Follow Us on Google
By Sam Loco Smith
Popular preacher and Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr Mike Okonkwo today turned 80.
In this report, some of his associates and children in the ministry recount the kind of person the man of God is.
He’s the most significant influence on me after God – Lady Uche (Mrs Asugha), daughter
My father is one of the greatest joys of my life. He remains the most significant influence on me after God, especially in shaping my Christian faith and walk with the Lord.
Daddy is an outstanding man in every sense of the word. He is principled, disciplined, motivated, and wholly committed to stewarding everything God has entrusted into his care. His character is exemplary. The integrity of his life, being the same man both in and out of the pulpit, remains one of the qualities I admire most about him.
There are a few things he treasures above all: his love for God, his love for the Word of God, and his love for people. His passion for Scripture is evident in every fiber of his being. Likewise, his love for people is boundless.
Dad is also a man of remarkable intellect and curiosity.
He’s been a friend, father for all season – Bishop Walter Mbamara
I met the Presiding Bishop for the first time in 1974 at the United Church of Christ (UCC), Aba Circuit and have admired and been blessed by his personality ever since. By God’s divine orchestration, I was given the opportunity to work closely with him in1979 in the Lagos circuit of UCC before TREM started and he has been a blessing to me as a leader, mentor and Pastor.
I had the great privilege to work with him from beginning of the ministry in1981 and ever since then, we have always had a strong relationship. He has kept close to my family, with lots of interest in our welfare. He has shown great interest in my growth, sponsoring my ministry, learnings within and outside the country. And this has grown over the years. He has been a Father and a great friend, one for all season.
He gave me a platform to do ministry. Not just in words but in deeds.
He’s been a true father to me – Kachi Asugha
Mid-afternoon. Sunday, July 20, 2014. A day I will never forget. Clad in a black two-piece suit, a flowery green tie resting on a crisp white shirt, I stepped into what many would have termed an expedition into the lion’s den — so daring that few, if any, would ever attempt it alone.
But here I was — alone, armed with nothing but the certainty of my affection and intentions — on a journey that would forever transform the trajectory of my life.
I stood before him, profoundly declaring my deepest affection and intentions for his only beloved daughter.
Daddy, you have been a true father to me — from afar, and even more so now, in close quarters. Words will never be enough to express the depth of your impact on my life.
As you celebrate this incredible milestone — 80 years of Grace — may your legacy echo for generations to come, if Christ tarries, through sons and daughters like me, whom you have selflessly shaped and blessed.
He’s one of the best things to happen to me – Rev. Dr. Janet Onaolapo.
Bishop Mike Okonkwo is one of the most prominent and highly respected fathers of faith in Nigeria and globally.
Since I have known him, he has been very concerned about every detail of my life, my children and the ministry, especially after my husband passed on to glory 13 years ago.
Daddy is my Spiritual father and I enjoy his spiritual covering. Anytime I am ‘at a crossroads’ in life and ministry, he gives me apt counsel.
I have watched him preach and listened to his teachings. He is uncontestably an honourable man of God, a great figure of emulation with a vast knowledge of the WORD, and impactful Kingdom exploits.
With much love, I say: “Happy Birthday My Big Daddy!”
He believes in us more than we believe in ourselves – Rev. Dr. Chinedu Nkere
Bishop Okonkwo is my father in the Lord, mentor, coach and a living legend. He is a person of Integrity. A man among men, a father to fathers, a pastor to pastors, and a Bishop among Bishops.
His passion for God and compassion for people has endeared him to many people. Sometimes, I wonder how he is able to cope with the number of his spiritual sons and daughters across the globe.
I have known Big Daddy (as we fondly call him) since 1995. His life and ministry have imparted mine in several ways. Big Daddy believes so much in his sons and daughters, even much more than some of us do ourselves. He has repeatedly said that, in his lifetime, we will do seven times more than he has done. His extravagant belief in me has shaped my life and ministry in phenomenal manners.
He’s been impacting our lives from Day one – Rev Chuka Paul & Blessing Oguekwe
From the first day I joined The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) and came into contact with him, he has personally impacted my life, ministry, and family.
One of the most notable examples of his generosity and love was the full sponsorship of our wedding—both the traditional and church ceremonies were completely paid for by him and our beloved Big Mummy, Bishop Dr. Peace Okonkwo. Over the years, he has nurtured me into the person I am today, modelling masterclass leadership characterized by integrity and grace.
On the occasion of his magnificent 80th birthday, we celebrate an extraordinary life dedicated to God and the transformation of humanity.
A General who has shaped nations, raised generations – Anuoluwapo Sofowora
To celebrate you at 80 is to honour my grandfather. You are not just a man of God but a kingdom general whose “yes” to God birthed leaders, shaped nations, and raised godly generations. As my parents’ spiritual father, you laid the foundation for my own walk with God through them. I do not take this generational covering for granted.
Your humility, consistency, and unwavering faith remind me that ministry is not about platforms but about obedience to God.
I count it a privilege to wear several hats in TREM, leading, serving, and planning, and in every role I see the fruit of your vision. The Next Generation Directorate itself is proof of your intentionality about legacy. Because you believe in us, we have dared to rise.
May your latter years be crowned with good health, joy and true rest in Jesus’ name. Generations yet unborn will call you blessed.
He’s the strongest octogenarian I know – Pastor Favour Chinedu-Nkere
Some years ago, confronted with a distressing medical report, I prayed that Big Daddy would call me out during a service and pray for me. To the glory of God, the very next morning being Sunday, he paused mid-sermon and began to pray. Then he called me out by name, laid hands on me, and prayed. That moment terminated the challenge forever.
What can I say about the spiritual nourishment? Through his insightful teachings, I have embraced grace and divine access to all that has been freely given to me in Christ. Big Daddy is not merely a Bishop; he is an Apostle of Grace to this generation, and we are so proud to have him as our Spiritual Father.
As we celebrate him at 80, I pray his strength be renewed, his latter years blaze with greater glory, Happy birthday to the strongest octogenarian I know.
He not only preaches, he lives the word – Ngozi Osuji
Happy 80th Birthday, Daddy! My Super Daddy, today I honour not just your age, but your impact—a legacy of faith, vision, and unwavering devotion to God’s Word. You’ve taught us that “There is power in the Word of God,” and lived it so boldly that even the doubting strides away transformed. Your principle that “What the Word of God cannot give you: 1. it does not exist, and 2. you do not need it”—has anchored us in truth and steadied us through storms.
You have not only preached the Word—you’ve lived it. You’ve sown seeds that will bear fruit for generations. What a gift you are to the Body of Christ and to every life you’ve touched. Above all, your life radiates Grace.
I met him and my Christian life changed forever – Dcn. Austin Chuks-Okonta
Happy birthday and super congratulations to my Big Daddy – Bishop Mike Okonkwo. He’s been preaching for over 50 years now and still counting without any scandal whatsoever
My path crossed with that of Big Daddy on 13 October 1991 when I accompanied my friend to TREM in Akoka. My intention was to criticise and win him back to the Catholic Church. However, I got to TREM that day and heard Bishop Mike preach the Word of God in a manner I had never heard it before which paralyzed all my defences. I gave my life to Christ at the Altar Call made by Bid Daddy there and then. Since then it has been God all the way and my life has remained a bundle of testimonies to the glory of God.
He became my dad when my father passed -Rev Obinna Nwankwo
I lost my biological father 28 years ago, but in God’s mercy, I gained a father in him.
Through every season of my life—valleys, victories, and defining decisions—Daddy has been present with wisdom, grace, and an unwavering heart for God.
He is humility personified—equally at ease with dignitaries and everyday people, honouring every life he touches.
His imprint is on all I do—my teaching, my values, my leadership. Grace Impact Radio, which I lead, is part of the fruit of his life and vision, ensuring his voice continues to bless the world.
As he turns 80, I pray for greater strength, clarity of purpose, and that his legacy lives on not just in institutions, but in generations of transformed lives.
Thank you, Daddy. You are not only a father to me—you are a divine gift and a legacy in motion.
I’m grateful for his belief in me – Pastor Chinwendu Obi-Nwankwo
On August 26th, 1996, I walked into a church near my home—and my life was forever changed. That day, I encountered Bishop Mike Okonkwo. He led me to Christ and, by divine instruction, laid hands on every new convert. When I was slain under the anointing and they tried to lift me, he said, “Leave her—God is not done with her yet.”
Every major highlight of my journey has him present: On May 31st, 2008, he joined me in holy matrimony to my husband. On February 6th, 2016, he ordained me a Pastor in the very ministry where I met Christ.
Thank you for believing in me from the beginning. I am because you are.
Daddy, you are more than a spiritual covering—you are a structure, a stabilizer, and a source of divine alignment in my life.
He changed our Christian worldview – Adebusola and Babatunde Bamgboye
Happy 80th birthday, Big Daddy!! I met you at a key turning point in my life. Your audacity of faith and genuineness of intent have shaped my Christian worldview and the word of His grace. I am so profoundly grateful for the platforms you have afforded me to do ministry and manifest my gift. As a family, we honour you, big daddy, and remain thankful for the gift of you. As we celebrate you, may your light never grow dim; may your voice never become irrelevant; and your impact never diminish. Big Daddy, we love you!
Bishop Okonkwo’s life a living sermon – Rev. Tony & Pat Samson
For decades, you have stood as a beacon of spiritual guidance, shepherding us with compassion, humility, and strength. Your words have healed the broken-hearted, inspired the weary, and called many to a deeper walk with God.
Throughout every season, you have remained steadfast, modelling the love of Christ in both word and deed.
Your life is a living sermon — a testament to perseverance, righteousness, and divine purpose. As a father, teacher, and counsellor, you have poured into generations, shaping lives and building a legacy that will endure forever.
At every point of our challenges that you are aware of, you prayed and offered wise counsel that dissolved knotty issues .
Today, we honour not just your age but the immeasurable impact of your calling. May your remaining years be filled with peace, joy, and continued fruitfulness.
