Free Cataract Surgeries, Lecture, Football Tournament Headline Mike Okonkwo’s 80th Birthday Celebration

The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) has scheduled several events to commemorate the 80th birthday of its Presiding Bishop, Dr. Mike Okonkwo (MFR), a well-known spiritual leader and community development advocate.

The celebrations will include a variety of activities, including free cataract surgeries, a national lecture on Nigeria’s future, and a youth football tournament.

Reverend Chinedu Nkere, Chairman of the BMO @80 Committee, issued a press release outlining the schedule of events. “This significant birthday is an opportunity to commemorate Dr. Okonkwo’s decades of dedicated service to God and humanity,” Rev. Nkere stated.

“We are committed to honouring his legacy through activities that reflect his passion for making a difference in people’s lives and contributing to the well-being of our community.”

A commitment to combating preventable blindness is an important aspect of the celebrations. In collaboration with the Eye Foundation Ikorodu in Lagos, the committee will provide free cataract screening and surgeries to 500 Nigerians suffering from vision impairment caused by cataracts.

“Cataract surgery is a critical intervention that restores clear vision and significantly improves the quality of life,” Rev. Nkere stated.

“We understand that cataracts are a leading cause of blindness, particularly among low-income people who may lack access to treatment.

By providing these free surgeries, we are taking a proactive step to alleviate suffering and reduce the burden of preventable blindness, in keeping with Bishop Okonkwo’s commitment to community well-being.

Interested individuals can obtain registration forms at TREM International’s headquarters in Obanikoro, Lagos, at any TREM branch in Lagos, or online at bit.ly/bmo500eyes.

The highlight of the birthday celebrations will be the 2025 Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series, which will take place on September 4th, 2025, at the Civic Centre on Victoria Island in Lagos. This year’s theme is “The Nigeria of Our Dreams: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder.”

Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Nigeria’s former Vice President, will deliver the highly anticipated lecture, which will be chaired by Major-General Ike Nwachukwu, a distinguished Nigerian leader.

The Mike Okonkwo Annual Lecture Series has evolved into a forum for critical discourse on national issues, attracting notable figures and thought leaders. Distinguished Nigerians such as Prof. Pat Utomi, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Chief Folake Sholanke SAN, and Dr. Sam Ohuabunwa have chaired the lecture over the years. Renowned speakers such as Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN, Mr. Femi Falana SAN, and Dr. Nike Akande attended the event.

The celebrations will also include the opening ceremony for the Mike Okonkwo Football Tournament on June 14th, 2025, at the Nigerian Institute of Sports (NIS) National Stadium Complex in Surulere, Lagos.

This year’s tournament, in its 20th season, will feature 36 male and 8 female teams from grassroots football clubs.

The finals will take place on Saturday, August 30th, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.

The football tournament demonstrates Dr. Okonkwo’s commitment to youth development and allowing young athletes to showcase their abilities.

Dr. Mike Okonkwo is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), a ministry with more than 200 locations worldwide.

He is revered as this generation’s Apostle, having impacted millions around the world through his powerful preaching, leadership, and philanthropic efforts.

Dr. Okonkwo is a dynamic conference speaker, author, television and radio host, and an influential voice in Nigeria and around the world.

He is the Convener of Covenant Ministers International (CCMI) and a Trustee of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.

His dedication to the underprivileged is evident in the Empowerment for the Less Privileged (ELP) Foundation, which supports hospitals, establishes free vocational training centres, operates free preparatory schools, and facilitates public health campaigns. He also started a scholarship fund for talented students.

Dr. Okonkwo continues to reach out to those in need through TREM’s various arms, including Prisons Outreach, Word Ambassadors, and the “We Care” Ministry, by providing support, encouragement, and opportunities for self-sustainability.

He is married to Bishop Peace Okonkwo, and the couple has a daughter, Rev. Uche Kachi-Asugha, as well as numerous spiritual sons and daughters all over the world.

His life exemplifies dedication, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to God and humanity.