Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos, Enugu Nollywood Stars Embrace Ministry as 18 Celebrities Become Pastors and Evangelists

Veteran actors like Jimmy Odukoya, Liz Benson and Zack Orji now lead churches or preach nationwide, blending showbiz with faith

Published

4 weeks ago

on

Veteran actors like Jimmy Odukoya, Liz Benson and Zack Orji now lead churches or preach nationwide, blending showbiz with faith

Eighteen Nigerian celebrities, including some of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces from Lagos and across the South-East, have left or combined their entertainment careers to become pastors, evangelists, or church leaders. The list features Jimmy Odukoya, Zack Orji, Eucharia Anunobi, Liz Benson and Patience Ozokwor—all of whom have publicly embraced Christian ministry in recent years.

The transition for these stars has taken different forms. Jimmy Odukoya, known globally for his role in The Woman King, is now Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos after his father’s passing in 2023. According to the church, Odukoya was first ordained in Oklahoma in 2007 before further ordination in Nigeria in 2009. He began serving as a pastor at the Lagos church from 2012.

Veteran actor Zack Orji was ordained a reverend at Power Line Bible Church by Bishop Lawrence Osagie in 2012. He continues to minister both locally and abroad while maintaining ties to Nollywood. Orji has stated that his influence as a public figure helps him reach more people with the gospel message.

Eucharia Anunobi’s journey saw her ordained as an evangelist at Fresh Oil Ministry, Egbeda, Lagos in February 2012. She remains active in ministry while occasionally appearing on screen. Meanwhile, Liz Benson was one of the biggest stars of 1990s Nollywood before becoming an evangelist at Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri and working alongside her late husband Bishop Great Ameye.

Patience Ozokwor—widely known for her villain roles—has also taken up Christian ministry but continues to act when possible. Many on this list balance their faith-based work with ongoing entertainment projects.

Their stories highlight how religious conviction can drive Nigerian entertainers into new roles without necessarily cutting off their artistic roots entirely. Some have established independent ministries or founded churches; others serve within existing congregations or travel as preachers. The trend reflects a growing acceptance within Nigerian society for celebrities who move between pulpit and stage.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigerian-celebrities-pastors-2026092914052636932

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

NSCIA Expands National Executive Council to Strengthen Muslim Representation Nationwide

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Islamic council increases leadership body size, aims for broader inclusion of stakeholders across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has announced the expansion of its National Executive Council, a move aimed at deepening representation and strengthening the council’s capacity to address Muslim affairs across Nigeria. The development was made public on Monday, 5 October 2026, following a meeting of top council officials in Abuja.

According to the statement released after the meeting, the NSCIA leadership resolved to increase the number of seats on its executive body. The council said this adjustment will allow for greater input from Muslim leaders and scholars from all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the diverse interests and challenges faced by Nigeria’s Muslim community.

The decision comes at a time when many stakeholders in the Islamic community have called for more inclusive governance structures within faith-based organisations. The council noted that as Nigeria’s Muslim population continues to grow and diversify, it is critical that leadership bodies remain responsive to changing realities. The expanded executive is expected to facilitate improved consultation and coordination on religious matters affecting education, social welfare, and interfaith relations.

In its official statement, the NSCIA emphasised that “the expansion will enhance collaboration among stakeholders and ensure that voices from every region are properly represented.” While no specific figures were disclosed regarding the number of new seats or names of new appointees, the council assured members that transparency and merit would guide all selections. Attempts to reach opposition or dissenting voices within the council were unsuccessful as at press time.

The NSCIA said it will release a full list of new executive council members following its next general assembly. Observers say this move could influence policy directions within Nigeria’s wider religious landscape over the coming months.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/914524-nscia-expands-its-national-executive-council.html

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Lagos Tenant Discovers Landlord’s Father Buried Beneath Living Room After Over a Year

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Landlord’s family exhumes remains in Surulere flat, pledges to repair sitting room after tenant expresses shock

A Lagos tenant, identified as Mr Bachelor, has revealed he lived for more than a year in a Surulere apartment without knowing his landlord’s late father was buried beneath the living room floor. The discovery was made on September 20, 2026, when members of the landlord’s family visited the property and informed the tenant of their intention to exhume the remains.

According to Mr Bachelor, who shared details of the incident on X (formerly Twitter), he was in his apartment when the landlord’s relatives arrived and disclosed that their late brother—who is also the landlord’s father—had been buried in the middle of his sitting room. “He was buried right in my living room, and I was not aware until they came around today,” he stated.

The family explained that they planned to move the body to another location they had prepared and assured Mr Bachelor that necessary repairs would be made to his sitting room after the exhumation. The tenant noted that he was the first occupant of the newly built house and had spent over a year there before learning about the burial.

The incident has raised fresh concerns among Lagos residents about transparency from landlords regarding property histories. Some social media users responding to Mr Bachelor’s post urged prospective tenants across Nigeria to conduct due diligence before moving into rental properties. Others called for clearer regulations around residential burials and disclosure by property owners.

As at press time, neither local authorities nor tenants’ rights groups have issued official statements on the matter. The landlord’s family has not provided additional comments beyond assurances of repairs. The situation highlights ongoing gaps in property regulation and tenant protection in Lagos State.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/man-discovers-corpse-buried-under-living-room-2026100506463406930

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

INEC to Address Nigerians Nationwide as 2027 Election Countdown Reaches 100 Days

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

Published

3 weeks ago

on

October 5, 2026

By

Electoral commission prepares public statement amid growing anticipation for next general polls across all states

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to address Nigerians nationwide as the countdown to the 2027 general elections hits the 100-day mark. The development, expected to take place across all states, comes as political parties and voters begin preparations for one of the country’s most significant democratic exercises.

According to information from INEC headquarters in Abuja, the commission will issue a formal statement to outline its readiness and call on citizens to participate actively in the electoral process. This move is seen as part of efforts to assure stakeholders of INEC’s commitment to credible and transparent polls, following widespread debates over electoral integrity in recent cycles.

The announcement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s recent history of tightly contested elections, with issues such as voter turnout, technological deployment, and security logistics taking centre stage. Many Nigerians, especially young voters, have expressed concerns about the credibility of past elections and are watching closely for signals of improvement in 2027.

While details of INEC’s planned address remain under wraps, observers expect the commission’s leadership to emphasise the importance of voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and adherence to election guidelines. Political analysts note that early communication from INEC could help build public confidence and encourage broader participation ahead of the polls.

With just over three months before Nigerians return to the ballot box, all eyes are on INEC’s next steps. The commission is likely to face scrutiny from both ruling and opposition parties over its preparations. As at Monday, October 5th, no official response has been issued by major political parties regarding INEC’s planned address.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/914520-2027-inec-to-address-nigerians-as-election-countdown-hits-100-days.html

Continue Reading