Stephen Oluwole Akinola ( 4 March 1953 – 6 June 2021) was a Ghanaian-born Nigerian Pentecostal preacher. He was the founder and General Overseer of Redemption Ministries Worldwide.[1]
Stephen Akinola | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Stephen Oluwole Akinola March 4, 1953 Tamale, Northern Gold Coast (now Ghana) |
| Died | June 6, 2021 (aged 68) Abuja, Nigeria |
| Resting place | Port Harcourt, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | Yaba College of Technology, Lagos |
| Occupation | • Pastor • author • evangelist |
| Known for | Wind and Fire Conference |
| Successor | Pastor Cletus Desmond |
Akinola received recognition for his contributions to spiritual growth and community development. He was acknowledged for his "commitment to faith and spirituality".[2] In 2019, he was described as a great man of faith and mentor to the Government of Rivers State by the former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Ipalibo Banigo, during a special Adoration Thanksgiving Service at Redemption Ministries, Omega Beach.[3]
Early life
editStephen Oluwole Akinola was born on March 4, 1953, in Tamale, Northern Ghana, to Samuel and Marian Otunde.[1][4] His early education began at age 4 in Damagos, Ghana. He later attended Government Secondary School, Tamale, before returning to Nigeria in 1971.[5] Upon his return to Nigeria, he became a teacher at the Baptist Primary School, Igboho, Oyo State – his place of origin.[6] In 1973, he pursued further studies at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos.
Ministry
editAkinola described experiencing a profound religious awakening in 1974:[5]
I came under a serious conviction in the lecture hall. When I rose up from my knees, it was like a 12-storey building had been lifted off my head. A mighty weight left me, and I knew I was free. Every single thing I saw looked different. The flowers looked different, the trees looked different. It appeared to me the world had changed. I walked back to the lecture hall, a new man.
This experience led him to participate in Bible study sessions at Pastor W.F. Kumuyi's residence in the University of Lagos[7][6] and become involved in what later developed into the Deeper Christian Life Ministry[8] – one of the fastest growing churches in Africa.[9][10]
In 1977, Akinola played a role in establishing the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in Rivers State.[4][5] According to reports, by 1986, the membership at the Port Harcourt headquarters of the Deeper Life Church had increased to over 5,000 adults, leading to the introduction of two Sunday services.[6][11][8]
Later in 1987, after withdrawing from the Deeper Life Church, he founded Redemption Ministries, which expanded internationally, with branches in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil.[8]
As General Overseer of Redemption Ministries Worldwide, Akinola was involved in organising various programmes aimed at spiritual growth and community engagement, which received recognition from the Rivers State Government.[2][12] Some of these programmes include: the annual Wind and Fire Conference, held in December, and featuring guest speakers such as Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi.[13] Additionally, the Divine Daughters of Destiny International programme focuses on women’s empowerment and often hosts Reverend Dr. Uma Ukpai as a guest speaker.[14]
Another initiative is the annual Kabash programme, catering to the spiritual needs of the church’s youth.
Personal life
editAkinola was married to Matilda Ayebatonye Akinola.[15]
Death
editAkinola died on June 6, 2021, at a hospital in Abuja.[16] His death was confirmed by his church and other prominent figures, including the former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Rivers State, Apostle Eugene Ogu.[17] He was interred within the premises of his church. During his funeral, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, represented by his deputy, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, expressed the state's appreciation for Akinola's impact,[2] highlighting his contributions to spiritual growth and initiatives like the Wind and Fire Conference and Suya Night.[12]
Following his death, Cletus Desmond was ordained as the succeeding General Overseer of Redemption Ministries Worldwide.[18]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b "Late Rev. Stephen O. Akinola – Redemption Ministries". Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ a b c Tide (8 November 2021). "We'll Sorely Miss Stephen Akinola, Wike Mourns". The Tide News Online. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ "Rev Akinola is a Great Man OF Faith: Banigo". 31 March 2019. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
- ^ a b Bp-Relate (6 September 2016). "Biography Of Pastor Stephen Akinola". Believers Portal. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ a b c "Biography – Stephen Oluwole Akinola". Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ a b c Life and Times of the Disciple that Jesus loved. Tribune, 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ Vanguard (1 September 2013). "Deeper Life Bible Church: 40 years after". Retrieved on 4 March, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Ex-Deeper Life top pastor, Rev Stephen Akinola passes on @ 68". Church Times Nigeria. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ "Top 10 Biggest Churches in Africa in 2024". Know Africa. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
- ^ Jayeoba, Deborah (31 July 2023). "10 Largest Churches in Africa 2023". Retrieved 12 April 2024.
- ^ "Pastor W.F. Kumuyi". Deeper Christian Life Ministry. 12 December 2021. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ a b Dafe, Daniel (7 November 2021). "We Will Sorely Miss Rev. Stephen Akinola, Says Gov. Wike". Oasis Magazine. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ UNTIL THE SPIRIT BE POURED UPON US – Conference Booklet. Redemption Ministries, Omega Beach. 2021.
- ^ "About DDDI". DIVINE DAUGHTERS OF DESTINY INT’L. Retrieved 12 March 2024.
- ^ Wesley-Metibogun, Shade (13 June 2021). "Stepping into Their Husbands' Shoes: Women Running Successful Church Ministries". THEWILL NEWS MEDIA. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ "Rev. Akinola, Port Harcourt popular 'Suya Night' pastor don die". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ Akinyode, Peace (7 June 2021). "Nigerians mourn popular Rivers pastor Stephen Akinola". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ "Church of the First Born". Redemption Ministries. Retrieved 13 March 2024.