•Bishop Mike Okonkwo
A towering figure in Nigerian Pentecostal Christianity, Bishop Mike Okonkwo celebrates his 80th birthday, a significant milestone in a life dedicated to faith, leadership, and nation-building. This occasion allows him to reflect on his decades-long ministry, his influential leadership roles in both the church and society, and his unwavering vision for a better future for Nigeria. Bishop Okonkwo’s powerful sermons and unwavering commitment to social justice have shaped generations and continue to inspire hope across the country, reports Saturday Independent.
The air in Bishop Mike Okonkwo’s Lagos office hummed with quiet intensity, a palpable sense of purpose emanating from the man himself.
Bishop Okonkwo, the founder of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and a towering figure in the Nigerian Christian community, is more than a religious leader; he is a moral compass, a voice of reason, and a man deeply invested in his country’s soul.
As he marks his 80th birthday, there’s a reflective grace about him. The years have etched wisdom onto his face, but his eyes still sparkle with the same passionate fire that ignited TREM decades ago.
In a candid and heartfelt conversation, he opened up about his personal journey, the complexities of managing a global ministry, and his unwavering concern for the socio-political landscape of Nigeria.
For Dr. Okonkwo, reaching 80 is a testament to divine grace. “The only giver of life is God,” he says, his voice filled with reverence. “Life is also a mystery. For God to keep me alive to this age is indeed a great blessing. I consider myself blessed.” His gratitude is profound, born from a deep understanding of life’s fragility.
“If you wake up in the morning and can go to the bathroom, wash yourself, and dress yourself, that is something you should especially thank the Lord for. Many times, as human beings, we take such things for granted.”
It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to appreciate the everyday miracles we often overlook. Looking ahead, Bishop Okonkwo’s focus is on ensuring continuity.
“It is not enough to live life for yourself — especially in my situation,” he explains. “Having been used by God to establish a global ministry, it must not die with me. There must be continuity because the whole purpose is to bring others to life. I believe that what God has used me to establish will continue even after I am gone.”
Bishop Okonkwo’s journey to becoming a spiritual leader began in the bustling streets of Lagos, where he helped his mother sell bread in Oyingbo and hauled firewood from Oko-baba. These humble beginnings instilled in him a work ethic that has remained throughout his life.
“My father ensured that we were disciplined and hardworking,” he recalls. “He instilled those values in us, teaching us that hard work pays. These are some of the values he imparted to make us understand that nothing comes free. You must not do the wrong thing to achieve results.”
His father, a civil servant of high standing, exemplified integrity and uprightness. “He taught us that you don’t accept gratitude just because you did something for someone. He also taught us never to take what doesn’t belong to us — we don’t even bring someone’s property into our house.” This unwavering commitment to ethical conduct has been a guiding principle in Bishop Okonkwo’s life and ministry. His formative years at Mayflower School, under the mentorship of the renowned educationist late Pa Tai Solarin, further shaped his character. “Though he wasn’t a Christian, he was very upright,” Bishop Okonkwo says of Solarin.
“That greatly helped in moulding my character.”
In a world where moral failings are sadly commonplace, Bishop Okonkwo stands as a beacon of integrity. His unwavering commitment to godly values has allowed him to navigate the complexities of ministry without succumbing to scandal.
“First, it’s God’s grace. Second, it’s a conscious decision to lead according to godly values,” he asserts. “If I pursued money, I would compromise and stain myself — I couldn’t be free.” He refuses to play God or succumb to the pressures of impressing others.
“If I do things just to impress people, I will run into problems. If I ever do something contrary to the Scripture, I wouldn’t hesitate to revisit it.”
This deep-seated belief that his provision comes from God has allowed him to remain grounded and focused on his calling.
“Why would I say I am serving God if He is not big enough to provide for me and take care of me? I have proven that He is always ready to do so.”
Bishop Okonkwo’s influence extends far beyond the church walls. He’s a passionate advocate for social justice, a voice for the voiceless, and a fearless critic of corruption and bad governance. His disappointment with the state of Nigeria is palpable. “I am thoroughly disappointed. I really feel embarrassed,” he admits. “How can we have this number of churches in the country and still have a growing number of unemployed graduates?” He questions the effectiveness of the church in addressing the nation’s problems.
“I also don’t believe that God has raised more dynamic and strong leaders in churches — like in this country — yet our situation remains the same. It embarrasses me as a leader in the Body of Christ.” He believes Nigeria’s political leaders have failed to learn from the past.
“A politician comes into office today, and what he’s thinking about is the next election. He doesn’t care about performance, not realising that if he performs well, the masses will beg him to run again.”
He laments the lack of basic amenities and the corruption that plagues the system.
“Isn’t it shameful that a politician will fix a road, drill a borehole, and paint the road — then we clap? Clap for what? That’s his job as a politician.”
Bishop Okonkwo calls for a fundamental restructuring of the country, one that provides a level playing field for all Nigerians.
“You can’t have a new Nigeria when it costs billions to run for office,” he argues.
“Politicians only struggle to recoup their money once they get in and then grab more to run for higher offices. Why don’t we put measures in place to prevent such huge costs so we can get credible leaders?”
Bishop Okonkwo acknowledges that the church has a critical role to play in correcting the ills of society.
“I agree that the church has failed in that regard. We were concentrating on outward appearances. Who are those stealing money in the government? John, Mary, Daniel — they go to our churches.” He calls for a return to the core message of the Gospel.
“The reality is that many churches are not truly preaching the Gospel. They are just sharing and preaching their opinions. What is the Gospel? The death, burial, and resurrection of Christ — and that Jesus Christ died for us. The Gospel is also warning that if you fail to receive Jesus into your life, you risk eternal damnation.” He believes that many churches focus on sin rather than righteousness, prioritising miracles over genuine spiritual transformation.
Bishop Okonkwo expresses deep concern for the youth of Nigeria, who he believes have been failed by their leaders.
“Leaders fail to realise that they are sowing seeds that will germinate in the future. Many of our leaders have destroyed the future of young people for nothing.” He emphasises the importance of education and empowerment, urging the church to do everything possible to help young people stand on their own. “Otherwise, if they follow the example these leaders set today, I guarantee there will be no future.”
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, Bishop Okonkwo calls for a focus on performance and genuine service to the people. He points to the example of Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia State, who he says has made a tangible difference in the lives of his constituents. “That’s all that’s needed — no drama, no heat, no manipulation for a second term. Just go and perform, and winning the next election will be easy.”
He urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seize the opportunity to build a lasting legacy of reform. “What’s stopping you from creating a lasting legacy? Stop the shenanigans in today’s politics — reform the country, build a structure that allows anyone from any part of Nigeria to aspire to any office. Make the country such that no region can hold anyone to ransom. Give us comprehensive reform, and Nigerians will remember him for life — as a leader with the courage to tear down the retrogressive elements in Nigeria.”
As Bishop Dr. Mike Okonkwo celebrates his 80th birthday, his life stands as a testament to the power of faith, integrity, and unwavering commitment to service. His words are a call to action, a reminder that each of us has a role to play in building a better Nigeria. It’s a Nigerian story that needs to be told.
