Born on the 12th of September, 1960, Abimbola Rosemary “Bimbo” Odukoya was a Nigerian pastor and televangelist with the Fountain of Life Church and the President of Discovery for Women. She was the hostess of ‘Single and Married’, a television program broadcast locally and internationally that deals with practical issues people face in marriages and relationships. The content was generally guided by biblical principles. She was a well-known conference speaker within Nigeria and in some instances internationally.
Early Life and Education
She had her primary education at St Mary’s private school and had her secondary school education at Holy Child College, Lagos. She did her ‘A’ levels at Federal Government College Ijanikin before proceeding to the University of Ibadan where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Archaeology, where she gave her life to Christ in 1978. After graduation, she worked as a curator in the cultural arts department of the National Arts Theatre during her National Youth Service days where she was retained as a permanent staff in the Centre for Black Arts and Culture (CBAAC). She was a staff of that organization for seven years before she resigned to minister full-time. She served as the head of the counselling department at the TREM under the direction of Bishop Mike Okonkwo and from 1987 to 1999.
Bimbo: Awards, Honours and Laurels
Amongst so many other awards, honours and laurels, Bimbo Odukoya had at least, the following to her name:
- Life Fellow and Grand Patron of the Chartered Institute of Corporate Management.
- Fellow of the Certified Directors Institute.
- Fellow of the Institute of Corporate Managers and Public Administrators of Nigeria.
- Fellow of the Strategic Finance and Administrative Institute.
- A Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Administration from the Evangel Christian University Monroe, Louisiana, USA (Africa Campus).
- African Virtuous and Entrepreneurial Women Merit Award 2005 presented by African Biographical Network in recognition of her achievements and contribution to nation building, leadership development and selfless service to humanity in Africa and the world.
- An honorary Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award from The Chartered Institute of Corporate Management.
- An honorary appointment on the Professional Women’s Advisory Board of the American Biographical Institute.
- An honorary Doctorate degree in Philanthropic Management from the United Christian University, Denton, North Carolina, USA.
- Association of Missionary Evangelists of Nations Award 2004 for her outstanding achievements in Ministry.
- Award of Excellent Corporate Directorship 2005 presented by the Certified Directors Institute in recognition of her outstanding performance in management and administration.
- Brigadier General Award 2005 presented by The Chaplains Fellowship of Nigeria Inc.
- Distinguished Alumni Award 2001 presented by The Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, the University of Ibadan for her outstanding achievement in religion.
- ‘Deborah’ Leadership Award, 2002 presented by the Singles Fellowship of The Fountain of Life Church in recognition of her motherly love, mentorship and encouragement to singles all over the world.
- Dayspring Excellence/Vision Award 2005 as a distinguished motivator and role model presented by Dayspring Ministries.
- Excellent Leadership Award 2004 presented by The Chartered Institute Of Corporate Management in recognition of her managerial capability leadership style, quality and contributions to socio-economic development and growth in the country.
- Expert in Youth Development Award 2005 presented by the International Biographical College (a subsidiary of Levites Christian University).
- Fellow of the Command Award 2004 (FCFN.Hons) by Chaplain Fellowship of Nigeria incorporated in recognition of her outstanding contribution to humanity and in expectation of her continued benevolence.
- Gold Award 2004 by the council of Fellows Institute of Business Administration and Management Science in recognition of her highly and excellently effective professional managerial capabilities and executive charisma in the administration and management of corporate resources.
Post humours awards received by Pastor Bimbo Odukoya include:
- Fame Achievers Post Humours Award presented by Fame weekly magazine for the sustenance of marriage in the Nigerian society.
- Post-Humous Award presented by Colostrum International, NGO on a breastfeeding project, in recognition of the passion that shaped her vision to model the universal family as a unit of nations.
- Post-Humous Award for Excellence presented by Treasure Vault Integrated Services Nigeria Ltd in recognition and appreciation of her commitment to the inculcation of godly virtues in youths and the social development of the family institution through the Single & Married program me.
- Purple Lifetime Heroine Award presented by the Purple Ball Award.
- Christian Missionary Fund Award in recognition of her service in the ministry.
- Woman of the year 2005 Post Humours Award presented by the Christian organisation for Renewal and Development in recognition of her foremost youth renewal counselling and as a role model for excellence in public life in Nigeria.
A prolific writer, author and columnist, Pastor Bimbo Odukoya had regular columns in various international and national newspapers and magazines such as City People, Leadership and Lifestyle Magazine (U.K) amongst many others.
Some of the books authored by her include: How to Choose a Life Partner (2005), Living Free, How to Handle Rejection (2006), Living Free, Overcoming Masturbation (2006), Marriage, Real People, Real Issues, Wise Counsel (2006).
Bimbo: From the Higher Calling to the Highest Calling
Bimbo Odukoya boarded Sosoliso Airlines Flight 1145, bound for Port Harcourt from Abuja. On 10 December 2005, the airliner crashed during landing at Port Harcourt International Airport; Bimbo survived the initial impact and died from injuries on 11 December 2005. She was one of several individuals chosen by Samsung to represent Nigeria in carrying the Olympic Torch in Athens, Greece at the 2004 Olympic Games.
References
Wikipedia
Nigeriagalleria
Featured image source: The Guardian Nigeria