leadership qualities that would later become evident in his ministry.

University Education and Engineering Career

In 1976, Taiwo Odukoya gained admission to the prestigious University of Ibadan to study petroleum engineering. His choice of this demanding field demonstrated his intellectual capabilities and his initial career aspirations in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

He graduated in 1981 with a degree in petroleum engineering, joining the ranks of Nigeria’s highly skilled technical professionals. This engineering background would later give him a unique perspective in ministry, combining analytical thinking with spiritual insight.

Career at NNPC

After completing his mandatory one-year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program in 1982, Taiwo Odukoya was employed as a petroleum engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). He worked at NNPC for 12 years, building a successful career in one of Nigeria’s most prestigious organizations.

His time at NNPC provided him with financial stability, professional experience, and exposure to leadership and management principles. However, despite his success in the corporate world, he felt a strong calling to full-time ministry that he could not ignore.

Marriage and Family: Love, Loss, and Legacy

First Marriage: Bimbo Williams

In 1980, while studying at the University of Ibadan, Taiwo Odukoya met Abimbola Rosemary Williams, commonly known as Bimbo. Their meeting marked the beginning of a relationship that would change both their lives and impact millions of people worldwide.

The couple married on November 3, 1984, at the Yaba Baptist Church in Lagos. Their union was blessed with three children: Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun (born September 7, 1985), Jimmy Odukoya (born April 27, 1987), and Tobi Enuha (born June 11, 1990).

Together, Taiwo and Bimbo co-founded The Fountain of Life Church in 1992, creating a ministry that would become renowned for teaching men and women the art of building successful relationships and the principles of leadership. Bimbo became the church’s co-pastor and established herself as a powerful voice in ministry, particularly through her “Single and Married” television program.

Tragic Loss: The Sosoliso Air Crash

On December 10, 2005, tragedy struck when Pastor Bimbo Odukoya boarded Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 from Abuja to Port Harcourt. The aircraft crashed during landing at Port Harcourt International Airport, killing 103 people including Pastor Bimbo, who survived the initial impact but died from her injuries on December 11, 2005.

The loss of his beloved wife and ministry partner devastated Pastor Taiwo and sent shockwaves through the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond. He became a widower at 49, left to raise three children while continuing to lead a growing church.

In 2014, nine years after the crash, Pastor Odukoya controversially suggested that pastors should use private jets, stating that such aircraft better facilitate pastoral ministry and are safer than commercial flights. This statement sparked debate but reflected his deep pain from losing his wife in a commercial airline accident.

Second Marriage: Nomthi Zulu

After five years of widowhood, on January 5, 2010, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya married Rosemary Simangele Zulu, affectionately known as Nomthi. She was a 35-year-old South African educationist, life coach, and writer who had been living in London before meeting Pastor Taiwo.

Nomthi brought new energy to The Fountain of Life Church, serving as Associate Senior Pastor. She was passionate about children’s welfare and founded the Funda Wazi Foundation, dedicated to child safety and wellbeing. The marriage produced two sons: Timilehin Odukoya (born August 26, 2010) and Jomiloju Odukoya (born December 8, 2011).

Second Tragic Loss: Nomthi’s Battle with Cancer

In November 2021, Pastor Taiwo faced another devastating loss when Nomthi died after battling cancer for two years. On November 9, he announced her passing, stating that she had “battled cancer for the better part of two years.” She was 47 years old.

Just a month later, on December 26, 2021, he lost his twin sister Kehinde to cancer as well, making 2021 an incredibly difficult year for the pastor. These back-to-back losses tested his faith but also demonstrated his resilience and trust in God’s sovereignty.

His Five Children

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was survived by five children from his two marriages:

From First Marriage with Bimbo:

• Pastor Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun (born 1985) – Now Associate Senior Pastor at The Fountain of Life Church
• Pastor Jimmy Odukoya (born 1987) – Current Senior Pastor at The Fountain of Life Church
• Tobi Enuha (born 1990)

From Second Marriage with Nomthi:

• Timilehin Odukoya (born 2010)
• Jomiloju Odukoya (born 2011)

After Pastor Taiwo’s death in August 2023, his two eldest children, Jimmy and Tolu, took over the leadership of The Fountain of Life Church, with Jimmy becoming Senior Pastor and Tolu serving as Associate Senior Pastor from September 2023.

Ministry Career: Building The Fountain of Life Church

Transition from Engineering to Ministry

In January 1994, after 12 years of successful service at NNPC, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya made a life-changing decision to voluntarily retire from his engineering career to pursue full-time ministry. This bold step demonstrated his complete commitment to answering God’s call on his life.

His decision to leave a secure, well-paying job in Nigeria’s oil sector for the uncertainties of full-time ministry showed remarkable faith and courage. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter that would impact millions of lives across Nigeria and beyond.

Co-founding The Fountain of Life Church (1992)

Pastor Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya co-founded The Fountain of Life Church in 1992 with a clear vision: “to teach men and women the art of building successful relationships and the principles of leadership so they can be who they are created to be.”

The church started with barely 20 members but grew exponentially over the years. By the 2010s, the church’s headquarters in Ilupeju, Lagos, boasted a membership of over 8,000 people, with several mission churches across Nigeria and internationally.

Ministry Philosophy and Focus

Pastor Taiwo’s messages centered on leadership development, building successful relationships and enterprises, and practical Christianity. Unlike many prosperity-focused Nigerian pastors, he emphasized character development, integrity, and holistic life success.

His engineering background gave him a systematic approach to spiritual matters. He taught practical principles that people could apply in their marriages, careers, and personal development, making his teachings accessible and relevant to everyday life.

International Expansion

The Fountain of Life Church expanded beyond Nigeria’s borders, establishing missions in South Africa, the United Kingdom, United States of America, Switzerland, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo. This international presence demonstrated the universal appeal of Pastor Taiwo’s message.

Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women

On April 19, 1997, Pastor Taiwo established Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women, non-denominational outreaches designed to help men and women maximize their potential. These programs reached thousands across different denominations and became highly influential in Nigeria’s Christian community.

These initiatives reflected his belief that the church should address gender-specific issues and provide targeted support for both men and women in their unique challenges and opportunities.

Major Achievements and Contributions

Author and Publisher

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was a prolific author whose books gained wide readership both locally and internationally. His notable publications include:

• Unleash Your God-given Potential
• Created for Blessings
• Limitless
• Home Affairs
• The Proof
• Get All You Want
• The Portrait of a Champion
• 120 Days of Victory
• 121 Days of Blessings
• 125 Days of Favour
• Glorious Legacy: The Life and Times of Bimbo Odukoya
• Women Will Rule the World
• Time: Where Has It Gone

His books addressed practical issues in leadership, relationships, spiritual growth, and personal development, reflecting his holistic approach to ministry.

Social Impact and Community Development

Pastor Taiwo was an avid believer in the role of the church in the socio-economic life of nations. He expressed this belief through numerous social initiatives:

Grace Springs Rehabilitation Home: A facility providing rehabilitation services for those in need.

The Hope Centre: An orphanage caring for orphaned and vulnerable children.

The Borehole Project: Providing clean, portable water through strategically located boreholes for communities without access to safe drinking water.

Hospital: Establishing healthcare facilities to serve the community.

School for Destitute Children: Providing education opportunities for underprivileged children.

Farm: Agricultural initiatives supporting food security.

Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurial Institute: Empowering the less privileged with vocational skills and business training.

The PBO Foundation

After Bimbo’s death, Pastor Taiwo helped establish the Pastor Bimbo Odukoya (PBO) Foundation in her honor. This foundation focuses on providing mentorship, counseling, and educational opportunities to young people, continuing Bimbo’s legacy of empowering the next generation.

Leadership in Nigerian Christianity

Pastor Taiwo became one of Nigeria’s most respected religious leaders, known for his wisdom, integrity, and practical approach to ministry. He was frequently invited to speak at conferences, churches, and events across Nigeria and internationally.

His influence extended beyond Pentecostal circles, as his teachings on leadership and relationships appealed to people from various denominations and even those outside the Christian faith.

Career Timeline & Major Milestones

Year	Milestone
1956	Born in Kaduna, Nigeria
1976	Admitted to University of Ibadan for Petroleum Engineering
1980	Met Bimbo Williams at University of Ibadan
1981	Graduated with degree in Petroleum Engineering
1982	Employed at NNPC as Petroleum Engineer
1984	Married Bimbo Williams on November 3
1985	First child Tolu born
1987	Second child Jimmy born
1990	Third child Tobi born
1992	Co-founded The Fountain of Life Church with Bimbo
1994	Voluntarily retired from NNPC for full-time ministry
1997	Launched Discovery for Men and Discovery for Women
2005	Lost first wife Bimbo in Sosoliso plane crash (December 10)
2010	Married Nomthi Zulu on January 5
2010	Fourth child Timilehin born
2011	Fifth child Jomiloju born
2021	Lost second wife Nomthi to cancer (November 9)
2021	Lost twin sister Kehinde to cancer (December 26)
2023	Passed away in USA on August 7 at age 67
2023	Jimmy and Tolu took over church leadership (September)

Net Worth and Financial Legacy

At the time of his death, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya had an estimated net worth of approximately $5 million, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthier pastors. However, unlike many prosperity preachers, Pastor Taiwo was known more for his emphasis on character and relationships than on material wealth.

His wealth came from multiple sources including book sales, speaking engagements, church offerings, and wise investments. Despite his financial success, he maintained a reputation for generosity and was known for helping young couples, supporting ministry initiatives, and funding social programs.

His financial legacy also includes the sustainable institutions he established, including The Fountain of Life Church, which continues to thrive under his children’s leadership, and the various social enterprises that continue to serve communities across Nigeria.

Personal Life and Character

Leadership Style

Pastor Taiwo was known for his humble, servant-leadership approach. Colleagues and church members described him as warm, generous, and genuinely concerned about others. He led by example rather than by authoritarian control.

His humility was evident in how he supported his wives’ ministries, allowing them to shine in their own right. During Pastor Bimbo’s lifetime, he often took a supporting role, demonstrating that true leadership sometimes means empowering others.

Generosity and Mentorship

Those who knew Pastor Taiwo personally spoke of his remarkable generosity. Stories circulated of him gifting significant amounts of money to young couples for their weddings, supporting struggling church members, and investing in young leaders.

He was deeply committed to empowering the next generation, investing time and resources in mentoring young pastors and leaders. This investment in others created a ripple effect that continues to impact lives long after his passing.

Faith Through Trials

Pastor Taiwo’s life was marked by profound personal tragedies that tested his faith. Losing two wives and his twin sister within a span of less than two years would break many people, but he maintained his faith and continued serving.

His ability to continue preaching hope, love, and God’s goodness while experiencing such deep personal pain demonstrated the authenticity of his faith. He became a living testimony to the sustaining power of God’s grace in difficult times.

Death and Legacy

Final Days and Passing

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya passed away on August 7, 2023, in the United States at the age of 67. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed by the family or the church, respecting privacy during their time of grief.

On his official Facebook page, The Fountain of Life Church announced: “The Fountain of Life Church Family, in total submission to the will of God Almighty, announces the passing unto greater glory of our Father, our Teacher, a great servant of the Most High God, Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya, founding pastor of The Fountain of Life Church, who passed unto glory on the 7th of August 2023 in the USA. We are in total submission to you LORD!!! We thank the Lord for the gift of a great leader!!!”

Succession and Continuity

Following Pastor Taiwo’s death, his eldest children took over the leadership of The Fountain of Life Church in September 2023. Pastor Jimmy Odukoya became the Senior Pastor, while his sister Pastor Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun became the Associate Senior Pastor.

This succession ensured continuity of the church’s vision and mission, keeping the ministry within the family while honoring their father’s legacy. Both Jimmy and Tolu had been actively involved in ministry for years and were well-prepared for these leadership roles.

Lasting Impact

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s legacy extends far beyond the walls of The Fountain of Life Church. His teachings on relationships, marriage, and leadership continue to impact millions through books, recorded sermons, and the ongoing work of his church.

His social initiatives continue to serve communities across Nigeria, providing healthcare, education, clean water, and skills training to thousands of people. The institutions he established remain as monuments to his belief in the church’s role in societal transformation.

Perhaps his greatest legacy is the countless lives transformed through his ministry – marriages saved, leaders developed, and people inspired to live purposefully. His children now carry forward his vision, ensuring that Pastor Taiwo’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

Interesting Facts About Taiwo Odukoya

Olympic Torch Bearer Recognition: Pastor Bimbo Odukoya was selected as one of three Nigerians to carry the Olympic Torch in Athens, Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games, demonstrating the international recognition the family received.

Twin Connection: Pastor Taiwo had a twin sister named Kehinde, and their close bond lasted throughout their lives until both passed away just 16 months apart.

Career Change Sacrifice: He left a lucrative petroleum engineering career at NNPC after 12 years to pursue full-time ministry with no guaranteed income, demonstrating remarkable faith.

Multilingual Ministry: His second wife Nomthi learned to speak Yoruba and enjoyed Nigerian cuisine, bridging cultural differences in their marriage.

Last Message: In one of his last messages before passing, he referenced Psalm 1:3 about being like a tree planted by streams of water, which fittingly described his fruitful life.

Relationship Expert: Despite personal tragedies in his marriages, he remained one of Nigeria’s most sought-after teachers on relationships and marriage.

Private Jet Controversy: After losing Bimbo in a plane crash, he controversially advocated for pastors to use private jets for safety reasons, sparking debates about pastoral wealth.

Church Growth: The Fountain of Life Church grew from just 20 members at inception to over 8,000 members at the headquarters, with multiple international branches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How did Pastor Taiwo Odukoya die?

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya died on August 7, 2023, in the United States at age 67, though the specific cause of death was not publicly disclosed by his family or church.

2. How many wives did Pastor Taiwo Odukoya have?

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was married twice: first to Bimbo Williams (1984-2005), who died in the Sosoliso plane crash, and then to Nomthi Zulu (2010-2021), who died from cancer.

3. How many children did Pastor Taiwo Odukoya have?

Pastor Taiwo had five children: three from his first marriage (Tolu, Jimmy, and Tobi) and two sons from his second marriage (Timilehin and Jomiloju).

4. What was Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s net worth?

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya had an estimated net worth of approximately $5 million at the time of his death, accumulated through ministry, book sales, and wise investments.

5. Who is leading The Fountain of Life Church now?

After Pastor Taiwo’s death, his eldest son Pastor Jimmy Odukoya became Senior Pastor, while his daughter Pastor Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun serves as Associate Senior Pastor, both assuming leadership in September 2023.

6. What happened to Pastor Bimbo Odukoya?

Pastor Bimbo Odukoya died on December 11, 2005, from injuries sustained in the Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145 crash at Port Harcourt International Airport, which killed 103 people.

7. What was Pastor Taiwo Odukoya’s profession before ministry?

Before entering full-time ministry, Pastor Taiwo worked as a petroleum engineer at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for 12 years from 1982 to 1994.

8. When was The Fountain of Life Church founded?

The Fountain of Life Church was co-founded by Pastor Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya in 1992 with a vision to teach relationship building and leadership principles.