Pastor Daniel Kolawole Olukoya is a Nigerian pastor, scientist, and author. He is best known as the founder and General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), one of the biggest Pentecostal churches in Africa. The church is well-known for its focus on deliverance, prayer, and living a holy life.
Early Life and Education
Daniel Kolawole Olukoya was born on July 15, 1957, in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, into a devoted Christian family. His father was a police officer, and his mother was a trader who loved God and helped shape his faith from childhood.
He attended St. Jude’s Primary School in Ebute Metta, Lagos, and later went to Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos, where he performed excellently in his studies. He was known for being smart and disciplined, qualities that later helped him succeed both in science and in ministry.
After secondary school, he gained admission to the University of Lagos (UNILAG), where he graduated in 1980 with a First-Class Honours degree in Microbiology. His excellent results earned him a scholarship to study abroad.
He then went to the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, where he completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics. His research was well-respected and contributed to the field of genetics, both in Nigeria and internationally.
Career as a Scientist
After finishing his studies, Dr. Olukoya returned to Nigeria and worked as a geneticist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) in Yaba, Lagos. He wrote many research papers that were published in respected scientific journals.
Even as a scientist, he remained deeply spiritual. He spent much of his time praying and studying the Bible. Over time, his passion for spreading the gospel grew stronger, and he eventually went into full-time ministry.
Founding of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries
In 1989, Pastor Olukoya started the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in his living room in Lagos with only 24 members. The church grew very fast because of its focus on deliverance, prayer warfare, and holiness.
MFM became known for its powerful style of prayer, helping people break free from spiritual problems and evil powers. The church’s motto, “The Battle Cry Ministries,” shows its strong stand against spiritual forces of darkness.
The MFM headquarters, called The Prayer City, is located along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. It hosts large prayer meetings, crusades, and deliverance programs attended by thousands of worshippers.
Teachings and Ministry Focus
Pastor Olukoya is respected for his deep understanding of the Bible. His teachings focus on deliverance, holiness, prayer, and fasting. He encourages Christians to live pure and godly lives and to overcome spiritual challenges through prayer.
He is also a prolific writer, with over 300 Christian books, including:
• Prayer Rain
• Prayer Passport to Crush Oppression
• Revival Fire
• Deliverance from Spirit Husband and Wife
• The Eagle Christian
His books have helped millions of Christians around the world and have been translated into several languages.
Personal Life
Pastor Olukoya is married to Pastor (Mrs.) Shade Olukoya, who leads the MFM Women’s Ministry. They have one son, Elijah Toluwani Olukoya.
Despite his fame, Pastor Olukoya is known for being humble, simple, and prayerful. He stays away from unnecessary publicity and focuses on his ministry and missionary work.
Contributions and Legacy
Through MFM, Pastor Olukoya has established thousands of branches worldwide, spreading the message of deliverance and holiness. The church also runs educational institutions, such as:
• Mountain Top University (founded in 2015)
• Mountain Top Primary and Secondary Schools, which provide quality education with Christian values.
He has also promoted Christian music, especially through the MFM Choir, which is one of the largest gospel choirs in Africa and has been listed in the Guinness World Records for its size and performance.