By Olayinka Latona

LAGOS — An award-winning American author and professor of creative writing, Sarah Bakewell, has commended the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, for what she described as his clear and empowering method of spiritual teaching.

Bakewell, a bestselling writer and recipient of the prestigious Duff Cooper Prize and the U.S. National Book Critics’ Circle Award for Biography, made the remarks in a personal email after listening to a recent message delivered by Olukoya.

The message was delivered during the ministry’s “Pray Your Way into 2026 and Prosperity Night” programme and focused on strategic preparation for the new year.

According to Bakewell, what stood out most was the structure and clarity of Olukoya’s teaching, which she described as increasingly rare in contemporary spiritual instruction.

“What truly stood out to me was your teaching… The imagery felt both urgent and empowering,” she wrote.

The American academic noted that the message presented prayer not merely as an act of passive hope but as a deliberate and strategic spiritual engagement.

She added that the approach differed from conventional motivational speaking, emphasising that Olukoya’s message was grounded in deeper spiritual principles.

“It wasn’t motivational language; it was instruction rooted in spiritual warfare and biblical order. That clarity is rare,” Bakewell stated.

Known for her analytical depth as a biographer and scholar, Bakewell also expressed admiration for what she described as the consistency and conviction behind Olukoya’s ministry.

According to her, the message appeared timely and purposeful, aligning with the needs of many believers seeking practical spiritual guidance.

She concluded her message by expressing appreciation for what she described as the practical and strategic insights offered in the teaching, adding that her outreach was simply to convey gratitude.

Observers say the commendation from an internationally recognised literary figure highlights the growing global reach of Nigerian spiritual teachings and the influence of the country’s religious leaders beyond national borders.