Church Profile: Fountain Of Life Church

Let’s face it, in Nigeria, church is more than Sunday service. It’s a culture, a lifestyle, and for many people, the very rhythm of life. Whether you're the type that claps softly or you’re a certified “Hallelujah shouter,” one thing is clear—where you worship matters.

Now, allow me to take you on a storytelling journey about one of the most respected churches in Nigeria: Fountain of Life Church, fondly known as FOLC.

This is not just a church with a fancy name and big building. It's a place where people go to be fed—not just rice after service (though there’s nothing wrong with that!), but spiritually, emotionally, and even intellectually. And trust me, the story behind it is worth hearing.

It All Started in Ilupeju: Humble Beginnings with a Heavenly Vision

Let’s rewind to 1992, in the bustling city of Lagos—specifically Ilupeju. Back then, there were plenty of churches springing up, but something about Fountain of Life Church made it stand out. It wasn’t just the name that sounded poetic (I mean, who doesn’t want to drink from a fountain of life?). It was the heart behind the ministry.

Pastor Daniel Taiwo Odukoya and his radiant wife Pastor Bimbo Odukoya started this church with a vision that was both powerful and practical: to teach people how to discover God’s purpose for their lives and walk in it.

This wasn’t your regular “come to church and go home” set-up. From day one, it was clear—Fountain of Life Church was building people, not just filling seats.

The Power Couple That Lit the Flame

Okay, pause here and imagine this dynamic duo: Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya.

• Pastor Taiwo, a trained petroleum engineer who left a stable job at NNPC (yes, that NNPC) to follow God’s call. That alone deserves a standing ovation.

• Pastor Bimbo, a voice to women, a TV icon, and a preacher who made God’s Word feel like a heart-to-heart chat over suya and kunu.

Together, they brought balance. Pastor Taiwo was the solid, deep teacher with a calm, methodical delivery. Pastor Bimbo? Oh, she had that fire! She spoke with energy, especially to singles and women, and was known nationwide for her bold, heartfelt messages on love, relationships, and purpose.

When she launched programs like “Single and Married”, it became the blueprint for how churches should talk about relationships—open, honest, and impactful.

Her tragic passing in the 2005 Sosoliso plane crash shook the nation. It wasn’t just a church that mourned; the entire country felt that loss. But the legacy? It continues to echo.

The Heartbeat of the Church: Vision and Values

You know how some churches have a mission statement that sounds like a corporate memo? Well, not this one.

At Fountain of Life Church, the message is simple but weighty: “To teach men and women the art of building successful relationships and leading fulfilled lives based on timeless principles from God’s Word.”

Now, if that doesn’t hit you where it matters, I don’t know what will.

Their core values revolve around:

• Faith that moves mountains

• Excellence that reflects heaven

• Love that you can feel (not just say)

• Integrity that sticks even when nobody’s watching

• Discipleship that transforms lives

Everything they do—from Sunday messages to community outreaches—is built on this foundation.

More Than Sunday Services: Real Ministry for Real People

Let’s talk impact. Because preaching on stage is one thing; rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty is another. FOLC doesn’t just host conferences and share deep revelations; they do the work.

They’ve birthed ministries and programs that reach people on every level:

1. Grace Springs Rehabilitation Home

Helping addicts recover and rebuild—not with judgment, but with compassion, care, and strategy. We're talking proper rehabilitation, not just fasting and prayer.

2. Hope Centre

Supporting widows, orphans, and the less privileged. They don’t just hand out rice at Christmas (though they do that too); they provide ongoing support, including scholarships, health services, and vocational training.

3. Water Projects

They’ve provided boreholes and solar-powered water systems to underserved areas in Lagos. Because how can someone hear the gospel if they don’t even have clean water?

4. Grace Springs Multipurpose Cooperative Society

Think church meets microfinance bank. Members save, borrow, invest, and grow—financially. This isn’t just prosperity preaching; it’s practical empowerment.

They even handled over ₦300 million in assets with accountability. That’s impressive for any organization, let alone a church!

Worship That Touches Heaven (And Your Soul)

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Fountain of Life Church’s worship culture. Their music ministry isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. There’s something powerful about walking into their worship and feeling like your soul just exhaled.

Their album “Open Door” was more than a musical release. It was a love letter to God, filled with songs that stirred hearts and revived spirits. From the production quality to the vocals, it was all excellence.

And yes, Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun, Pastor Taiwo’s daughter, played a big role in that project. She’s not just a pretty face—she’s a powerhouse worship leader and preacher too.

Let’s Talk Family: Fellowships for Every Stage of Life

One thing FOLC understands well is this: people are different, and one-size-fits-all doesn’t work in church.

That’s why they have targeted groups that speak directly to different life stages:

• Home Affairs for married women

• Bishop’s Court for married men

• Singles Fellowship for—you guessed it—singles

• Ruth and Boaz, Abraham and Sarah for older singles and widows

• Church 3:16 for youths

• S.O.L.F. (Single Overcomers Living Free) for campus ministries

Whatever stage of life you’re in, they’ve got a place that feels like home. And it’s not just about sitting and listening—these fellowships are interactive, fun, and sometimes even spicy (hello, real talk sessions!).

The Transition: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—the passing of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya in 2023. Whew. That one hit hard.

After decades of faithful service, leading the church through growth, personal loss, and national influence, Pastor Taiwo passed on at 67. It felt like the end of an era.

But guess what? God wasn’t done with FOLC.

Enter Jimmy Odukoya, his son—yes, the actor, the motivational speaker, the dreadlocked firebrand. He was officially installed as Senior Pastor in September 2023, with his sister Tolu as Associate Senior Pastor.

At first, eyebrows were raised. “Can he handle it?” people asked. But within months, Jimmy showed up and showed out. From the pulpit to his interactions with members, he brought a fresh perspective while honoring his parents’ legacy.

Together with Tolu, they represent a new generation of leadership—modern, relatable, and deeply spiritual. The baton has been passed, and the race continues.

So, Why Does Fountain of Life Church Matter?

Because it’s a church that walks the talk. Because it's not built on hype, but on hope. Because when you walk into FOLC, you don’t feel like a number—you feel seen, heard, and known.

Here’s what makes them stand out:

• Legacy built on faith, sacrifice, and consistency

• Outreach that touches lives, not just preaches to them

• Music that heals

• Teaching that’s solid and relevant

• Leadership that transitions with grace

• Fellowship that feels like home

Final Thoughts: A Fountain That Keeps Flowing

If you’re still reading (and bless you for that!), here’s what I want you to remember: Fountain of Life Church is not perfect, but it’s real. It’s not trying to be the loudest church in town—it’s trying to be the most impactful.

From the heartbreaking loss of Pastor Bimbo… to the resilient years under Pastor Taiwo… to the exciting new chapter with Jimmy and Tolu, this church is a living, evolving story of grace, growth, and godly grit.

So whether you’re looking for a church, or just love stories of transformation, FOLC is one to watch, admire, and maybe—just maybe—join.

May your life, like this church, be a fountain that never runs dry.