“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Dedication

This biography is devoted to the immortal soul of Dr. Victor Oduko, who bravely traversed life’s low points while maintaining unwavering faith in the face of adversity. His parents’ gentle strength laid the groundwork for his character, and their love lives on in his compassion and the decisions he makes. This work is dedicated to their memory. He owes his character to the principles instilled in him by his parents’ lives—a life of modesty, discipline, and dignity.

Additionally, he would like to thank his wife and children, without whom none of his achievements would have been possible. Their presence has shed light on previously dark chapters. As a result of their support, hardship became purpose, isolation became belonging, and setbacks became triumphs. The foundation of his present and future is the unfaltering belief in him and support of his family.

Most importantly, this biography is dedicated to God, whose mercy saw him through dark times and whose favour unlocked doors that had seemed impossible to open. Divine faithfulness, resilience, and the power of second chances are lauded in Dr. Victor Oduko’s life via every success, milestone, and testimony.

“In all things, the roots define the strength of the tree.”

Phase 1: The Roots That Shaped Him: Childhood, Family, and Early Identity

Dr. Victor Oduko’s life story starts in the hamlet of Ibefun in Ogun State, Nigeria. Ibefun is a community that values tradition, family, and community life. Every family, every elder, and every tradition contributed to the daily rhythm of this region. The crow of roosters heralded the arrival of dawn, while lanterns softly illuminated the evenings. This spot was even more important because it is where the foundational chapters of a man known for his extraordinary compassion, faith, leadership, and perseverance were established.

A traditional king was Victor’s uncle, and his father was the eldest brother—lineally senior to the king, though he never sought kingship—so, unlike many children who grew up in humble cottages spread around the hamlet, young Victor spent his early years in a palace. Cultural ceremonies, visits from elders, customary greetings, and the regimented pace of royal household life were all part of life in the palace. There was an air of respect and dignity about being a child in a building where the past was alive and well.

Leadership, responsibility, and palace culture were all on display for him as he was there. He saw the elders’ speech patterns, decision-making processes, and the community members’ visits to seek advice long before he grasped the concept of authority. These early encounters with positions of authority would subsequently reappear in his personal life in surprising ways.

He felt both the love and the weight of expectation as the youngest of five children—four boys and a girl—and reaped the benefits of his parents’ love. Growing kolanuts, a crop of profound social, medical, and cultural significance in West Africa, was his father’s arduous and methodical occupation. He took great satisfaction in his father’s accomplishments as a kolanut farmer, which demanded perseverance, a deep understanding of the land, and patience. He was a farmer and a small-town grocer who supplied the locals with food staples, including bread, biscuits, candy, and more.

“The darkest nights produce the brightest stars.”

Phase 2 : The Courage to Cross Oceans: Apprenticeship, England, Struggle, and Survival

One of the most formative parts of Dr. Victor Oduko’s life was the second half of his journey, which was characterised by intense resolve, unseen pain, dogged persistence, and the quiet struggles that made him strong. During this time, the child from a Nigerian hamlet bravely entered manhood but also traversed some of the lowest points in his life. In this chapter, he has to fight for his life on multiple fronts, but in the end, his faith is what kept him going when it appeared like he was about to give up.

The tough economic realities of Nigeria in the late 1980s and early 1990s made Dr. Victor realise that his desire of attending university would not be easy. He left secondary school in Lagos and faced these realities. Opportunities for the wealthy remained limited, and jobs were scarce. However, the door of competence was still within grasp. Victor wasted no time seizing the opportunity to apprentice at New Crusader Press in lithographic printing, which he received from his cousin. It marked the start of his metamorphosis.

In terms of glitz, the printing press was lacking. The weather was hot, humid, and challenging. The machinery needed to be cleaned constantly, the plates had to be handled carefully, and the job would frequently go on from early in the morning until well into the evening. But it was in this very place that Dr. Victor started to tap into his own inner strength. Patience and perseverance allowed him to master the rhythm of each printing machine as he scrubbed floors, mixed inks, cut paper, and prepared plates. He was proud of his ability to precisely follow directions and produce prints with excellent clarity. He was getting better every day. He gained self-assurance week after week. Plus, he got one step closer to being a certified printer with every passing month.

He also took advantage of Yaba College of Technology’s day release programs to obtain more specialist degrees in addition to his practical training. On certain days, he would have to quickly navigate the busy streets of Lagos to attend classes on printing technology, estimation, colour theory, and lithography. Thereafter, he would have to rush back to work. 

“Sometimes, the place where you rebuild is not the place where you were broken.”

Phase 3 : Rising from Ashes : Refuge, Marriage, Rebuilding, an the Second Birth of Purpose

Dr. Victor Oduko left England for Ireland with nothing more than a little luggage, a broken spirit, and the tenuous belief that there was yet time for atonement. It was more than just a new nation; Ireland was his lifeline. Ireland felt like a peaceful breath of relief after the emotional anguish he had gone through in England, what with the continual terror of immigration officials, the brutality of survival jobs, and the time he nearly gave in to the water. The tranquillity of his surroundings and the kindness of the locals both helped ease his weary soul. He was also aware that this fresh start wouldn’t materialise without some work. Perseverance was the key to success, as he had learnt the hard way.

Without knowing what to expect or how long it would take, he entered Ireland as a refugee. Dr. Victor counted the refugee system as a godsend since it provided a safe haven, despite its structure, slowness, and profound uncertainty. He finally felt safe enough to sleep for the first time in a long time. Streets would be safe for him to traverse. Without lowering his voice, he could converse with others. Oddness permeated the Irish air. Finally, he felt like he had found a spot to sow new seeds.

The woman who would later become the rock upon which his resurrection rested crossed his path at this time. She was an incredibly resilient and kind woman who understood hardship and had a big heart. Due to her child, she had already obtained her own legal standing in Ireland, and her life experiences had made her a lady who could know honesty when she saw it. Upon meeting Dr. Victor, she perceived not a migrant, a refugee, or a guy demoralised by life; rather, she saw a decent man with strong moral principles and a spirit yearning for a place to call home. They developed a close bond that was easy, slow, and steady. Neither was it hastily done, nor was it lacking in depth. It was based on the same principles, mutual regard, and the silent understanding of two individuals who had been through tough times and wanted tranquillity.

Note of Thanks

With a heart full of gratitude, Dr. Victor Oduko extends his sincere appreciation to all who have walked with him through the many seasons of his life. He gives his deepest thanks to his cherished wife, Mrs. Rosemary Ekundayo Oduko, and his children, Emmanuel Odigie and Esther Adedayo Oduko, whose love and unwavering support have been his greatest strength.

He honours the memory of his late father, Pa Jonathan Adetola Odukomaiya, and his late mother, Madam Felicia Odukomaiya, along with his late brother, Mr. Adewale Odukomaiya, whose values continue to guide him. He also expresses heartfelt thanks to his siblings and extended family — Mr. Leke Odukomaiya, Madam Olusola Sofolabo, Deacon Adebayo Odukomaiya, Mrs. Bolatito Odukomaiya, Dr. Segun Odukomaiya, Prince Henry Odukomaiya, Mr. Sina Oduko, and Mr. Ademola Oduko — for their lifelong support.

He gratefully acknowledges the Co-Founders of God Mercy Liberation Worldwide Ministries, the 21st Century Marriage Seminar, The Victorious Women Fulfilling Destiny Organisation, and The Prophetic Hour With Jesus for their spiritual partnership.

His heartfelt appreciation also goes to Pastor John and Mrs. Helen Fasan; Pastor John and Mrs. Sandra Oke; Dr. Livingstone and Mrs. Jean-Marie Thompson; Ms. Tolulope Olaniyan; and Ms. Susuana Komolafe for their inspiration, guidance, and unwavering encouragement.

Above all, he returns all glory to God — the Keeper of his journey.

Thank You
– Dr. Victor Oduko