Stephen Akinola
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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 Oluwole 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 |
| Spouse |
Matilda Akinola (m. 1981) |
| Children | 6 |
Early life
Stephen Oluwole Akinola was born on March 4, 1953 in Tamale, Northern Ghana, to Samuel and Marian Otunde.[1][2] His early education began at age 4 in Damagos, Ghana, and he attended Government Secondary School, Tamale in 1965.[3] Upon his return to Nigeria in 1971, he became a teacher at the Baptist Primary School, Igboho, Oyo State - his place of origin.[4]
Ministry
Akinola furthered his studies at the Yaba College of Technology. He described experiencing a profound religious awakening in 1974, leading him to participate in Bible study sessions at Pastor W.F. Kumuyi’s residence in the University of Lagos.[5][4] Subsequently, he became involved in what later developed into the Deeper Christian Life Ministry.[6]
In 1977, Akinola played a role in the establishment of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in Rivers State, contributing to its growth.[2][3] In 1987, he withdrew from the ministry and founded Redemption Ministries, which has expanded internationally with branches in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil.[6]
Personal life
Reverend Stephen Akinola was married to Pastor Matilda Ayebatonye Akinola.[7] He was survived by children and several grandchildren.
Death
Stephen Akinola died on June 6, 2021, at a hospital in Abuja[8], and his death was confirmed by his church. Later, the former chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Rivers State, Apostle Eugene Ogu also verified his passing.[9]
Akinola was interred within the premises of his church as a memorial. During his funeral, Governor Wike of Rivers State, represented by his deputy, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, expressed the state's deep appreciation for Akinola's profound impact.[10] Governor Wike highlighted Akinola's invaluable contributions to the spiritual growth of the State, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to truth and righteousness - including initiatives like the Wind and Fire Conference.[11]
Following his demise, Pastor Cletus Desmond was ordained as the succeeding General Overseer of Redemption Ministries Worldwide under the guidance of Rev Dr Uma Ukpai, the church governing body, and elders.[12]
See also
References
- ^ a b "Late Rev. Stephen O. Akinola – Redemption Ministries". Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ a b Bp-Relate (6 September 2016). "Biography Of Pastor Stephen Akinola". Believers Portal. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
- ^ a b "Biography – Stephen Oluwole Akinola". Retrieved 8 March 2024.
- ^ a b 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 "Ex-Deeper Life top pastor, Rev Stephen Akinola passes on @ 68". Church Times Nigeria. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 8 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.
- ^ Tide (8 November 2021). "We'll Sorely Miss Stephen Akinola, Wike Mourns". The Tide News Online. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ Dafe, Daniel (7 November 2021). "We Will Sorely Miss Rev. Stephen Akinola, Says Gov. Wike". Oasis Magazine. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
- ^ "Announcement of New General Overseer". Facebook. Retrieved 9 March 2024.