50 Most Powerful Pastors

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Divinely gifted in many ways, they are Nigerias best

and most sought-after preachers in the task of saving

souls and fighting demonic forces

By Bideh Williams

When on April 9, 2000, Jeremiah Ejikeme, general

superintendent of Faith Pentecostal Ministry,

Umuahia, stood before a large congregation to testify

that God raised him from death, January 29, 2000, it

sounded incredible. He claimed to have been certified

dead at the ModelHospitaland Maternity, 4, Oboru

Street,Umuahia, AbiaStateon January 25, and wastransferred to the morgue before his dramatic

resurrection five days later.

Ejikeme thanked God for using Victor Onukogu,

popularly known as Daddy Hezekiah, founder of

Living Christ Mission for the miracle.

In a less dramatic but no less amazing circumstance, a

woman who attended a crusade organised by FrancisWale Oke, founder of the Sword of the Spirit

Ministries, attracted the attention of the congregation

with screams of joy and halleluyahs while waving a

newspaper in her hand.

Her testimony was in 1999. She had approached Oke

in Londonto pray for her as she faced an immigration

order to deport her back to Nigeria. It was her last

chance and she just had to win. A day after the prayer,

the House of Parliament in Londondecided that all

asylum seekers in Great Britainfor a certain period be

given automatic residence. About 56,000 people were

affected and the woman was among them.

Gabriel Akubueze, 24, a trader in textile materials at

Agege was among the thousands of people that

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trooped into one of Pastor Chris Oyakhilomes Total

Experience crusade in Lagos. I want a miracle for

my business, he said.

Ejikeme, Akubueze and the asylum-seeking woman

aptly portray the various reasons why millions of

Nigerians search for miracles, signs and wonders.

They have continued to attend religious crusades toseek miracles to their numerous problems such as

barrenness, unemployment, financial difficulties,

deliverance from ancestral curses, sickness and more.

In Nigeriatoday, there are more than 50 of such

powerful pastors in whose areas of speciality are

miracles, prophecy, healing, teaching, preaching,

marriage counselling, and are attracting people with

such problems. They include Pastor Enoch

Adeboye, general overseer of The Redeemed

Christian Church of God. Humble, the mathematician-

turned preacher has impacted on the lives of millions

of Nigerians with his monthlyHoly Ghost Night

programme.

On every first Friday of the month, all roads virtually

lead to the Redeem Camp at Kilometre 46, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, venue of the crusade. The

programme attracts thousands of miracle seekers

every month. And they come from as far as Kaduna,

Benue, Ilorin, Ibadan, Lagosand Port Harcourt.

The RCCG is one of the fastest growing churches in

Nigeriawith branches all over the 36 states of the

federation and in Londonand the United States. In

Lagosalone, nearly every street has a branch orfellowship centre of the church. It has been said that

this is in line with Adeboyes vision to spread the

gospel.

David Oyedepo, general overseer of Living Faith

Ministries aka Winners Chapel has grown to become

an oak tree in Christendom. His 50,000 capacity

worship centre known as Cannanland in Otta, Ogun

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State, has attracted Christian worshippers from within

and outside the country.Newswatch learnt that in the

last 10 years of his ministry, many barren women have

given birth to babies after attending his miracle

programmes. Many more claimed that they received

healings, secured employment, financial

breakthroughs, turn-arounds in their respective

businesses and deliverance from ancestral curses.

Oyedepos motivational, faith-building teachings have

also endeared him to many. As part of his outreach

programmes, the church acquired an aircraft in 1996

to facilitate his evangelism programmes to countries

outside Nigeria. Tagged Gospel on Wings, the

programme was launched as an arm of the World

Mission Agency Incorporated - the organ responsible

for foreign mission operations.

Today, the church is said to exist in every state of

Nigeriaand in some other African countries. Oyedepo

has more than 20 books published by his Dominion

Publishing House to complement his soul- winning

efforts.

Samuel Abiara, 59, founder, Agbala Itura World-Wide, faction of ChristApostolicChurchis known for

his healing services, evangelism and prophecies.

Abiara toldNewswatch that he is not a miracle worker

but said God has used him to perform miracles. The

blind see, barren women conceive and bear healthy

children, among others that God has used us to

perform in the name of Jesus,he said. The church

headquarters in Ibadan, OyoState, is capable of

seating 5,000 worshippers at each service . Abiaraenjoys the perks of his ministry. Our God is God of

prosperity and wealth. Nobody that does the will of

God would lack anything, he said.

The name Chris Oyakhilome, pastor, Christ

Embassy, is almost synonymous with miracles. He is

widely known for hisAtmosphere for Miracles, a



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television serial which advertises the numerous

miracles performed by him. The programme is a hit

on many state and private television stations all over

the country. Oyakhilomes recent outing at National

Stadium, Lagos, early this year attracted about

50,000 people.

Another man of God who has continued to hold swayin the miracle arena is Pastor Temitope Joshua,

founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations,

Ikotun Egbe, Lagos. His miracle programmes which

is aired on television stations have continued to elicit

reactions from church leaders and the public.

Particularly, his genuflection of the hand during every

miracle healing process has been widely described as

reflection of occultic leanings.

Scathing as the criticisms are, he has remained

unperturbed and has continued to dazzle the public

with his feats. Located at Ejigbo, the Synagogue has

turned out to be Meccaof a sort for miracle seekers.

Among them are Europeans and Americans, who

flock to his ministry for miracles. It was this same

curiosity that compelled President Chiluba of Zambia

to visit the Synagogue in 1999.

On June 19, this year, Paul Dhanakran, an Indian but

internationally acclaimed evangelist and mentor to

world pentecostal leaders such as Pat Robertson, Oral

Roberts and Benny Hinn, visited the Synagogue to

receive healing for an intractable ailment that defied

any cure. Barely four days after, Dhanakran left the

Synagogue a new man. He had not been able to walk

in the last five years. Joshua has in store, films of hishealing powers. One of the films shows that he had

also raised a man from the dead. He also claims to

heal people of AIDS, cancer and other deadly

diseases.

Victor Onukogu became born again in 1967 and

changed his name to Hezekiah. Between then and

now, he has grown to become one of the leading



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miracle workers in AnambraState. Popularly known

as Daddy Hezekiah, and founder of Living Christ

Mission, Onitsha, AnambraState, he told Newswatch

that the first miracle that God performed through him

was to raise from death a young girl at InlandGirls

Secondary School, Onitsha, November 21, 1982.

Ever since, he said God has performed many other

miracles and blessed a lot of people through him.

As part of efforts to accommodate the geometrically

growing congregation, Hezekiah has started work on

a new church headquarters at Onitsha.

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Ede, founder of Catholic Prayer

Ministry of the Holy Spirit, Elele, Rivers State, is

perhaps the first Catholic priest whose miracle works

remain immensely popular. Edehas a penchant for

breaking of curses and healing the sick through the

inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The monthly miracle

programme he organises at the Pilgrimage Centre,

Elele attracts Christians from all parts of the country

who desire breakthroughs in life.

Beyond the transformations Edehas brought to the

style of worship in the Catholic church, he has alsoestablished reputable academic institutions. He is the

proprietor of OSISATEC, a polytechnic in Enuguand

MadonnaUniversity, Uli, where emphasis is placed

on academic excellence and moral upbringing of

students.

Ejike Mbaka, another Roman Catholic reverend

father in Enuguis known for his firebrand style of

preaching. Signs and wonders follow hisministrations. Mbakas weekly all-night adoration

crusade at the GTC field, Enugu, has never ceased to

inspire Catholic faithfuls to attend his programme. At

one of his crowd-pulling crusades March 7, disaster

struck and 14 of the worshippers died under

mysterious circumstances. Though the ill-fated event

generated a lot of controversies, it did not diminish the



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rising profile of the priest.

His miracles have checked the drift of Catholic

faithfuls to other miracle-happening churches. It has

also brought Pentecostals, Methodists, and Anglicans

to swell the crowd: People fly from abroad to come

to our crusade and fly back, Mbaka toldNewswatch.

Christ Mustard Mission, Port Harcourt, carved a

niche for itself with the divine revelations ofGlory

Chika Nsiegbe. He predicts future events on January

1, every year. One of his predictions was that the then

gubernatorial aspirant in RiversState, Rufus Ada-

George would become a governor in 1992. It came to

pass. He also predicted the death of Sani Abacha,

former head of state, in 1996. He is popularly known

as the Anointed Man of God in Grace because of his

miraculous exploits.

Primate Theophilus Olabayo, founder of the

Evangelical Church of Yahweh Worldwide has

equally been named in such fashion for his

predictions. Although, he has not been visible of late,

Olabayo was one prophet whom the nation looked up

to for his prediction of the nation at the beginning of anew year. His predictions on political matters and

leaders were profound. Olabayo manifested that much

even in his writing of letters to leaders of thought,

traditional rulers and world leaders to come together

and find solution to perceived looming problems.

His predictions were published in his book: The Book

of Revelations for Today and Tomorrow. Some of his

major predictions, however, created bad press for himbecause they didnt come true. WhenNewswatch

sought to interview him last week, one of his able

pastors explained why the request could not be

granted, There is a divine revelation that he

(Olabayo) should cease from talking to the press untill

such a time when there is a counter- instruction, he

said.



7/20


There are some other pastors in Nigeriawhose divine

calling transcended miracles and prophecy. They have

the power of oratory and teaching of the word so

convincingly. Often times, their power-packed

inspirational teachings create a new life for the

hopeless, the down-trodden, the widows, single

parents and youths.

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, founder of Kingsway

International Christian Centre, KICC, Londonis one

of them. He has penetrated nearly every home in

Nigeriathrough telerangelism. Guided by the motto,

Raising champions and taking territories,

Ashimolowo has continued to inspire many lost souls

with his sound knowledge of the scriptures. His

Singles Summit on July 12 was a case in point.

Participants found new meaning and confidence in

Christian relationships and courtships.

Barely 10 years of existence, KICC now has about 8,000

members at its headquarters in London and four branches.

Ashimolowo has published many books on relationships,

prayer, motivation and finance power. He has also

produced a Power and Positive Bible.

Pastor Chris Okotie, founder of Household of God,

Oregun, Lagos , is another firebrand preacher that often

sends his audience into ecstasies. He is also known for

televangelism but with bias for preaching the end times

which he titles The Apocalypses. In his messages, Okotie

reveals a knowledge of the book of revelations beyond the

ordinary.

Fondly called Grace teacher by the multitude of his

followers, Okoties teaching tend to evoke reactions

more than edifying his listeners. His latest book, The

Last Outcast, which he claims are revelations from

God attest to his controversial teachings. The book has

raised a palpable degree of dust among Christians

because of its spiritual explanations on cloning,

polygamy, the church, the anti-Christ, the virgin birth

of Jesus Christ and more.



8/20


Tunde Bakare, pastor of Latter Rain Assembly,

Ogba, Lagosis in a class of his own when it comes to

political predictions. In the course of such

predictions, Bakare has on one or two occasions

invited the wrath of government. In particular, the

prophecy on Hundred Days and Hundred Ways

rattled the government so much that he was arrestedand interrogated by the State Security Service early

this year.

Beyond his predictions on national issues, Bakare is

one preacher who has inspired and motivated so

many. He features regularly on radio and television to

share his knowledge of the scriptures.

Every church has its own history. Paul AdefarasinsHouse on the Rock deserves a mention. Born with a

silver spoon, Adefarasin squandered his life away on

drugs in the United Statesuntil he saw the light in

1994.

From the living room of his mother in Lagos, he set

up a church that blossomed over the last seven years

to 7,000 worshippers at its present headquarters. This

is in addition to 36 other branches both within andoutside the country.

Eloquent and charismatic, Aderafasin is one of the

favourite televangelists. Through his Something Is

About to Happen television programme, he has been

able to touch the lives of many weary souls in many

ways. Many find his turn-around from his previous

drug addicted lifestyle as a great challenge in their

own lives.

Today, Adefarasin is putting up a N1.3 billion Rock

MillenniumTemple that would accommodate

thousands of worshippers. Quite a trendy pastor!

But long before the emergence of the likes of

Adefarasin, Gabriel Oduyemi, founder of Bethel



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Ministries made waves with his Miracle Night

television programme in the mid 90s.

The midnightprogramme which caught the attention

of millions of Nigerians then featured worshippers

waving handkerchiefs above their heads on instruction

to realise their miracles of becoming millionaires. For

millions of Nigerians who are constantly looking formiracles, signs and wonders, Oduyemi was God-sent

then.

A firm believer in financial prosperity, Oduyemi

encouraged most of the miracle seekers to donate

generously to his church because God loves a

cheerful giver. Today, Oduyemi, who is now less

visible has changed the name of the church to Bethel

Worship Incorporated.

Mountainof Fireand Miracles is another big ministry

in Nigeria. Founded by Daniel Kayode Olukoya, the

church had gone a step further to establish a Prayer

City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Olukoya has been able to pull a large crowd of

worshipers because of his power in effective prayersand spiritual warfare. He has inculcated in the minds

of the worshippers that there is a demon or two to

fight in every human problem on earth. To this end, he

has de-emphasised the dependence on pastors by

worshippers in preference for a do-it-yourself-prayer

sessions.

William Kumuyi, general overseer of DeeperLife

ChristianMinistryhas also changed the lives of manyby teaching members to live a Christ-like life and

praying ceaselessly. The church is also strong in house

fellowship programmes as a way of encouraging

spiritual growth. It views television programmes as

too worldly and as tools of distraction. The thrust of

the church is an emphasis on righteousness and

holiness.



10/20


Rev. Wilson Badejo, general overseer of Foursquare

GospelChurchis also known for his powerful

sermons on holiness, righteousness and salvation. His

teachings have indeed changed the lives of many and

have led them to Christ. He is a powerful preacher of

the word of God. Since he took over the mantle of

leadership of the church in 1999, the 53-year-old

veterinary doctor-turned preacher has taken the church

to high spiritual pedestrial.

Sam Amaga, founder of the Foundation Faith

Chapel Incorporated preaches prosperity like many of

his peers. That is not unexpected from a man ordained

as bishop by late Benson Idahosa. Amaga commands

large followership from his miracle exploits. He has

healed, and delivered many from endless problemsthat confront man.

Amaga is also popular with his televangelism

programmes. His book,How to Be an Achiever, is a

Christian best seller.

Francis Wale Oke, founder of ChristLifeChurchis

another powerful preacher. He had carried his

crusade to even states that are sharia-based. He saidhe had taken his missionary exploits to 49 countries

including the Soviet Unionwhere Christianity was

intolerable. Oke is the bishop and founder of Christ

LifeChurch, aka Sword of Spirit Ministries.

Founder of the World of Life Bible Church at Warri,

Ayo Oritsejafor is another protege of the late Benson

Idahosa. Described as flamboyant and a forceful

preacher, Oritsejafor is gifted with teaching the word.His fearless style of preaching has earned him several

invitations to several countries including Germany,

Great Britain, Americaand France, among others.

In confirmation to his winning souls for Christ, the

church today boasts of many members.



11/20


Like Wale Oke, Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, pastor of the

Throne Room (Trust) Ministry has taken the gospel of

Jesus Christ to Islamic enclaves in the North. An

uphill task no doubt, Kuresucceeded in training a lot

of northerners as pastors.

With headquarters in Kafanchan, KadunaState,

membership of the non-denominational ministry isestimated to be more than 10,000. In recent times,

Kurehas extended his spiritual warfare to Port

Harcourtand Lagos. Winning souls and commanding

large crowds has never been an all-mens affair.

Bimbo Odukoya, powerful female preacher is well-

known for her Singles and Marriedprogramme on

TV. It has stood her apart as one of the remarkable

church leaders.

As a role model to the youths, Odukoyas teachings of

the word centres on moral uprightness, Christian

courtship and counselling. Singles and Married

programme is very popular among the youths.

Odukoyas unique style of delivering her messages

has continued to endear her to many Nigerians. Her

husband is also a pastor.

For Margaret Idahosa, the presiding bishop of

Churchof God Mission International, her strength

could be best appreciated in her effectively managing

more than 3,000 branches of the church worldwide.

Added to this was the extra burden of overseeing the

numerous investments on education of her late

husband, Archbishop Benson Idahosa.

Over the years, Margaret had worked tirelessly to

perpetuate the legacies left behind by her husband.

His greatest desire is for us to continue where he left

off... we must not allow the work to die, she told

Newswatch.

Nkechi Anayo-Iloputaife, general overseer of the



12/20


Victory Christian Church, Badagry Expressway,

Lagos, is another female pastor who assumed

headship after the demise of her husband, in 1995.

The gruesome murder of her husband affected the

strength of the church but the strong-willed woman

resolved to forge ahead with painstaking efforts and

dedication.

Today, the church, under her leadership has catered

for many Victory faithfuls in many ways. The

church has branches in 12 states of the federation

Evangelist Helen Ukpabio, founder of Liberty

GospelChurch, is another female minister of the

gospel. She has carved a niche for herself at

evangelising through film making than in physically

preaching the word. As an actress, it was easy for her

to use her acting to send out inspirational messages to

her growing audience. - Films such as From Grass to

Grace, The Price, Power to Bindand Wasted Years,

are soap box for believers. Originally a member of the

Olumba Olumba fraternity, Ukpabio has published

two books against the sect: The Seat of Satan

Exposed and Unveiling the Mysteries of Witchcraft.

Barely four years old in her new-found ministry,Ukpabio has established 18 other branches in the

country.

In the last 15 years, Tunde Joda, pastor of Christ

Chapel, Lagoshas consistently engaged members of

his congregation every December in fasting. An astute

preacher who always sermonises the need for

exemplary political leadership among lawless leaders

in the country believes that it is the only way to createsanity in the country. I want to effect a change. It

must begin from the leaders. Lawlessness is a spirit. It

started from the top. When leaders are lawless, it

affects everybody, Joda said.

It has been the centre of his sermons and he therefore,

concentrates more on fasting and prayers. He is a

medical doctor-turned preacher.



13/20


Apostle G.D. Numbere, pastor of Greater

Evangelism World Crusade is a chip off the old block.

A one-time chairman of the RiversStatechapter of

Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Numbere lays

much emphasis on prayers and evangelism. He

commands a lot of respect among fellow pastors in the

South-South zone because of his miracle exploits and

spiritual powers.

Mike Okonkwo, bishop of The Redeemed

Evangelical Mission, TREM, is another leader no

Christian would forget in a hurry when it comes to

preaching prosperity and prayers for deliverance.

But his additional role as the president of thePentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria tends to be more

pronounced than his first calling as minister. Yet, a

closer look reveals Okonkwo as a force in the present

crusade to win Nigerians for God.

Lawrence Osagie, the founder of PowerlineBible

Church is known for his umbrage against

government, public institutions and religious bodies.

He is also known for his trendy dressing. Osagie

preaches holiness to fight against social injustice. He

is also a gifted teacher in scriptural matters. He is so

miffed by the political situation in the country that he

has suggested the church should lead a revolution that

would usher in a better society. Powerline has

branches in Abuja, Edo, CrossRiver, and Abia

states.

Uma Ukpai, a well-travelled Nigerian evangelist is

the founder of Uma Evangelistic Association, Uyo. A

profound and charismatic miracle worker, he has

traversed a number of churches, delivering powerful

sermons and offering prayers backed with miracle.

Several pastors from different denominations have



14/20


invited Ukpai to be part of their programmes but he

could only honour a few. Others have used Ukpais

photograph in their handbills to sell their programmes

and it has worked miraculously.

Another powerful miracle worker, Samson Ayorinde,

prophet of the WorldEvangelismBibleChurch,

Ogudu, is said to have a special anointing on problemof barenness. He is known as barenness bulldozer.

Ayorinde has drawn wide membership within a short

period of his ministry.

From testimonies and through telephone calls in his

Samson Ayorinde Live TV programme, some have

testified that they have received miracles from

Ayorinde by just placing a glass of water in front of

the TV set as instructed.

As a miracle worker in high demand, Ayorinde has

moved to the Lagos State Television premises where

he now conducts night vigils. Women in search of the

fruits of the womb have continued to flock his miracle

programmes. So are the unemployed, students and a

host of miracle seekers.

The more than 2,000 worshippers at the Evidence of

the Gospel Church, Benin City never hide their

admiration for Oyonnude Kure, general overseer of

the church for his eloquence and motivational

teachings. In addition, Kurehas also performed a

number of miracles on his church members and non-

members alike.

When it comes to anointing, Kureoften resorts to theuse of handkerchiefs and anointing oils to perform his

divine duties. Kurehas now set aside the first Friday

of every month for special anointing but the crowd

never seems to get enough of him as they surge to

touch his garment or any of his members.

Pastor Patrick Anwuzia of ZoeMinistriesis noted



15/20


for his no-holds barred prosperity preaching. He heads

the Zoe ministry spread across Nigerian cities and

some other foreign countries. He describes himself as

a strategic preacher of practical Christianity.

Though on the ebb following some scandals and

assassins attack on him, Anwuzia years ago, took the

pentecostal community by storm. He is graduallybouncing back to recognition.

Rev. O. Ezekiel, the general overseer of Christian

Pentecostal Mission, CPM, Ajao Estate, Lagos, one

of the fastest growing churches in Nigeriais a

powerful man of God. With branches all over

Nigeria, CPM lays much emphasis on prayer and

personal consecration. Mercy Ezekiel, the overseers

hat-loving wife and vice-president of the church

organisation, a firebrand preacher, is an able partner

beside her husband.

In the same category is Felix Omobude, the founder

of New Covenant Ministry based in Benin. A protege

of the late prosperity preacher, Benson Idahosa,

Omobude stands out as one of the present day popular

pentecostal pastors and a strong advocate ofexemplary leadership even among the men of God.

Prince David Zilly-Aggrey, pastor of the Royal

House of Grace, Port Harcourthas become a house-

hold name in the south-south zone of the country

because of his popular television programme known

as the Prophetic Watch.

His teachings have won a lot of souls to Christendom.The Bayelsa-born pastor believes that you need

superior information to cause change in somebody.

The strength of his church is more than 5,000 and

members of his church believe that although he does

not advertise miracles, God is using him to bring

prosperity to many people in this period of hardship.



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Emmah Isong, a graduate of banking and finance

from Universityof Calabar, wanted to work in one of

the most well-to-do banks in the country. But that was

not to be. Before he graduated from the university,

Isong became born again and later founded Emmah

Isong Evangelistic Ministry, after his national youth

service corps programme.

Isong now pastors the Christian Central Chapel

International at Ikot Enebong, Calabar which has a

congregation of some 4,000 worshipers. The centre

attracts worshippers from all churches and

denominations. Isong is essentially a Bible teacher but

many miracles and report of same have been attracting

people from all works of life to the centre.

Anselm Madubuko, general overseer of Revival

Assembly, Ikeja, travels all over the world. Though,

he has no branch elsewhere, he has an apostolic

ministry all over the world where he preaches. What

God has done for me is to give me a stable base, he

said.

Revival Assembly is a very big church with a capacity

of more than 3,000 worshippers at a time. Itsworshippers show taste, class and style. The church

attracts large membership from the upper class of the

society, which explains the fleet of posh cars parked in

the church premises on worship days.

Alexander Ekewuba, founder of Overcomers

Christian Mission, Owerri, is another powerful man of

God in Nigeria. Ekewuba is known for his miracles

and demolition of demon-infested institutions in andaround Owerri.

The most prominent was the notorious Owerre Ebeiri

traditional institution that thrives on the killing of

human beings at the event of the death of theEze and

the installation of a new one. It was Ekewuba and his

pastors that demystified the barbaric culture at the

invitation of Chidi Uzomah, a lecturer at the Imo State



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University, Owerri and the heir-apparent. He, in fact,

liberated the community from the demonic bondage

which had existed for years.

Rev. Fr. Dominic Nwobodo, director of the

Vincentian Retreat Centre, Lagos, is one of the

Catholic priests being used by God to perform

miracles and win souls in Nigeria. Convinced that

Nwobodo has the divine gift of a miracle worker, the

Catholic archdiocese of Lagos gave him the approval

to establish the Vincentian Retreat Centre in Ojodu,

Lagos. Today, the centre has become a pilgrimage

centre of sorts, as miracle-seeking Christians troop to

the place in search of divine solutions to their

problems. Some of the programmes he organised

include counselling for couples, monthly midnight

vigil and breaking of curses.

Umoh Ekwo, founder of Bible Standard Christian

Ministry with headquarters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State,

is a holiness preacher who is popular for his work in

rural envangelisation. Since 1978, when the former

high school mathematics teacher established the

church, thousands of people have been reached with

the gospel in Lagos, Abuja, Abia, Imo, Edo, Delta,Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states.

In Akwa Ibom State, the ministry has been in the

forefront of battle against the practice of witchcraft

and other evil powers.

Pastor Stephen Akinola, of the Redemption

Ministries, Port Harcourt is noted for his prowess in

the area of televangelism. His church commands alarge population of worshippers who admire his

emphasis on practical Christianity.

Gbile Akanni, who lives in Gboko is a teacher of the

Word. He holds an inter-denominational fellowship

which attracts Christians of all backgrounds. This is

possible because the services are held during week



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days. He does not run a church. He is an itinerant

preacher who moves from one denomination to

another on invitation.

He is in high demand and travels a lot. Because of his

tight schedule, he is booked several months before the

appointed date. In addition, he runs a week-long

programme in December each year taggedMinistersLeadership Retreat. His areas of strength are in

teaching and evangelism.

Idem Ikon, founder of Revival Valley Ministries with

headquarters in Calabar, was an undergraduate of

Universityof Ifebefore he quit school to start

preaching. He has been very popular among university

students and young people who have been largely

reached by his work. Ikon is a respected guest speaker

and has featured in many international conferences

across Africa.

Nicholas Eze, founder and general overseer of Christ

for the World Mission Incorporated with headquarters

in Calabar, is another pragmatic preacher. Eze

founded the church in the late 1970s with the main

objective of reaching the younger generation with thegospel. Over the years, the Abasi Obori, Calabar

headquarters of the church is being besieged by

miracle seekers and people who seek deliverance from

powers of darkness. Christ for the World Mission has

now spread to many villages and cities in eastern

Nigeria. Eze is basically a holiness preacher and

Bible teacher.

Eugene Ogu, pastor of the Abundant Life Ministry,Port Harcourt, is a preacher and teacher of faith. His

commitment to the ministry has affected the lives of

thousands of people in Rivers and Bayelsa states, who

have been abundantly blessed by his spiritual power.

So also is Yomi Isijola, of the Logos Ministry, Port

Harcourt. He is a flamboyant man of God who is

using the gift of oratory to do great exploits for the



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Almighty. He is also a prosperity preacher and

believes firmly that Christians who serve the Lord in

truth deserve to be rich.

His ministry has continued to grow from strength to

strength because of peoples belief in his spiritual

power to unlock the mountain of achievements which

are latent and imprisoned in their individual systems.

Isaac Oriakhi, general superintendent of Gospel

Light Redemption Ministry, Abuja, was a foundation

member of the Deeper Life Ministry. The ministry

which was established in 1991 is very popular in

Abujabecause of the versatility of Oriakhi in teaching

the gospel. The powerful man of God who is humble

and unassuming, said that his ministry operates infive-folds. He is a teacher, pastor, prophet, an

evangelist and apostle.

Sam Adeyemi whose velveteen voice on the

inspirational radio programme, Success Tips, has

continued to inspire the youths, is the founder of

Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun. The civil engineer-

turned preacher is popular among his faithfuls with his

radio programme. He offers sound teachings of thescriptures and the principles of success in life. The

church has 5,000 members today.

Yet, more powerful pastors are emerging to continue

the great exploits in Christendom. And as long as

there are miracles, signs and wonders, crusade

grounds would continue to attract new faithfuls and

testimonies.

Reports by: Jossy Nkwocha, Olu Ojewale, Chris

Ajaero, Obong Akpaekong, Anza Philips, Fola

Adekeye, Solomon Ibharuneafe, Geoffrey Ekenna,

Victor Ugborgu, Favour Okereke, Annette Edo, Betty

Onuh, Eno Reuben, Tosin Ominiyi, and Juliet Akura.

Newswatch Volume 36 No 5, August 5, 2002



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50 Most Powerful Pastors

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