Bisina SomtoIn a recent interview with BBC Pidgin, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, the son of Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and a well-known Nollywood actor, addressed the air of uncertainty surrounding his appointment as the new lead pastor of the Fountain of Life Church Ilupeju.
He set the record straight by shedding light on his extensive background as a minister and his commitment to both his ministry and acting career.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya clarified that he has been an ordained and licensed minister since 2009.
His journey in the ministry has spanned well over a decade, showcasing his dedication to serving in the church. This experience predates his recent appointment as the lead pastor of the Fountain of Life Church.
In his own words, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya affirmed, “Yes, I am now the lead pastor of the Fountain of Life church. I was ordained as a minister in 2009, so no be today, then I was ordained as a pastor in this Fountain of Life Church in 2012.
So since 2021, I was the lead pastor of the youth church; church 3:16 till 2020 or 2021. So for those who know, they know, and for those who don’t know, no wahala. I’ve been a part of this ministry as a licensed minister since 2009.”
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya also addressed the challenge of balancing his roles as a minister and a successful actor in Nollywood.
His acting career gained significant momentum, culminating in his prominent role as Oba Ade in the 2022 Hollywood movie “The Woman King,” where he shared the screen with acclaimed actors Viola Davis and John Boyega.
While acknowledging the conflicts of interest that can arise when navigating both worlds, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya expressed his determination to continue pursuing both his ministry and acting career. He emphasized that, for the time being, his primary focus is on his ministry.
READ ALSO:Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, Founder Of Fountain of Life Church, Dies Two Years After Wife’s Death
He stated, “When I started acting, people told me that I had to pick one between the ministry and acting because the church and people won’t accept acting. But look at what God did; I was in the entertainment industry for six years; that’s in an industry that is very hard to break into.
That just showed me that with God, nothing is impossible. But now that my father is gone, obviously my focus is on the church, but that does not mean that I can’t act anymore; once an actor, always an actor, you know.”
Pastor Jimmy Odukoya’s appointment as the lead pastor of the Fountain of Life Church came after the passing of his father, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, in August 2023. The news of his appointment elicited a range of reactions on social media, with some celebrating the transition and others expressing skepticism due to his thriving acting career.
However, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya reiterated that his primary focus is on his ministry and carrying on the legacy of the church founded in 1992. While he continues to nurture his passion for acting, he is unwavering in his commitment to the church and its congregation.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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