Apostle Dr. Henry Abayomi Odeneye was a visionary entrepreneur, devoted family man, community leader, respected minister of the Gospel, and founder of Harvest Point Ministry with arms such as Yoruba Christian Fellowship, Dagunduro, and a school of ministry for African church leaders. His life embodied the conviction expressed in the title of his autobiography, My Script, His Signature: the belief that God authored the course of his life and faithfully directed each chapter.
Born on July 4, 1953, in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria, Apostle Odeneye’s arrival was surrounded by extraordinary circumstances. Before his birth, prophetic declarations were spoken over him, foretelling that he would become a servant of God with a special divine assignment. Despite a difficult delivery that threatened both mother and child, he survived through what he always regarded as God’s mercy and providence. He was given the name Abayomi, translated from Yoruba to mean “God prevented my enemies from rejoicing over me,” a name that reflected the circumstances of his birth and the testimony of his life.
Apostle Odeneye was born to John Olusanya Odeneye and Comfort Titilola Aduke Odeneye, whose lives profoundly shaped his character. His father, a surveyor known for his honesty, discipline, and impeccable integrity, modeled diligence and responsible leadership. His mother, a deeply Godly woman, instilled in him unwavering moral principles, reverence for God, compassion for others, and a lifelong commitment to righteous living.
These values became the foundation upon which Apostle Odeneye built every aspect of his life. From childhood, he demonstrated unusual empathy and generosity, often sharing with less privileged classmates and advocating for those in need. Even at an early age, his concern for others revealed a heart that would later touch countless lives.
Henry spent his early years in Jos, Nigeria, before moving with his family to Ghana. There, he attended primary and secondary schools, distinguishing himself academically and developing leadership qualities that would become hallmarks of his life. He was known not only for academic excellence but also for his generosity, strong moral character, and natural ability to inspire others.
After returning to Nigeria in 1970, he completed his secondary education at Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi. During his teenage years, he experienced a life-changing conversion to Jesus Christ, an event he regarded as the most important decision he ever made. This personal relationship with Christ became the defining influence of his life, guiding every subsequent achievement and decision.
His pursuit of learning continued alongside his ministry. He earned a Ph.D. from Christian Leadership University, New York, and a Master’s degree in Missions and Indigenous Church Planting, and became a certified and licensed counselor — training he poured into the ministers, families, and communities he served.
Following secondary school, Apostle Odeneye began his professional journey in Nigeria’s industrial sector. He worked with organizations including Nigerian Textile Mills, Afro Technical Services Nigeria Limited (Afrotec) — where he rose to General Sales Manager — and Ashmit Techno Nigeria Limited. Through determination, intelligence, and exceptional marketing expertise, he rose rapidly through the ranks, earning a reputation for excellence and leadership.
His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to establish Henri-Clas Nigeria Limited, a manufacturing and agro-allied enterprise named after himself, his wife Deaconess Clara Aderemi Odeneye, and their first son, Pastor Peter Olushola Odeneye. Under his leadership, the company became known for producing industrial equipment, promoting small-scale enterprise development, and training young Nigerians.
More than a businessman, Henry saw his success as a platform for lifting others. He mentored countless young people, paid educational expenses for those in need, provided opportunities for aspiring professionals, and created pathways for economic empowerment wherever he could.
A courtship that began at a family funeral, marriage to Clara on January 3, 1980, and four decades of partnership in life and ministry.
Three children—Pastor Peter, Dr. Ebun, and Mr. Timothy—whose accomplishments he saw as evidence of God’s faithfulness across generations.
A divine assignment revealed in Brazil, from Elder to Pastor to Apostle, and the founding of Harvest Point Ministry in Houston with its Dagunduro and Yoruba Christian Fellowship arms.
Harvest Point branches across Africa and the Americas, and theological training in African languages through partnerships with the International School of Ministry.
Community development, police-community relations, civic service—including the first Yoruba-language approach to the U.S. citizenship test—and his role as Grand Patron of “The Scriptures cannot be broken” group.
A True Friend of Israel, a Presidential Gold Medal, Congressional recognition, Harvest Point Day in Houston, four-time Engineer of the Year, and ordination as Apostle.
Humble, disciplined, and devoted to God—his story was, in his words, his script, but God’s signature.