Olukoya, first Nigerian scientist to clone genes

Osinbajo

- VP Osinbajo

For the General Overseer of the MFM, distinguishing himself in any and every endeavor he sets his hands on may not merely be an expression of character and talent, but a biological trait, seated deep in his genes! Before making the phenomenal success of his evangelistic ministry, Dr. Olukoya had, had an excellent career as an academic and scientist with a streak of firsts and groundbreaking successes. He left a record as the first graduate to make First Class in UNILAG's Microbiology Department since the university came on stream in 1962, a feat which confirmed that the brilliance he had shown early in his educational career peaking with a Grade One pass at the secondary school certificate level was no fluke! He was also the first Nigerian to bag a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University of Reading, United Kingdom, a programme he finished in record time under a Commonwealth scholarship, in spite of the difficulty of the subject. Back home in Nigeria, as a researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, Olukoya made landmark contributions to biotechnology and health. One of these was the invention of a new type of Ogi (Pap) named DOGIK, that can control diarrhea and also contains improved nutritional qualities. Also, he is credited with being the first scientist to establish an indigenous laboratory of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology in Nigeria, and the first to clone genes in the country. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while paying tributes to the preeminence and ac hievements of his alma mater, the University of Lagos, Akoka, listed Dr. Olukoya among the prides of the great institution who have made it a f oremost university. His words: "I want to say that UNILAG has proved time and time again to be not just a uni versity of first choice, but also the university of the firsts.

"So many firsts in different areas. Just reading about Dr. Olukoya. He was the first to clone genes. Hardly anyone would know that the Pastor of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries was also the first to clone genes. That is an absolutely outstanding thing," the Vice President said at a public function. Before quitting the intellectual community, Dr. Olukoya had logged in no fewer than 80 scientific publications and mentored several other scientists and medical scholars 30 of whom earned their PhD under his supervision and are all currently doing well in their chosen fields.

The BOSS NEWSPAPER Special Edition BENEFICIARIES' RESPONSES

Can you introduce yourself and your background, where you are and what you currently do?

My name is James Akinola, I am from a military family of five. I lived my teenage days in the military barracks in Ojo, Lagos and trust me unless God insists on one's life, you almost don't stand a chance to succeed meaningfully from such a location. By God's Grace today, I am currently a Doctoral student in the Department of Chemical engineering at the University of Michigan, United States. My research entails designing renewable fuel sources from waste biomass to replace petroleum as a transportation fuel.

At what point did yourpath cross with MFMM and by extension, Dr. D.K Olukoya?

I attended MFM region 10 as a teenager with my parents and I must say those periods of weekly house fellowship did preserve me, although I wasn't a completely good boy then. I got admitted to the University of Lagos and joined the MFM campus fellowship. My first personal encounter with Daddy G.O was when I was the president of the fellowship and were preparing for the “A Damsel Dazzling and Virtuous Programme with mummy GO” during that week of planning my phone got spoilt and I couldn't do some fellowship functions without it. I just told Daddy casually that I don't have a phone after the meeting and he said “ Oh, you don't have a phone? here take this and he gave me a new Samsung phone.

What is yourimpression of Dr. D.K Olukoya?

Daddy GO is an example of a father. He hasn't only taught and mentored us from a distance. His acts of love are true examples of God's love to us. I remember one day as executives in MFMCF we did something wrong and daddy called us to a meeting and we were all frightened. But guess what? Daddy so prayed for us as his children after scolding us. Trust me we went back to campus on fire for God.

How has the church helped in building yourspiritual life?

Daddy's message has consistently taught me that one can be spiritually conscious and still be purpose driven on earth, Daddy's Life of starting with a humble beginning but

Akinola James

true consistent hard work and supply of God's grace he is a father to nations today has been a great inspiration for me. Most Importantly God has greatly helped my prayer life through Daddy's message. I will never forget the message “the baptism of Fire”

What spectacularand specific act of generosity have you enjoyed from Dr. D.K Olukoya, that has helped propel yourcareertoday?

Daddy's magnanimity is sometimes incredible. I remember after getting this Ph.D. admission fully funded by the US, but I didn't have a dime to purchase a travel ticket to the US and my parents couldn't as well. Daddy got me the ticket for free in the best airline Qatar Airways. There was no other option that I could rest on. It was a miracle I must say, and I can never forget such a magnanimous act from Daddy

If you were to meet Dr. Olukoya today, what word of

appreciation would suffice?

I sincerely would love to meet Daddy soon and tell him how grateful I am for his life. However, words may fail to express the totality of my gratitude to Daddy. Daddy G.O is just the best. If any word will suffice I will say I am indebtedly thankful to him.