‘He impacted lives’ — Tinubu, Atiku, Sanwo-Olu eulogise Taiwo Odukoya

President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of Taiwo Odukoya, the late senior pastor of Fountain of Life Church, over his death.

Announcing the demise of the pastor in a statement on Tuesday, the church said Odukoya died in the United States of America (USA) on Monday.

He was 67 years old.

President Tinubu commiserated with the family and the church of the late pastor in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, his special adviser on media and publicity.

According to the statement, the president said Odukoya made “worthy contributions” to the development of the country.

Tinubu described Odukoya as a “highly revered religious leader, whose teachings, outreach and good work expanded the frontiers of charitable endeavours with particular respect to the education and health sectors”.

“The president notes the worthy contributions of Pastor Odukoya to the development of the country, supporting the weak and vulnerable while providing a platform for many to realize their dreams through the teaching of the word of faith,” the statement reads. 

“President Tinubu highlights the importance of the active sustenance of the outstanding legacies of the renowned clergyman by all who knew him, trusting that the Almighty God will continue to comfort the family.” 

He also extended his condolences to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

Also condoling with Odukoya’s family, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, said the clergyman “was a beacon of faith and hope”.

Similarly, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, described Odukoya’s passing as “shocking”.

“Pastor Odukoya was a dear brother and friend. He was a dedicated man of God whose faith and belief in God never shook nor waned despite experiencing the obstacles of life,” Sanwo-Olu said.

“He was steadfast in worship and diligent in service. He was a great preacher and teacher, whose life and ministry have continued to impact the lives of people within the Christian body and outside.

“Pastor Odukoya’s demise is indeed a heart-wrenching reminder that this life is indeed fleeting.

“My sincere condolences to his dear children, Tolu Ijogun, Jimmy Odukoya, Tobi Enuha, Jomiloju and Timilehin Odukoya and the entire Odukoya family.”