Bolaji Idowu is joyful at 39

It was laughter and celebration last week, as the Founder and Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre (HICC), Bolaji Idowu, turned a year older.

The 39-year-old clergyman, who is an alumnus of the University of Lagos, leads one of Lagos’ fastest growing churches, attracting thousands of young people to its services.

At its three branches in Gbagada, Ikeja and Lekki, various programmes were held throughout the year targeting real-life issues that affect young, married people and economy of the people.

One striking thing about Bolaji is his philanthropy. With the church Harvesters Skill Acquisition Programme (HSAP), held every quarter in the last three years, over 7,000 persons have been trained, with hundreds becoming employers of labour.

Pastor B, as his congregants fondly call him, started his ministry as Accounting undergraduate at the University of Lagos. It is said that humour is a prelude to faith and laughter is the beginning of prayer.

This, Bolaji seems to understand perfectly with his liberal approach to Christianity, which has proven to be fertile ground for the youth, who do not necessarily conform to the conservative method of yesteryears, but are encouraged to worship God as they are, while empowering them with skills with which to adapt in the 21st Century.

He is married to Omowunmi and the union is blessed with three children.