Who is Jimmy Odukoya?
Jimmy Odukoya is a Nigerian actor and son of Bimbo and Taiwo Odukoya of the Fountain of Life Church.
He was named the General Overseer of the Church (Fountain of Life Church) during the church service on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
Biography
Jimmy Odukoya is a Nigerian actor, gospel musician, motivational speaker, relationship coach, and cleric who is fondly called “Pastor J”. He played the role of Oba Ade in the 2022 movie “The Woman King” alongside Viola Davis.
Age
Jimmy’s date of birth is not publicly available. He is presumed to be in his 30s. However, going by birthday wishes he has received over the years, he was born on April 27.
Parents
He is the first child of late pastors Bimbo Odukoya and Taiwo Odukoya. His mother, Bimbo, suffered died in the Sosoliso plane crash of December 2005 alongside 102 other people.
His father, Taiwo Odukoya, the founder, Fountain of Life Church, died in August 2023.
Tribe
By the extension of his father’s place of birth, Jimmy Odukoya, is a native of Kaduna state but was born in Lagos state.
Odukoya is a name synonymous with the Yoruba tribe, residential in the southwestern part of Nigeria.
Education
Jimmy Odukoya studied Business Administration (Advertising minor) at Oral Roberts University, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States.
He returned to Nigeria in 2010 and was made the assistant pastor of Church 3:16, The Youth Ministry of The Fountain of Life Church.
Marriage
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya is married to Oluwakemi Folashade Banjoko, now Kemi Odukoya. Their wedding was in London on March 9, 2013.
The marriage is blessed with two children – a boy and a girl.
Career
Being the only boy, born to parents who were both Pastors active in ministry, Jimmy grew up in an environment where there was an assumption that he would end up being a Pastor, which according to him “he actively resisted”.
Whenever Jimmy would introduce a girl he was dating to his late mum back in the day, she would ask her “can you be a Pastor’s wife because my son is going to be a Pastor” to which Jimmy always dismissed with laughter.
Jimmy’s call to ministry happened while living in Tulsa Oklahoma when he became very active in a local church called Greenwood Christian Center under Bishop Gary and Debbie McIntosh (now Transformation church). He got involved in church operations, speaking at quarterly conferences, and assisting in the growth and development of the ministry.
Pastor Jimmy (PJ)
In 2009, Jimmy became a licensed Minister in the state of Oklahoma and later that year he was ordained by his father Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, as a Pastor at the Fountain Of Life Church.
Jimmy served as the Associate Pastor of Church 3:16; the youth expression of the Fountain of Life for two years and later became the Coordinating Pastor in February 2012.
In May of 2019, following the mandate of his father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, to reach a younger generation across the state, Jimmy and Kemi started The CAVE; a safe place for people to come as they are to find God’s love while being transformed into their purpose and calling without fear of judgment or restriction of man-made doctrines.
Jimmy is a gifted teacher and his sermons are full of insightful and practical ways to live a spirit-filled life here on earth. He has the gift of faith and prophecy and has seen God move in powerful ways. He loves to worship and he depends on the Holy Spirit to minister to the people.
Jimmy as a gospel singer
Jimmy grew up singing, dancing, and acting in church, which led to a passion for performing arts from a young age.
From primary school all the way through to university, Jimmy was always involved in activities that allowed him to express his creativity and was fondly known for it.
He had such a huge impact on his music program in secondary school that he was employed upon graduation to become an assistant music teacher for a year.
From starting a dance group to performing in theatre productions whilst living and studying in the US, the performing arts have always been a major part of his life.
Jimmy aka PJ is a multi-award-winning artist who began his music career in 2010 when he relocated to Nigeria launching his debut Single “Show Ya Self”.
This single earned him multiple nominations and awards and announced his arrival to the gospel music industry in Nigeria.
In 2011, PJ followed up with another single “Conqueror” which again raised the bar for the gospel music industry.
PJ took some time off to focus on ministry and family in 2012 and 2013 and returned with a hit single called, “My Way” featuring RnB crooner Shaydee.
He then started his media company called Firehouse Records in 2014 when he released other hits singles including, “Mr. Wonder” and “Attention” featuring Lynxxx in 2016.
His passion for music continues to grow, as he continues to release inspirational music that conveys the message of faith, hope, and love.
Jimmy the actor
Jimmy began his professional acting career in February 2016 when Desmond Elliot gave him an opportunity to feature in one of his projects.
His international projects have taken him to South Africa, Ghana, and the United Kingdom, as his fan base continues to grow across the world.
Achievements and Awards
Nominations:
- Best Rap/HipHop – Crystal awards 2013
- Best Gospel Rap- Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, 2012
- Best New Artist- Nigerian Gospel Music Awards, 2012
- Best Gospel Rap Artist, Kingdom Africa, 2012
- Best Gospel Music Video of the year, Kingdom Africa 2012
- Best Mainstream Hip Hop Video, Nigerian Music Video Awards 2011
- Best Gospel Music Video Nigerian Music Video Awards 2011
- Best Gospel Rap Artist – PBO Foundation 2011
- Best Actor in A Comedy Category – Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards (AMVCA) nomination in 2018
Movies
- Baby Palaver (2018)
- Crazy Grannies (2021)
- I am Nazzy (2022)
- The Woman King (2022)
- Man of her Match (2021)
Net worth
There is no public record of the estimated net worth of Jimmy Odukoya.
Controversy
The announcement of Jimmy Oduoya as the general overseer of Fountain of Life Church after his father’s death was not well received by a lot of netizens.
@deluxe_pastor: “That’s one thing the Catholic church has over these father and son limited liability companies called pentecostal churches
“They have a solid foundation for transferring leadership from patriarch to patriarch”.
@JemeelS: “Let them add “limited company” at the back of the name.
“The moment a man has a church in Nigeria, the entire family must be called to service.”
@AmanyunoseS: “… family business continues with a succession plan. What happens to Odukoya deputies that have been toiling together with him in d vineyard? Non of them is qualified to take over/continue where Odukoya stopped? Hmm, na wa”.
@marknmike8689: “Most Churches are business empire the earlier the masses understand it the better for them.”
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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