From Building Churches to Building People: Gov. Abiodun Praises Bishop Mike Okonkwo at 80

From Building Churches to Building People: Gov. Abiodun Praises Bishop Mike Okonkwo at 80

By Charles Segun Adegbite

The 80th birthday of Bishop Mike Okonkwo, founder and presiding bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), turned into a grand celebration of faith, legacy, and nation-building as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State hailed him as “a father in faith and a true builder of people.”

Speaking at the thanksgiving service held at TREM’s national headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, Governor Abiodun—represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya—described the cleric as a national treasure whose impact transcends the pulpit.

“Bishop Okonkwo has built more than churches; he has built people, raised leaders, and fostered hope across generations,” Abiodun said. “His voice has consistently championed integrity, unity, and righteousness in a nation in need of such a moral compass.”

The governor noted that Bishop Okonkwo’s ministry has uplifted the underserved, offered hope to the hopeless, and opened doors of opportunity for countless Nigerians. He pledged continued recognition and support for men of vision and philanthropy whose lives advance the cause of humanity while aligning with his administration’s Building Our Future Together agenda.

Bishop Okonkwo has built more than churches; he has built people, raised leaders, and fostered hope across generations,” Abiodun said. “His voice has consistently championed integrity, unity, and righteousness in a nation in need of such a moral compass.

Abiodun also urged Nigerians to honor their heroes while they are still alive, stressing that true nation builders deserve celebration for their genuine contributions to society’s growth and development.

The service was graced by prominent church leaders, with Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), delivering a stirring sermon. Pastor Adeboye urged believers to emulate Bishop Okonkwo’s diligence, reminding them that “any diligent man will stand before kings and not mean men.” 

He emphasized the importance of prayer, holiness, and attentiveness to God’s word as pathways to the top.

Other tributes flowed in from leading clerics, including Bishop Wale Oke, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), who praised Bishop Okonkwo’s steadfastness and grace-filled leadership.

In his response, the octogenarian bishop expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, TREM members, and well-wishers. He thanked Governor Abiodun and fellow church leaders for their show of love, adding that his life at 80 was nothing short of God’s faithfulness.

The thanksgiving service, marked by prayers, songs, and heartfelt tributes, highlighted a man whose legacy is defined not just by buildings but by lives transformed, leaders raised, and hope rekindled across the nation. 

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