Olukoya, first Nigerian scientist to clone genes

Olukoya, Olukoya, First Nigerian First Nigerian Scientist to Scientist to Clone Genes

- VP Yemi Osinbajo

For the General Overseer of the MFM, distinguishing himself in any and every endeavour he Back home in Nigeria, as a researcher at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, in the country. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, while paying tributes to the preeminence sets his hands on may not merely be Olukoya made landmark and achievements of his alma mater, an expression of character and talent, contributions to biotechnology and the University of Lagos, Akoka, but a biological trait, seated deep in health. One of these was the listed Dr. Olukoya among the prides his genes! invention of a new type of Ogi (Pap) of the great institution, who have Before making the phenomenal named DOGIK, that can control made it a foremost university. His success of his evangelistic ministry, diarrhea and also contains improved words: "I want to say that UNILAG Dr. Olukoya had, had an excellent nutritional qualities. has proved time and time again to be career as an academic and scientist Also, he is credited with being the not just a university. with a streak of firsts and first scientist to establish an "So many firsts in different areas. groundbreaking successes. indigenous laboratory of Molecular Just reading about Dr. Olukoya. He He left a record as the first graduate Biology and Biotechnology in was the first to clone genes. Hardly to make First Class in UNILAG's Nigeria, and the first to clone genes anyone would know that the Pastor Microbiology Department since the of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle university came on stream in 1962, a feat which confirmed that the brilliance he had shown early in his educational career peaking with a He was also the first “ Ministries was also the first to clone genes. That is an absolutely outstanding thing, " the Vice President said at a public function. Grade One pass at the secondary Nigerian Before quitting the intellectual 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 to bag a PhD in Molecular Genetics from the University 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 i n r e c o r d t i m e u n d e r a of Reading, PhD under his supervision, and are Commonwealth scholarship, in spite of the difficulty of the subject. United Kingdom “ all currently chosen fields. doing well in their www.thebossnewspapers.com

BENEFICIARIES' Testimonials

an you introduce yourself and your background, Cwhere you are and what you currently do? Daddy GO is an Example of a Good Father - James Akinola- James Akinola My name is James Akinola. I am from a family of five. I lived my teenage days in the military barracks in Ojo, Lagos because my dad was a soldier 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 your path 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 Akinola James encounter with Daddy G.O was when I was the president of the fellowship, and we were preparing for the “A Damsel Dazzling and Virtuous Programme with Mummy GO” during through Daddy's message. I will never forget the message that week of planning my phone got spoilt and I couldn't do “The Baptism of Fire” some fellowship functions without it. I just told Daddy Most Importantly God has greatly helped my prayer life casually that I don't have a phone after the meeting and he said What spectacular and specific act of generosity have “ Oh, you don't have a phone? Here, take this, and he gave me you enjoyed from Dr. D. K. Olukoya, that has helped a new Samsung phone. propel yourcareertoday? Daddy's magnanimity is sometimes incredible. I What is yourimpression of Dr. D. K Olukoya? remember after getting this Ph.D admission fully funded by Daddy GO is an example of a good father. He hasn't the US, but I didn't have a dime to purchase a travel ticket to only taught and mentored us from a distance, his acts of love the US and my parents couldn't as well. Daddy got me the are true examples of God's love to us. I remember one day as ticket for free in the best airline Qatar Airways. There was executives in MFMCF we did something wrong and Daddy no other option that I could rest on. It was a miracle I called us to a meeting, and we were all frightened. But guess must say, and I can never forget such a magnanimous act what? Daddy so prayed for us as his children after scolding from Daddy us. Trust me we went back to campus on fire for God.

How has the church helped in building yourspiritual life? appreciation would suffice?

Daddy's message has consistently taught me that one I sincerely would love to meet Daddy soon and tell can be spiritually conscious and still be purpose driven on him how grateful I am for his life. However, words may fail earth, Daddy's Life of starting from a humble beginning but me to express the totality of my gratitude to Daddy. Daddy through consistent hard work and supply of God's grace, he is G.O is just the best. If any word will suffice, I will say I am a father to nations today has been a great inspiration for me. indebted and thankful to him. If you were to meet Dr. Olukoya today, what word of