Several women’s groups at the international headquarters of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries concluded a two-day thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday to honour the shared birthday of the church’s General Overseer, Dr Daniel Olukoya, and his wife, Pastor Shade Olukoya, with members describing the couple as transformational leaders whose ministry has shaped lives across generations.

The celebration, held at the church’s international headquarters in Yaba, Lagos, attracted senior ministers, regional overseers, church workers, family members, friends and several hundred worshippers.

The event began on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday with a thanksgiving service.

Pastor Shade Olukoya marked her 59th birthday, while Dr Olukoya turned 69.

The second day of the programme featured gospel music minister Adeyinka Alaseyori, alongside thanksgiving sessions, worship and goodwill messages from ministers and members.

An anticipated appearance by gospel singer Nathaniel Bassey, however, did not come to fruition.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Senior Pastor in the church’s Youth Ministry and Chief Operating Officer of the Afaha Akpan Foundation Nigeria, Pastor Taira Afaha-Akpan, said serving under the Olukoyas had been one of the greatest blessings of her life.

“I have been a member of Mountain of Fire for about 25 or 26 years. Ever since I joined, I have thanked God for the lives of Dr Daniel Olukoya and Pastor Shade, our father and mother in the Lord.

“They are excellent role models. I admire the way Pastor Shade has grown alongside her husband in ministry, supporting him while representing women, encouraging daughters of Zion, teenagers and children.

“She is a wonderful support to our father in the Lord. Both of them are true servants of God, and it is a joy to be part of this ministry,” she said.

Senior Regional Overseer of Music, MFM Worldwide, Pastor Sam Oloyede, said he had witnessed the couple’s ministry over several decades.

“To the glory of God, I have been with our daddy for about 40 years and have known our mummy for over 35 years. They have been a wonderful couple, and I have benefited from the grace upon both of them.

“They are wonderful gifts to this generation. On this auspicious occasion, I wish daddy and mummy many more years in divine service and prosperity,” he said.

Also speaking, Pastor Wale Adeolumuyiwa described the Olukoyas’ shared birthday as unique.

“They have been a blessing to humanity and Christendom. We cannot quantify their role in our lives spiritually and physically. It has been awesome how God has used them over time, and their impact on our world is tremendous.

“It is my prayer that the Lord increases their unction to function. We will not disappoint them,” he said.

For Pastor Oritsegbubemi Ajagunla, the couple’s influence extends beyond the church into the surrounding community.

“Their impact is enormous. You cannot quantify what they have done for men, women, youths, widows and even members of the Iwaya community.

“Our parents in the Lord have supported children intellectually, spiritually and materially. Pastor Shade is a loving, honourable and responsible mother. That is why we are here celebrating both of them,” she said.

Mrs Itulua Itulua, wife of Senior Regional Overseer Eric Itulua, recalled joining the ministry as a single woman before getting married there.

“I came into this ministry as a single person, got married here in 2000 and have remained in the ministry. Daddy has been a source of blessing, and so has Mummy. God has used them to bring many people back to Him,” she said.

Administrative officer at the University of Lagos and choir member, Oluwaranti Adewale, said Dr Olukoya’s teachings had shaped her life.

“Daddy has been a source of inspiration to me. He is a giver and someone who loves souls. His words have shaped many lives, including mine. Since joining this ministry, I have never regretted it. The prayers have helped my life and destiny,” she said.

Founded in 1989 by Dr Daniel Olukoya, MFM has grown from a small prayer fellowship into a global Pentecostal ministry with branches in more than 120 countries, while Pastor Shade Olukoya serves as International Coordinator of the MFM Women’s Foundation, leading literacy, empowerment and welfare programmes for women.