Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, founder of Fountain of Life Church, Illupeju, Lagos has been laid to rest.
The funeral service took place at the church venue on Saturday, September 5 and had in attendance dignitaries from all over the world.
The church auditorium was filled with family, friends, General Overseers of churches, politicians and dignitaries who had come to pay their last respect to the general.
The attendees celebrated with songs of worship and joy, expressing gratitude for a life well-lived. Jimmy Odukoya and Tobi Enuha, his children, led the Bible reading and offered thanks to God for their father’s life.
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In his sermon, the officiating minister, Bishop David Abioye of Living Faith church, reminded everyone that death was an inevitable journey. He called everyone to a self reevaluation, stating that Pastor Taiwo had completed his earthly assignment.
“Let no man think that you will extend your time when it.comes. Whether you die young or you die old, death is an appointment you have to keep,” he said.
“We have to be sensitive to how we spend our life because all men shall die. The big question to all of us is, how are you living?
“Just like in academic service, the day of graduation is better than the day of matriculation. Pastor Taiwo Odukoya was matriculated into life but graduated into glory.”
Highlights of the event include the reading of a poem, “An Ode to Pastor Taiwo Odukoya”, written by Akinyinka Akinola, read by Yewande Zaccheus. The poem described him as a humble man who led with love and lived by example.
Among those in attendance were prominent figures such as Pastors Sam and Nike Adeyemi from Daystar Christian Centre, Ibukun Awosika, Dolapo Osinbajo (the wife of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo), Pastor Paul Adefarasin, and Bishop Stephen Adegbite, among several others.
Before the burial on Saturday, a Service of songs had earlier taken place at the church venue on Friday, September 8.
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His children and family were seen in white attiress and attendees were seen in the blue and white dress code, singing to God.
Men and women who testified about the life of the general had good things to say about him and how he had impacted their lives.
It was an evening of tributes and testimonies. A notable highlight of the service was the testimonies of Oshodi boys, whom Pastor Odukoya had picked from the streets and given a new life.
” 20 years ago, Pastor sent the Mission department to pick me up from the Oshodi under bridge. They gave me a good life and today I am a departmental regional manager of foodco Nigeria Limited.”
Another testifier, Lawal Samuel, also spoke on how the church picked him from Oshodi and gave him a good life.
Following the testimonies, a brief video documentary chronicled Pastor Odukoya’s life story. He was born into a devout family in Kaduna and experienced a compelling calling to ministry and a strong desire to assist the less privileged.
A tribute service had earlier taken place on the same day in honour of the late general. In pictures posted online, guests were seen filling the tribute register.
Pastor Odukoya’s funeral was conducted in a private manner, with attendance restricted to immediate family members, close associates, and members of the church.
The preacher is remembered for his legacy, humility, selfless service to humanity and service to God’s people.
Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya died in the United States on August 7, 2023. He was aged 67.