Daniel Kolawole Olukoya (born 15 July 1957) is a Nigerian pastor, scientist and professor. He is the founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries.[1] Olukoya is the first Nigerian scientist to clone genes.[2][3][4]
Daniel K. Olukoya | |
|---|---|
| Born | Daniel Kolawole Olukoya July 15, 1957 |
| Other names | Olukoya |
| Occupations | |
| Spouse |
Shade Olukoya (m. 1989) |
| Church | M.F.M |
Early life and education
editDaniel Olukoya was born in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria to Mr. Olukoya, a police officer and Mrs. Olukoya, a trader. He attended St. John's CAC Primary School, in Akure.[5][6]
Later when his family relocated to Lagos, he was enrolled at St. Jude's Primary school, Ebute Metta, from which he graduated.[7][8]
Olukoya then proceeded to Methodist Boys' High School (MBHS), Broad Street, Lagos.[9][10] This is where he became born again. By the time Olukoya graduated from MBHS, he was the best graduating student of his set.
In 1976, Daniel Olukoya was awarded a scholarship into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study microbiology. He graduated from UNILAG with a first-class degree in microbiology. He was the first person to have achieved a first-class in the course at the university and his G.P.A is still the highest recorded so far (as of February 2010) in that department.[11]
Soon after graduation, he won a scholarship to have his PhD programme degree in molecular genetics at the University of Reading, United Kingdom. Olukoya earned his PhD in 3 years and then came back to Nigeria.[12]
Upon his return to Nigeria, Olukoya joined the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, where his reputation as an exceptional geneticist of African origin became established. Olukoya emerged as an authority in the study of genetics, publishing over 70 scientific papers in a short span.[13][14]
He also taught genetics and was external examiner in a number of universities. He has attended and presented papers at scientific conferences in almost all countries of the world.[15] Olukoya continues to contribute to the field of genetics and biotechnology via the Daniel & Fola Biotechnology Foundation in Nigeria, a registered NGO established to empower Nigerian citizens with modern and contemporary laboratory skills in molecular biology and biotechnology.
Olukoya's father, apart from being a policeman, was also a pastor at the Christ Apostolic Church. Thus, he was raised in a Christian home with Christian beliefs. Olukoya's ministry is heavily influenced by the work of Joseph Ayo Babalola, the founder of the Christ Apostolic Church.[16]
Olukoya is the founder of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry. The church began in a rented hall on Old Yaba road, Ebute Meta, Lagos, in the early 1990s, but has grown big with branches across Nigeria and abroad. The church owns a tertiary institution, the Mountain Top University, and a football club, MFM FC.[17][18]
Personal life
editOlukoya is married to Elizabeth Folasade Olukoya. They got married on November 11, 1989, and had a son, Elijah Toluwani Olukoya.[19][20]
Works
editOlukoya is an established book author with over 250 book titles to his name. His books cover gospel, spirituality, deliverance and others. The books of Dr. Olukoya are published by the Battle Cry Christian Ministries. He has published works to include over 400 Christian books, audio tapes and CDs, video discs and others.[21]
Books written by Olukoya include:
Achievements
editOlukoya left a record as the first graduate to make first class in UNILAG's Microbiology Department since the university came into existence in 1962.[23]
He was also the first Nigerian to attain a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Reading, United Kingdom.
Back home in Nigeria, as a researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Olukoya made significant contributions to biotechnology and health. One of these was the invention of a new type of Ogi named DogiK that can control diarrhea and also contains some improved nutritional qualities.[24]
He was also the first scientist to establish an indigenous laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in Nigeria and the first to clone genes in the country.[2]
Olukoya had logged in no fewer than 80 scientific publications and supervised several other scientists and medical scholars 30 of whom earned their PhD under his supervision and are all currently doing well in their chosen fields[11]
Olukoya's ministry, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries is one of the most popular and widespread African Christian ministries, with branches in over 120 countries.[25]
In April 2019 the University of Lagos awarded Olukoya with a Doctor of Science.[26][27]
Olukoya become a professor of biotechnology at Mountain Top University in December 2022.[28]
Discography
editProfessor Olukoya is also a musician and song composer. His popular song, "Oke Nla Sidi", meaning "O ye mountain, be removed" was said to be formed after many years of waiting on the Lord for his son, Elijah Toluwani Olukoya.[29] A new version and edition of this song was sung and produced by the Lagos State University Department of Music and Arts to honour Dr Daniel Olukoya.[30][31]
Olukoya has actually contributed a lot to music in Nigeria, He writes majorly for church choirs and he has also likes to write in solo voices.[3][5] Highlighted below are some of his songs:
Awards and Legacy
editIn 2012, Olukoya was conferred with his first honorary doctorate degree from the Joseph Ayo Babalola University Osun state, for his contributions to music and religion.[18]
In 2019, he was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Lagos State for his immense contributions to the university and his inputs in music education.[12][20]
Olukoya has also been awarded by several music institutions, Nigerian musical society(NMS), Musical society of Nigeria(MSN), music departments of different universities in Nigeria for his incessant and interminable support and contributions towards music all over Nigeria.[28][30]
In December 1st , Olukoya was awarded with an honour of a degree in Management Science by Federal University of Technology Akure for his contribution to Science, Education and Spirituality in Nigeria.[34]
Outreaches and evangelism
editOlukoya has conducted missions in many countries.[35][32]
Olukoya has a mentorship program organized by him to mentor pastors.[36][37]
Olukoya has conducted different outreaches to bless other people's ministries.[33]
References
edit- ^ Arogbonlo, Israel (2024-01-01). "2024 is troublesome year with positive & negative mix — Olukoya". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b "Osinbajo celebrates Pastors Adeboye, Olukoya as UNILAG's firsts". www.premiumtimesng.com. Retrieved 2024-04-03.
- ^ a b "Daniel Olukoya archives". Informationng.com. 27 January 2020.
- ^ Sokoya, Seyi (2024-03-24). "Testimonies, jubilation as Olukoya holds miracle service in Warri, commissions regional headquarters' church buildings". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b "Dr. Daniel Olukoya". History of Christian Theology. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b visionafrica. "DR. DANIEL KOLAWOLE OLUKOYA, GENERAL OVERSEER -MFM WORLDWIDE – Vision Africa Magazine". Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Dr. Daniel Olukoya Archives". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "2024 Will Be Hydra-Headed But Better Than 2023 — Olukoya | Independent Newspaper Nigeria". 2024-01-02. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Dr. Daniel Olukoya Archives". Champion Newspapers LTD. 2022-12-16. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "MFM: How a messenger helped Pastor Olukoya to acquire PhD -". The NEWS. 2020-03-07. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b c "Daniel Olukoya, MFM General Overseer, becomes a Professor - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. 2022-12-08. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b "Dr. Daniel Olukoya Archives". National Accord Newspaper. 21 October 2022. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya Archives". Information Nigeria. 2020-01-27. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya Archives". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Staff, Global Patriot. "Stop misguided, vicious attacks on MFM GO, Dr. Olukoya". Global Patriot Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Man, The New (2024-03-21). "Biography of Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya". The New Man. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b BellaNaija.com (2018-09-03). "MFM Founder Daniel Olukoya sues Yele Sowore & Sahara Reporters for ₦10bn". BellaNaija. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b "Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya Archives". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ towncrierng (2020-04-15). "22 Facts You Must Know About DR. DANIEL OLUKOYA, MFM". Towncrier. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b "Daniel Olukoya archives". thecableng.com. 5 July 2021.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya, MFM General Overseer, becomes a Professor - Daily Trust". dailytrust.com. 2022-12-08. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Man, The New (2024-03-21). "Biography of Professor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya". The New Man. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Rapheal (2022-04-02). "There's no great man of God in Nigeria –Daniel Olukoya, MFM general overseer". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "ThisDay". Retrieved 2024-04-09 – via PressReader.
- ^ "| Daily Bells Newspaper". 2021-07-05. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya awarded doctor of Science". vanguardngr.com.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya". Researchgate.net.
- ^ a b "AllChurchPastors: Dr Daniel Kolawole Olukoya's biography and his Mountain Of Fire Miracle Ministry story". AllChurchPastors. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya archives". guardian.ng.
- ^ a b Arogbonlo, Israel (2023-07-15). "Olukoya at 66: Six interesting things to know about MFM founder". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ Olusegun, Adeeko (2024-03-20). "ICONS: Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b Olukoya, Dr D. K. "Dr. D.K Olukoya » Reporter at Leadership Newspaper". Retrieved 2024-04-09.
- ^ a b "Daniel Olukoya archives". punchng.com.
- ^ Arogbonlo, Israel (2024-12-01). "FUTA confers honourary degree on MFM's Olukoya". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya archives". vanguardngr.com.
- ^ "Daniel Olukoya archives". saharareporters.com.
- ^ Olusegun, Adeeko (2024-03-20). "ICONS: Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2024-04-09.