A Life of Faith and Service: Reverend William Okoye Passes Away at 75

A Life of Faith and Service: Reverend William Okoye Passes Away at 75.

The former Aso Villa Chapel Chaplain and founder of ACFM died peacefully on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy that touched thousands across Nigeria and beyond.

The Christian community in Nigeria is mourning the loss of one of its most respected figures, Reverend Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye, who passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. He was 75 years old.

The founder and General Overseer of the All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM) died peacefully, according to a statement jointly issued by the mission’s Board of Trustees, its National Executive Council, and the Okoye family. The church leadership described his passing as a “glorious home call,” noting that he had dedicated his entire life to serving God and humanity.

Born in 1951 in Anambra State, Reverend Okoye became a born-again Christian in 1971 and responded to his spiritual calling three years later in 1974 . His journey in ministry took him from the southeastern part of Nigeria to the Federal Capital Territory, where he became a missionary pioneer in the new capital during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

He built the All Christians Fellowship Mission into a ministry with over 130 branches across Nigeria, touching lives through evangelism, discipleship, and pastoral leadership. Those who knew him described him as a humble servant whose teachings and leadership inspired countless believers both within and outside the country.

Reverend Okoye’s influence extended beyond his congregation. He served as Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel during the administrations of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, ministering at the seat of the nation’s power. His years of service in this role earned him recognition as a unifying figure in the Nigerian Christian community.

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Many older Nigerians also remember him for his Sunday morning radio programme in the 1990s, which brought his teachings into homes across the country and helped shape the spiritual lives of a generation.

Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 elections, was among the first to pay tribute. In a personal statement shared on his verified X page, Obi expressed deep sorrow at the loss.

“Rev. Okoye belonged to that rare generation of spiritual leaders who understood that the true measure of ministry is not in the size of its platforms but in the depth of its impact on humanity,” Obi wrote.

He described the cleric’s passing as a great loss not just to his family and the ACFM, but to Nigeria as a whole. “Our country yearns for voices that unite, heal, and inspire people to pursue justice, peace, and compassion,” Obi added.

Reverend Okoye was known throughout his ministry for preaching the gospel, mentoring church leaders, and promoting Christian unity across denominational lines. His commitment to raising men and women of integrity left a mark on many who passed through his tutelage.

He was survived by his children, including Mr. Victor Okoye, a journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

The church leadership has begun consultations with the Okoye family to finalise arrangements for the burial and other activities to celebrate the life and ministry of their departed founder. Details of the funeral programme will be announced through the mission’s official communication channels in due course.

As the news of his passing continues to spread, members of the All Christians Fellowship Mission and the wider Christian community have been urged to remain steadfast in faith, united in love, and fervent in prayer.