Bishop Mike Okonkwo at 80: A Life of Integrity, Service and Impact

At 80, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Founder and Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), stands tall as a symbol of resilience, integrity and unwavering faith. From humble beginnings selling bread on the streets of Lagos to leading one of Nigeria’s most influential ministries, his journey reflects grit, grace and godliness.

For more than five decades, Bishop Okonkwo has preached without scandal, mentored generations, and championed education as a tool for national transformation. His Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition, now over 20 years running, continues to reward excellence and promote integrity among Nigerian youths.

In an exclusive interview, the cleric reflected on his life’s journey, his hopes for continuity in ministry, his concerns about Nigeria’s leadership crisis, and his belief that true ministry goes beyond the pulpit.

“Life is a blessing,” he said. “For God to keep me alive, healthy and strong at 80 is a testimony I cannot quantify. My greatest desire now is that the work God started through me will outlive me and continue to impact lives.”

Raised in a disciplined home, Okonkwo recalled selling bread to support his mother, while his father instilled in him the values of hard work and honesty. These early lessons, he said, shaped his character and guided his faith journey.

His call to ministry, which began with uncertainty in the late 1970s, later birthed TREM in 1981. He credits mentors like Pastor William Kumuyi and Dr. Wilson Badejo for offering guidance in his formative years. Despite opportunities abroad, he returned to Nigeria, determined to answer his calling.

Looking back, he counts his greatest testimony as living a life of character: “If God does not provide, then it is not meant to be done. I don’t manipulate, and I don’t put people under pressure. That alone is enough testimony.”

Beyond the church, Bishop Okonkwo has used education and youth empowerment to shape society. Through essay competitions, scholarships and support for schools, his ministry has consistently promoted values of honesty and excellence.

At 80, however, he expressed disappointment with Nigeria’s direction: “How can we have so many churches, yet the nation remains in this state? Our leaders have failed to learn. Performance should matter more than politics.”

For young people, his message is clear: “The future depends on you, but you must build it on God’s foundation, not on the broken examples before you.”

Balancing family and ministry, he credited his wife for her patience and strength. “Family comes before the pulpit. If your home is not in order, your ministry will suffer,” he advised younger pastors.

As Bishop Mike Okonkwo marks eight decades of life, his story remains one of discipline, faith, and service a legacy of integrity in a time that desperately needs it.