Fitness: How Jimmy Odukoya influenced me- Okanlawon

Deyemi and Jimmy Odukoya 

Nigerian actor Deyemi Okanlawon has revealed how his friend, Pastor Jimmy Odukoya, has been instrumental in motivating and guiding his fitness journey.

Speaking on the King of Talks podcast with Teju Babyface, Okanlawon shared insights into his approach to fitness as an actor.

Previously, Okanlawon admitted that his fitness goal was primarily driven by the need to meet specific physical requirements for movie roles.

However, his perspective shifted significantly thanks to Pastor Odukoya’s encouragement to prioritize overall fitness.

Reflecting on his transformation, Okanlawon stated the influence of his friend, now called “Pastor Jimi Odukoya,” who was a fitness enthusiast and actor even before assuming his role as a senior pastor.

“A year ago, I decided that I wanted to be ready and fit all the time. One of my best friends convinced me, you probably know him, and now I’m forced to add ‘pastor’ to his name,” he stated.

“Pastor Jimi Odukoya is a gym buff, and we used to work out together before he became the senior pastor and he just inspired me to look a certain kind of way, to be strong, fit and healthy. So there is nothing I do that is primarily to become a ‘chick magnet,” he added.

Deyemi explained further that his new regimen works for him and is also beneficial to his career.

“An actor is essentially his voice, emotions and body, and for me to be where I want to be all these things come together.

“If I had a film coming up and I knew that there was going to be some showing of skin, I used to go hard for two or three months. Then one year later I wouldn’t even go near a gym. Now, I’m healthy and it works for the films too,” he said.