Dr. John Olanrewaju Idowu, born on November 27, 1954, in the serene town of Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria, is a distinguished minister of the gospel, an accomplished academic, and a man whose life has been marked by divine interventions and an unwavering faith in God’s plan. His birth was no ordinary occurrence, and from his earliest years, his life bore the unmistakable imprint of divine purpose. At just two years old, he faced a near-death experience—a moment that would have altered the course of his destiny had it not been for the fervent, unrelenting prayers of his mother, a woman of deep faith. Her tenacity in prayer prevailed, as she refused to release her lifeless son, clinging to God’s promises until, miraculously, he was restored to life. This early encounter with the supernatural set the stage for a life that would be marked by many more miracles, spiritual depth, and a profound dedication to God’s calling.

Growing up in a godly home, Dr. Idowu’s spiritual journey began almost as soon as he could walk. His mother’s faith and prayerfulness provided a strong foundation, guiding not only him but also his siblings. He was one of six children, and it is a remarkable testament to the spiritual legacy of his family that four of them went on to become ministers of the gospel. This deeply spiritual household laid the groundwork for a future filled with service to God.

Dr. Idowu’s academic journey was no less extraordinary than his spiritual one. He attended Zaria for his early education and then returned to Kwara State, where he completed his secondary schooling at Igbomina Baptist Grammar School. He quickly distinguished himself as a young man of immense promise, excelling both in character and academics—qualities that earned him the recognition of being the best student in his graduating class. He continued his education at Government Secondary School in Ilorin, where he completed his Higher School Certificate (HSC), further affirming his academic brilliance.

This brilliance led him to Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), where he pursued a degree in Geology. His exceptional performance earned him a Second Class Upper Division and the prestigious ELF Prize for being the best graduate in Stratigraphy. Not content with resting on his laurels, Dr. Idowu pushed the boundaries of his knowledge and went on to obtain a Master’s degree in Petroleum Geology from the University of Ibadan. His quest for excellence didn’t stop there; he was driven by a vision from God to pursue a PhD in Petroleum Geochemistry. His outstanding research in Nigeria’s petroleum basins during this time led him to a Research Fellowship at the renowned University of Oklahoma in the United States, where he conducted pioneering work that would leave a lasting impact on the field.

Despite being deeply immersed in the world of academia and consultancy for giants like Shell, Dr. Idowu’s spiritual compass guided him elsewhere. In 1988, God spoke a message that would redefine his life: “I will be sending you to a land that people call dry. I have sent many people there that deserted and ran away, but I trust you to go there for me.” Turning away from lucrative opportunities, Dr. Idowu joined Ondo State University (Now Ekiti State University) as a lecturer, and during this season, the vision for ministry was implanted in his heart. This led to the founding of The Name of Jesus Ministries.

The early years of his ministry were marked by intense spiritual encounters. Dr. Idowu’s deep connection to God became evident as his ministry grew, characterized by healing miracles, prophetic declarations, and the teaching of God’s word with authority. His sermons and messages, inspired by Christian mentors like Kenneth E. Hagin, carried a weight that transcended the ordinary. His teachings on faith, prayer, and obedience resonated with congregations, drawing people from all walks of life to seek God’s transformative power.

In the 2000s, Dr. Idowu’s ministry blossomed into a global outreach. The launch of the Hour of Power radio program in 2001 was a turning point, bringing his messages of hope, faith, and healing to listeners across Nigeria. People would testify of healing, breakthroughs, and divine encounters simply from listening to his broadcast.

By 2005, the ministry took another leap with the launch of the Divine Encounters TV broadcast. It wasn’t just another religious program—it was a conduit of special teachings for the dissemination of God’s wisdom that aired across both local and international stations.

In 2010, Dr. Idowu’s vision for empowering the next generation took form with the founding of Seed of Grace International College (SGIC). Situated on a vast property acquired by the ministry in Ado Ekiti. SGIC became a beacon of academic and spiritual excellence, training young minds not only to excel in education but also to carry Christ’s light into the world. Dr. Idowu’s belief that education and spirituality should go hand in hand shaped the ethos of the college, and under his guidance, it thrived, producing graduates who excelled in both character and academics.

As Dr. John Olanrewaju Idowu celebrates his 70th birthday in 2024, his life stands as a testament to God’s boundless grace. His journey from the quiet town of Omu-Aran to becoming a standard bearer is nothing short of remarkable. Alongside his wife, Rev. Mrs. Mary Bolanle Idowu, and their three children—who are all ministers of the gospel—Dr. Idowu continues to lead a life dedicated to God’s work. His ministry has impacted millions, his schools have educated future leaders, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.

With 70 years of divine grace behind him, Rev. Dr. John Olanrewaju Idowu presses on with unshaken faith, ever passionate about the message of the gospel, ever committed to raising the next generation of believers. His journey is far from over—there are still mountains to climb, souls to save, and lives to transform.