I was born on October 10, 1972, in Ikeja, Lagos, to Rev. Mrs. Dorcas Lawani and Rev. Vincent Lawani, the second of five siblings. My early years were spent in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria, where I attended a Methodist primary school in 1984.
From there, I went on to Command, a military secondary school in Ibadan.
Choosing Command was deliberate. I wanted the exposure to military training, the rigors of discipline, and the structure that shaped lives. No other institution impacted me as much as Command did. It was there I earned the nickname “BenLaw,” short for Benjamin Lawani. Command left an indelible mark on me, instilling self-discipline, resilience, and a “get on with it” attitude. It was also where I discovered my love for football. Till date, my favorite Club is Arsenal. I watched their matches till my last days.
I was outspoken, defiant, forthright, and inquisitive. This sometimes put me at odds with school authorities, earning me the label “rascal.” Still, I was deeply loved by many for my hard work and loyalty. When I left Command, I was fueled by an unstoppable drive and a determination to join the Nigerian Defense Academy.
I dreamed of serving in the military and hoped to change the narrative around professionalism and human rights in Nigeria. To me, a military career was a pathway to making a meaningful impact in my country. But God had other plans for me.
A Change in Direction
In what could only be described as divine intervention, my plans to join the military academy fell through. Yet, my sense of optimism, urgency, and commitment to a cause never wavered. The values that defined me—loyalty, forthrightness, humility, and a relentless work ethic—remained steadfast. These attributes would come to shape the husband, father, friend, and servant of God I became.
Although I was born into a Christian home with both parents as ministers of the gospel, my faith journey was not automatic. Giving my life to Christ was a deeply personal decision, one that marked the start of a transformational journey. It began shortly after I left secondary school, during a period of reflection and growth, far removed from the distractions of boarding school life.
Monday evenings were sacred in our home, exclusively reserved for family time with my wife and daughters.
Those evenings were filled with laughter, stories, and the joy of simply being together. I cherished my role as a father and often approached it with a sense of humor and childlike playfulness, especially with my girls, who were the loves of my life. Grace, my wife, was not just my partner but my best friend, and together we built a life rooted in love, faith, and shared purpose.
My late father, Rev. Vincent A. Lawani, left an indelible mark on my life. His guidance, wisdom, and example profoundly shaped the man I became.
For me, life was ministry, and giving was not just an act but a lifestyle. After relocating to the United Kingdom with Grace, I worked at a freighting company before founding Wintech International Limited in 2007. This venture, along with other business interests, became a platform for service. My office at Plumstead was more than just a workspace; it was a sanctuary of help.
I spent a significant part of my week assisting others—helping with job applications, providing references, offering counseling and coaching, and often giving financial support to those in need. I offered free freighting services to charities in Nigeria, made my company van available at no charge, and personally helped with lifting and moving items when needed. A close friend once remarked, “If Femi had one eye, he would give it to someone who needed it.”
I lived by the principle in Psalms 112:9: “They share freely and give to those in need; their good deeds will be remembered forever.” Giving to widows, supporting children’s education in my hometown, and aiding an orphanage in Ikorodu, Lagos, were just a few ways I tried to embody this verse.
My Education
I was a lifelong learner, always seeking knowledge and growth. I earned a degree in Insurance and Actuarial Science in Nigeria, and later fulfilled a personal aspiration by obtaining a law degree from the University of Huddersfield, England, in 2011. Most recently, in November 2024, I completed a master’s degree in International Project Management from Anglia Ruskin University.
Ministry and Living Legacy
God blessed me with prophetic insight, particularly into the lives of young people. Alongside being a pastor and serial entrepreneur, I was also an author. In 2014, I published What About Tomorrow?—a compelling book urging young minds to embrace a life of purpose. This work reflected my passion for youth ministry and served as a legacy for the next generation.
As one parent shared, “Femi saw potential in my boys when I had doubts. He helped inspire positive changes in them, and today, they are thriving.” These stories and moments were the essence of my ministry and life—a testament to the power of faith, love, and service.
My second book, Don’t Waste GOD’s Grace, published in 2020, was my way of addressing the much-debated topic of grace in Christendom. I felt a deep need to bring clarity and balance to this message, and through the book, I sought to inspire others to embrace the fullness of God’s grace without taking it for granted.
Ministry and Leadership
Ministry has always been my purpose and life’s passion. Much of my early ministry life was centered around Life Chapel, Ikorodu, where I met a young “Sister Grace,” who would eventually become my wife. My journey at Life Chapel was deeply fulfilling—I served as the secretary of the youth Fellowship and Pioneer Pastor of the Teens church of Life Chapel in Ikorodu, Lagos.
Even after I left Life Chapel and moved to the United Kingdom, I stayed connected with the youths and teens that I mentored. Many of them have since moved to different parts of the world and become well-established in their fields of endeavor. Despite the distance and passing years, they continued to value the special relationship we shared. It brings me immense joy to see how God has used those early seeds of mentorship to help them flourish and make a difference in their own spheres of influence.
After moving to the United Kingdom, serving as a pastor at New Wine Church for seven years was one of the most fulfilling seasons of my life. I had the privilege of pioneering the Dartford branch, but my journey with the church began humbly.
I started as a member of the ushering team from 2006 to 2015, learning the true meaning of servant leadership long before my ordination.
As a pastor, I was committed to preaching the Word of truth without compromise. For me, leadership and service were inseparable. No task was ever too small, and I found immense joy in walking alongside others in their spiritual journeys.
My heart for missions took me to places like India, Bulgaria, and Nigeria, where I had the opportunity to share the Gospel and serve communities in need. In fact, a large part of my final days was spent on a mission trip to Nigeria, a testament to my unwavering passion for God’s work. I also visited Israel in 2020 just to see first hand, the places Jesus walked through and I also visited various historical/ biblical locations.
Even after stepping down from pastoring at New Wine Church in 2022, I continued to minister through an online Tuesday Bible Study platform.
This space became a source of connection and growth for many, as we explored God’s Word together, asked questions, and supported one another. It was incredible to see how quickly the platform grew, attracting people from across the nation and around the world.
A Life of Faith and Dedication
Every church I attended felt like home to me. My final spiritual home was Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), where I felt a deep sense of belonging. The connection was even more special because my late father, Rev. Vincent A. Lawani, and Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the founder of KICC, had attended the same Bible school.
In my final moments, even as my body grew weak, my faith remained strong. I knelt to pray, holding onto the truth that God is always good, in life and in death. My trust in Him was unshakable, and I hope that my life reflected His goodness and grace.
A Grateful Farewell
As I leave this world, I want to thank God for the gift of life, ministry, and the countless people I’ve been blessed to meet along the way.
To my loved ones, friends, and all those I’ve served: thank you for being part of my journey. My prayer is that my life and legacy point you to the One who is worthy of it all.
Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of serving You and sharing Your love with others.
