…Two Septuagenarian birthdays, one glorious legacy – the Smith’s remarkable journey
By BENJAMIN OMOIKE, OGUN, Nigeria – For Pastor Dr. Paul Ayodeji Smith and Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Adebimpe Smith, turning 70 is much more than a birthday milestone. It is a celebration of God’s faithfulness, a testimony of decades of love and companionship, and a thanksgiving for a life dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
The septuagenarian couple, who have walked together in marriage and ministry for nearly five decades, celebrated their 70th birthdays this year in grand style. Mrs. Smith clocked 70 on February 26, while her husband attained the same milestone on July 28, 2026.
Together, they have built a home, raised four children—two boys and two girls—and are now proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren. More significantly, they have spent much of their lives working in the vineyard of the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of faith, righteousness, service and commitment to the advancement of God’s kingdom.
A celebration of life, service and giving
The grand finale of Pastor Ayo Smith’s 70th birthday celebration took place on July 28, 2026, with a series of activities that reflected the values that have defined the Smiths’ lives: faith, family, service and giving.
The day began with a grand gathering at the Wesley Cathedral Church Annex, Olowogbowo, Lagos. Family members, close friends, associates and loved ones gathered to celebrate the man of God and to give thanks to God for His grace upon his life.
From there, the celebration took on an even more philanthropic dimension as the Smiths proceeded to Olowogbowo Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island, where they donated a high-class ICT centre and library to the school.
The gesture was a fitting expression of their commitment to touching lives beyond the pulpit. Rather than limiting the celebration to merriment, the couple chose to mark the milestone by investing in the education and future of young people.
The celebration later moved to Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Akute Mega Region South West 229, where Pastor Smith serves as the Mega Regional Overseer (MRO), while his wife serves as Mummy Mega Regional Overseer (MMRO).
The colourful gathering brought together members of the clergy, family members, old schoolmates, close friends, associates, members of the church congregation and well-wishers. There was food and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages in abundance, while beautifully packaged gifts were also shared among guests.
It was, in every sense, a celebration of a life that has been spent blessing others.
Pastor Paul Ayodeji Smith: A life of faith, prayer and purpose
Born on July 28, 1956, in Olowogbowo, Lagos, Pastor Paul Ayodeji Smith is the son of the late Alhaji Y.B. Smith and Alhaja M.A. Smith. He is the second son of his mother among five boys and the third child in a large family of nine children.
He began his education at Olowogbowo Methodist School, Lagos Island, before proceeding to Igbobi College. His academic journey later took him to France, where he attended L’Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, for his Master’s and PhD studies.
He also attended the various schools of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, progressing through the ministry’s training programmes up to the Diamond School. At the International Institute of Church Growth, Lagos, Nigeria, he obtained a doctorate in Ministry, Church Growth and Church Administration.
Beyond ministry and academics, Pastor Smith has had a distinguished professional career. He served as Project Engineer on the World Bank Iju Water Modernisation Project and is a member of the Nigerian Society of Chemical Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
His accomplishments and contributions have earned him several honours and recognitions. Among them is the Pendant of Honour of the Franco-Nigerian Alumni, presented by the French Embassy in Nigeria. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Councillors and a Fellow of the Water Engineering and Sanitation Council.
Today, he serves as the Mega Regional Overseer of MFM Akute Mega Region, where his passion for the work of God continues to find expression.
For Mrs. Smith, however, the man behind these accomplishments is first and foremost her husband, companion, prayer partner and friend.
In her affectionate tribute to him, she describes him as her “husband of my youth,” a prayer warrior and a lover of God, as well as a radical disciple of Jesus, an apostle of faith and prayer, and a man with a passion for solution ministry and possibilities.
She affectionately celebrates him with a rich tapestry of Yoruba praise names and expressions, including “Ayinde mi,” “olowo ori oko Abeni,” and other family and ancestral appellations that speak to her deep affection and pride in the man with whom she has shared nearly five decades of marriage.
Her prayer for him is simple but profound: that the Lord will continue to bless and preserve him in good health, while multiplying His power, grace and anointing upon his life.
Pastor Beatrice Adebimpe Smith: A woman of faith, music and compassion
Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Adebimpe Smith was born in Lagos on February 26, 1956. She is the third child of the late Princess Victoria Omotara Ogunyemi, Onirin of Iru Kingdom, Lagos Island, and the fifth child in the large family of 13 children of the late Engr. Chief Deacon Lawrence Adesina Babalola Fawehinmi, Baba Ijo of CAC Gbogbo Gbogbo, Ondo.
She began her education at St. Mary’s Convent School, Broad Street, Lagos, and later attended St. Timothy’s College, Onike, Yaba, and Adesola High School, Ibadan. She proceeded to L’Université de Toulouse-Le Mirail in France, where she studied French.
Her commitment to ministry has been equally remarkable. She attended the senior schools of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries up to the School of Super Pastor. At the International Institute of Church Growth, Lagos, she obtained an Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma in Church Growth, as well as a Doctorate Degree in Ministry, Church Growth and Church Administration.
She is a member of Franco Alumni in Nigeria and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Councillors.
A lover of God and a radical disciple of Jesus Christ, Pastor Mrs. Smith is also passionate about gospel music and has served as a member of the MFM Senior Choir. She is known for her love of giving and her concern for widows and the less privileged.
She currently serves as Mummy Mega Regional Overseer of MFM Akute Mega Region and remains active in the MFM Senior Choir.
Pastor Mrs. Smith was ordained as a pastor in MFM on November 12, 2009.
From secondary school friendship to nearly five decades of marriage
Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of the Smiths’ story is that their relationship began long before marriage and ministry.
The couple met during their secondary school days in Nigeria. What began as friendship eventually blossomed into love and marriage.
Looking back on their early years together, Mrs. Smith recalls: “We were good friends before we got intimate. He was living with his father while I was living with my mother in the government quarters in Moore Road, Yaba.”
That friendship eventually led to marriage on September 9, 1977.
Nearly five decades later, the friendship, love and partnership remain evident. Their lives have become intertwined not only as husband and wife but also as co-labourers in the vineyard of God.
Together, they have raised four children and welcomed 12 grandchildren, while continuing to serve God and impact the lives of countless people through their ministry.
A legacy still unfolding
At 70, Pastor Ayo and Pastor Beatrice Smith have every reason to look back with gratitude. Their journey has combined family, professional achievement, academic excellence, ministry, philanthropy and an enduring commitment to the things of God.
Yet, perhaps, the most remarkable aspect of their story is that their celebration is not merely about what they have achieved, but about the lives they continue to touch.
From the pulpit to the classroom, from prayer to philanthropy, from raising a family to mentoring believers, the Smiths have demonstrated that a life of faith is best measured by the lives it influences.
Their 70th birthday celebrations therefore became more than birthday parties. They were thanksgiving services for God’s sustaining grace, reunions with people whose lives have intersected with theirs, and an opportunity to give back to the community.
As they step into another decade, the prayer of family, friends, colleagues, church members and well-wishers is that the Lord will continue to preserve them, strengthen them and increase their anointing and influence.
May the years ahead bring greater health, renewed strength, deeper grace and even more opportunities to serve God and humanity.
Happy 70th birthday to Pastor Dr. Paul Ayodeji Smith and Pastor Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Adebimpe Smith.Seventy years of grace.Seventy years of God’s faithfulness.Nearly five decades of love and companionship.A lifetime of service.And a legacy that continues to unfold.
To God alone be all the glory. Praise ye the Lord!
