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Tag: David Oyedepo

  • My call to ministry was not by merit – Bishop Oyedepo

    My call to ministry was not by merit – Bishop Oyedepo

    Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (LFC), popularly known as Winners Chapel, has said his call to ministry was not by merit but just by grace.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bishop Oyedepo said this while ministering during the June 2025 edition of Winners Chapel’s monthly leadership empowerment summit held at Faith Tabernacle, Ota in Ogun State on Saturday.

    “Where we are today is not by power nor by might, but by the manifold grace of God. My call to ministry was not by merit but just by grace.

    “God told me, I have given you the people; now build them with me by putting brighter light into them. God is determined to raise up for himself a revolution of end-time armies through the depth of revelations. People of attraction, and by them, I will storm the world.

    “God once told me, ‘It’s not that you are better; I have more than a thousand ready to take over if you missed it.

    “So we got here not by direction but by diverse corrections. No man is all-knowing. This is why we have Jesus as the master.

    “We are liable to get things wrong, but to refuse correction can be costly because God will never back up what he has not commanded. We had packed our bags to go to Jos, and I heard God say, you are not going to Jos,” Oyedepo said.

  • From Living Faith to Living Word, Bishop Abioye reveals name of his new church after parting ways with Bishop Oyedepo

    From Living Faith to Living Word, Bishop Abioye reveals name of his new church after parting ways with Bishop Oyedepo

    More than six months after parting ways with Bishop David Oyedepo of Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Abioye has finally unveiled and inaugurated the name of his own church.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bishop Abioye revealed the name of the new church on Sunday as Living Word Conquerors Global Assembly and said it came by divine purpose.

    Speaking while announcing and unveiling the name of his new church, Bishop Abioye said the inauguration was not born out of response to people’s opinion to start a church.

    He said: “Towards the end of the year 2024, the Lord began to unveil to me His divine purpose at different times, beginning with a mandate for a Global Interdenominational Power of Revival Ministers and Leadership Conference.

    “What began as a Sunday evening service is, by divine direction, migrating into a Sunday morning service. This, I count as an undeserved privilege, given by election of grace, according to Ephesians 3:8:

    “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach the unsearchable riches of Christ”.

    Speaking further, Bishop Abioye said: “What is this move about? Having been counted faithful in stewardship by election of grace, God has commissioned me to carry out the following assignments, among others:

    “To continue inspiring believers at all levels toward rendering selfless service to God and humanity; to carry out revival missions across the nations of the earth, with a focus on: spiritual awakening towards godly living, passion for God, dedication to kingdom service, heavenly consciousness, and to pastor the destinies of men and women whom God brings our way from time to time.

    “Let me make it very clear: The inauguration of this assembly is not in response to public demand to start a church. Rather, it is the emergence of God’s eternal purpose, ordained from the foundation of the world, now coming to light in His own appointed time.

    “This is simply an offshoot of the universal Church of Jesus, which continues to expand across the globe in furtherance of the Great Commission as commanded in Matthew 28:18–20 and other scriptures.

    “I see myself as a messenger of a fraction of that great commission, for no individual can fulfil it all. On this final note, and to the glory of God, this assembly, by the name Living Word Conqueror Global Assembly, is hereby inaugurated today, Sunday, 4th May 2025, in the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, for the spiritual development, edification, and triumph of the saints globally”.

    TNG reports Bishop Abioye was the first vice chairman of Living Faith Church before retiring from the ministry on the 18th of October 2024 after attaining the age of 60.

    At the time of his retirement, Abioye was the senior pastor of Winners Chapel, Goshen City, just outside Abuja, with over 30,000 worshippers.

  • Don’t seek jobs, create jobs – Bishop Oyedepo tells Nigerian youths

    Don’t seek jobs, create jobs – Bishop Oyedepo tells Nigerian youths

    Chancellor of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun, Dr David Oyedepo, has charged Nigerian youths to be job creators rather than job seekers in order to be more impactful.

    Bishop Oyedepo, who gave the charge while speaking on Thursday in Ota, stressed Nigeria has  unemployment challenge, adding that job creation would tackle it.

    Oyedepo implored the youth to be change agents and solution providers. The chancellor said that  youths should be contributors rather than job seekers. According to him, every contributor becomes successful.

    “You can’t be a contributor and end up a failure. What you don’t resist has the right to remain, and what you don’t confront, you can’t conquer. Think of a problem you can solve,” he said.

    Oyedepo urged the youth to think out of the box and get different but desired results.

  • Bishop Oyedepo reacts as Covenant University churns out 339 First Class graduates

    Bishop Oyedepo reacts as Covenant University churns out 339 First Class graduates

    The Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Ogun State, Prof. Abiodun Adebayo, said that 339 students bagged First Class Honours in the 2023/2024 academic session.

    Adebayo disclosed this during the 19th Convocation ceremony for the Conferment of First and Higher Degrees, and presentation of prizes on Friday in Ota.

    According to him, 1,456 students graduated for the 2023/2024 academic session. This comprised 339 students who made first class, 762 second class upper honours, 330 second class lower, third class 25 and 151 in the post-graduate categories.

    Sanni Oluwademilade, a student in the Department of Industrial Mathematics, College of Mathematics, emerged as the best-graduating student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.99.

    Adebayo said, “the release of Eagles 2024 will join our network of over 24,000 Covenant Eagles, who are already soaring globally, building the old wastes and raising the former desolations.

    “The University is immensely grateful to God as another cohort of new generation leaders are being unleashed in the ecosphere as agents of positive change in our nation, continent and the world.”

    The VC said that the university had been ranked by Higher Times Education in the World Universities Ranking 2025, as the best university in Nigeria and number one in West Africa.

    Earlier, David Oyedepo, the Chancellor of the institution, said the passion of the university came alive to provide an alternate education in terms of quality that would rescue young individuals from lifelong crises.

    According to him, from the onset, there was an understanding that Covenant University was heading to become one of the best in the world.

    “No wonder it has been an award-winning university almost since its inception. As you know, we are one of the most subscribed private universities in Nigeria today, to the glory of God,” he said.

    The Chancellor said that the university was solving character problems among young people and committed to remain a solution-bearing institution.

    In his address, Bishop David Abioye, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, admonished the graduates to exercise patience in all of their endeavours as they graduate from the citadel of learning.

    Abioye, who tagged his address as “Necessity of Patience”, said the university has modelled them to leaders, adding that it is time for them to go into society and be game changers.

    The Pro-Chancellor advised the graduates to provide solutions to the challenges facing their respective communities and soar as eagles.

  • They will blame you, if you die poor – Adeboye reacts to Oyedepeo’s Rolls Royce gift

    They will blame you, if you die poor – Adeboye reacts to Oyedepeo’s Rolls Royce gift

    The General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has reacted to the criticism heaped on founder of the Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo who was gifted a 2023 Rolls Royce Cullinan Black badge for his 70th birthday.

    Adeboye in a video posted by controversial media personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, known as Daddy Freeze, said the world will always criticize those who are rich and the poor.

    The cleric who wondered if a gospel preacher must die poor to please people, said, “Someone gave a bishop a car and some people got very upset that how can a bishop be driving a Rolls Royce? As if once you are a bishop you must die of hunger.

    “Let me tell you my beloved children, if you die poor they will blame you; they will say after all these days of you serving God this is how you end? If you can’t pay your rent, they will say where is your God?” He asked.

    The RCCG General Overseer who recently apologized for his tithe claims, adde;d, “If all of a sudden you start riding a Rolls Royce they will attack you, so which of the two do you choose? Th ey are going to attack you anyway, whether you die of poverty or you live in abundance.”

  • It is insensitive – Patrick Doyle criticises members of Winners chapel for gifting Oyedepo, Rolls Royce

    It is insensitive – Patrick Doyle criticises members of Winners chapel for gifting Oyedepo, Rolls Royce

    Veteran actor and broadcaster Patrick Doyle has criticised members of Winners Chapel for gifting their founder, Bishop David Oyedepo, a Rolls Royce at a time when many Nigerians can barely feed themselves.

    Taking to his Facebook page on Saturday, Patrick opined that the money used in purchasing the luxury cars could have been used to erect structures that would be of benefit to the general public. 

    The veteran’s reaction comes shortly after the founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, was gifted two Rolls Royce Cullinan at his 70th birthday party. 

    The post reads: ‘’In these austere times, we all need to be sensitive how we mark landmark celebrations for ourselves or in honour of persons we hold in high esteem. We should even be sensible enough to tone down the public appearance of our affluence. Now is not the time to ride around our streets filled with hungry and despondent Nigerians in our luxury cars. 

    “I personally know of a friend of mine who has a Rolls Royce and many other luxury cars in his fleet. He now drives around in a  Ford Escape, not as a show of false modesty, but as a gesture of sensitivity to the prevailing hardship in the land. Sadly, not many others in his socio-economic class are doing the same thing. The insensitivity of the elite may very well provide the spark for the long anticipated revolution Nigeria needs for a reset. I am still in a wonder bubble how or why congregants of a denomination chose to celebrate the birthday of their founder by buying him a Rolls Royce at this time. 

    “In my naive opinion, I find it to be insensitive  in the extreme. While I appreciate the importance of celebrating a man like their founder, a more sensitive gesture would have been to build a socially relevant  facility or institute a scholarship scheme in his honour. The cost of the Rolls Royce could certainly have funded any of the things I just mentioned. We appear to be a people who get stuck on old formats and ways of doing things. When congregations used to buy cars for their pastors, it was at a time many of the pastors could not on their own muster the resources to buy one themselves. This is certainly not the case in this instance. The celebrator, in this case, already has a fleet of luxury autos and even aircrafts. A more befitting birthday gift might have been the construction and equipping of a vocational training centre in his name or any other such thing.  

    “The public already has the impression that as the founder of 2 elite private universities, he is not sufficiently acquainted with the sufferings of the masses. So, a gesture such as I have suggested might have helped to mitigate that impression.  This is my humble opinion offered from the depth of my affection for the great man who I personally hold in the highest esteem.”

  • Oyedepo @70: Pastor Adeboye recalls fond memory of Bishop Oyedepo’s little beginnings

    Oyedepo @70: Pastor Adeboye recalls fond memory of Bishop Oyedepo’s little beginnings

    General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye cracked everyone up in his sermon with fond memories at the 70th birthday celebration service of Bishop David Oyedepo.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bishop Oyedepo born on 27 September in 1954 is the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide aka Winners Chapel.

    Pastor Adeboye at a special thanksgiving service at Faith Tabernacle in Canaanland, Ota in Ogun State, recalled a time in the past that Bishop Oyedepo could not afford eggs and how he usually dealt with situations where anyone requested for eggs from him.

    “When you look at the life of the celebrant, you will see what God has done for him… because it wasn’t like this at the beginning. There are some of us who know a little bit about the days of small beginnings.

    “The Almighty God can take somebody from the days of little beginnings and bring him to a level where, whether you like him or you don’t like him, you can’t ignore him. Then, you know there is hope for you.

    “There was a time, some of you may not know, that if you come to visit Bishop Oyedepo in Lagos, and its breakfast time; he is eating bread with margarine and he will give you bread with margarine.

    “If you asked for egg, he will ask you to go and lay it. Today, if you say you want an egg, he will ask you are you sure only one will do? God moved him from very low beginnings and has brought him to this level,” Pastor Adeboye said.

    Speaking at the 70th birthday celebration service of Bishop Oyedepo, former President Olusegun Obasanjo welcomed the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide to the club of septuagenerians.

    “Bishop Oyedepo, I appreciate you because you good and God appreciates you because you are close to God. God will keep expanding your coast. Today, you are joining the club of septuagenerians. You are welcome. I say on behalf of Pastor Adeboye that you are welcome,” Obasanjo said.

    Oyedepo, legend of faith – CAN

    Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has congratulated the Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, on his 70th birthday anniversary.

    CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, described Oyedepo as a legend of faith and a transformative leader.

    Okoh said that Oyedepo’s ministry, Living Faith Church Worldwide, had impacted millions of people, promoting spiritual growth and social upliftment.

    The CAN president added that, in a time of socio-economic challenges, Oyedepo’s teachings on resilience and unity provided hope to the nation.

    “As we honour Bishop Oyedepo today, we acknowledge his profound impact on the Christian community in Nigeria and beyond.

    “His unwavering commitment to the gospel and his visionary leadership have inspired millions to seek a deeper relationship with God.

    “Through his ministry, he has not only transformed lives spiritually but has also contributed significantly to educational development, economic empowerment and social upliftment,” he said.

    “As he enters this new decade, we pray that God will bless him abundantly and his ministry will continue to flourish, bringing light to those in darkness and hope to the hopeless,” he said.

    Oyedepo at 70: He is exceptional, tireless – Peter Obi

    Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General  Election, has described the founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, as an exceptional servant of God.

    Obi said this in his congratulatory message to Oyedepo who attained age 70 on Friday. The message was posted on Obi’s X handle  by his media aide, Mr Ibrahim Umar.

    The former Anambra State governor said that Oyedepo had remained a remarkable figure in faith, a dedicated servant in God’s vineyard, and a leader who exemplified the true purpose of God’s creation.

    “Your life continues to be a source of blessing, reflecting dedication, tireless work and commitment to God’s mission. Through your ministry, countless lives have been touched, embodying faith, hope and love.

    “Outstanding institutions such as Living Faith Church, Covenant University and Kingdom Heritage Model School stand as lasting testimonies to your pursuit of excellence. Today, we honour your enduring legacy, your compassionate outreach and your immense contribution to humanity,” Obi said.

    He prayed God to strengthen, guide and bless the cleric more.

    “Thank you for being a beacon of God’s grace. Your remarkable journey will inspire generations to embrace faith, integrity and purposeful living. May your continued intervention through prayer in the affairs of our country help us to find direction for a new Nigeria,” Obi said.

    Tinubu felicitates Bishop Oyedepo at 70

    President Bola Tinubu felicitates Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and Presiding Bishop of Faith Tabernacle, on his 70th birthday on Sept. 27.

    In a tribute signed by him, President Tinubu rejoiced with the entire Body of Christ, members of the Winner’s Chapel, home and abroad, and the family of the charismatic and visionary leader on the milestone, which deserved all the recognition and honour.

    The President affirmed the septuagenarian’s worthy legacies in grooming leaders across all sectors of the economy, who were inspired by the wisdom of the scriptures, in a statement by Mr Bayo Onanuga on Thursday.

    He noted Oyedepo’s and his church’s remarkable impact on millions through educational and health institutions.

    Tinubu praised the influence of the highly resourceful and respected religious leader by teaching the Word of Faith, which had stimulated the entrepreneurial spirit and reawakened a new movement for growth in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

    The President believes Oyedepo has consistently brought glory to the country with his teachings, publications, and World-Wide Missionary service and seeks the betterment of the people by counselling leaders in the private and public sectors.

    “President Tinubu shares the joy of celebrations with the Presiding Bishop, his wife, Faith Abiola, and all the biological and spiritual children.

    “He prays to God for greater heights in the ministry. The President also prays for the renowned preacher’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being as he continues to serve the nation and humanity,” said the statement.

  • How I survived when aircraft I was in lost engine – Bishop Oyedepo

    How I survived when aircraft I was in lost engine – Bishop Oyedepo

    Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, aka Winners Chapel, has narrated how he survived when an aircraft he was in lost one engine.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bishop Oyedepo made the disclosure on Thursday at the Encounter Night of Shiloh 2023, saying the incident occurred on May 4 1998.

    Oyedepo said he remained unfazed in the middle of the near air mishap, stressing that if he had shown any sign of apprehension, the scenario would have been different totally.

    “We were going somewhere and then we lost one engine in the aircraft. I saw the plane was slowing and I went in to ask the pilot what is going on. He said we just lost one engine.

    “And I said turn back to Lagos. His head was oozing sweat like a fountain. I was relaxed. I got back and said who will like to have some snacks.

    “I think Eze was on that flight. It was May 4 1998. You cannot build faith in the midst of that storm; you build faith before the storm.

    “If I shook that day, we are gone. I got into the cabin and said folks would you like to have some snacks and they said yes. I did not tell them anything happened. We started eating on the devil’s head.

    “I was eating too, not that I was shaking my head. They would find out why I am praying. I was the one leading in the eating. We were feasting in the midst of the storm,” Oyedepo narrated.

  • You’re a shining light in Christendom, Abiodun tells Oyedepo at 69

    You’re a shining light in Christendom, Abiodun tells Oyedepo at 69

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, as a shining light in Christendom.

    Abiodun stated this in his goodwill message to mark Oyedepo’s 69th birthday.

    The governor, in a statement on Wednesday in Abeokuta by his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran, described the Bishop as a great man of God and an educationist worth emulating.

    He praised Oyedepo’s commitment to God, saying he daily motivated his congregation and the larger society to live a purposeful life in accordance with God’s plan.

    “Your teachings have transformed the lives of many and have shaped the destiny of our nation.

    “As a preacher, you exemplify excellence and have been a source of inspiration to many.

    “Your commitment to the spread of the gospel has not only brought salvation to countless souls, but it has also helped shape the moral fabric of our society,” Abiodun said.

    He said through his involvement in the education sector, the man of God had succeeded in producing many scientists, bankers, lawyers, administrators, among others.

    Abiodun added that one of his universities had consistently been ranked among the best in Africa.

    The governor also commended Oyedepo’s humanitarian efforts, particularly through the David Oyedepo Foundation, which provided scholarships, medical and entrepreneurial support to thousands of people.

    He prayed that God would continue to bless Oyedepo with good health, wisdom, and divine guidance as he continued to impact lives and fulfil his divine mandate.

    Abiodun prayed for God’s continued blessings and guidance upon the Bishop, as well as for more years of impactful service to humanity.

    “Once again, I wish you a happy 69th birthday, and I pray that God will grant you many more years in good health,” Abiodun concluded.

    Oyedepo, who is also the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, was born on September 27, 1954, in Omu Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria.

    He founded the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel, which has grown to become one of the largest Christian denominations in Nigeria and the world at large.

     

  • Birthday message from Spiritual Father excites Gov Oborevwori

    Birthday message from Spiritual Father excites Gov Oborevwori

    Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori has expressed excitement over a birthday message sent to him by his Spiritual Father, the founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Oborevwor, who turns 60 years old today, Monday 19th June, described the congratulatory message received from the revered man of God as incredibly refreshing.

    “Today, as I turned 60, it was incredibly refreshing to receive one of the best birthday wishes and congratulatory messages from my spiritual father, Bishop David O. Oyedepo, the founder of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel.

    “I’m sharing this message online as a mark of my deep appreciation for his encouragement, prayers, and wise counsel. Thank you, my Lord Bishop, for this show of love,” Oborevwori posted to his official Facebook page.

    In the message sighted by TNG, Bishop Oyedepo prayed for the Delta State Governor to excel in all ramifications.

    The birthday message from Oyedepo to Governor Oborevwori on the occasion of the Governor’s 60th birthday reads:

    “My wife and I heartily congratulate you and your family on your 60th birthday celebration and wish you many happy returns.

    “Obviously, the continuous open doors granted to you in all areas of life is a testimony of the good hand of God upon your life, and may you jealously guard your walk with God all through your days.

    “As we all know, not everyone growing is ageing; while some are growing into new realms of impact, others are simply aging away by the day.

    “My prayer is that as your days, so shall your strength be and may your light continue to shine more and more until the end of time.

    “Therefore, as you celebrate your Diamond Jubilee today, may everything about your life turn diamond, ranging from your spiritual life, health, and family, and all that pertain to you.

    “May your leadership era in Delta State be a most impactful and transforming one, in the name of Jesus Christ. Once again, Congratulations!”