Chris Okotie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Okotie
|
|
|---|---|
Chris Okotie, 2011, Lagos
|
|
| President of Fresh Democratic Party | |
| Assumed office 2011 |
|
| Senior Pastor, Household of God Church | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 16 June 1958 Ethiope East, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Political party | Fresh Democratic Party (FDP) |
| Residences | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Alma mater | University of Nigeria, Nsukka (LLB,1984) |
| Occupation | Televangelist, politician, author, businessman |
| Website | http://revchrisokotie.com/ |
Christopher Oghenebrorie Okotie (born on June 16, 1958) is a well-known Nigerian televangelist. He is the senior pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries. This Pentecostal church is located in Lagos, and he has led it since February 1987.
Contents
Who is Chris Okotie?
Chris Okotie was born in Ethiope-West, which is now part of Delta State, Nigeria. His parents were Francis Idje and Cecilia Okotie. From a young age, Chris loved to sing.
Early Life and Education
When he was in secondary school at Edo College in Benin City, he was part of the school's Music Club. He often entertained people with his singing. He didn't think about making music his job until his father passed away during his first year at university.
Chris Okotie later studied law at the University of Nigeria in Nsukka. He graduated with a law degree in 1984. He enjoys jogging, martial arts, and music in his free time.
Starting His Ministry
Before finishing his law degree, Chris Okotie took a break to start a pop music career. However, he soon decided to return to his studies. After completing his law degree, he paused his schooling again to begin his religious work.
He attended the Grace Fellowship Bible School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Soon after, he started his own church, the Household of God Ministry.
Helping Others: The Karis Awards
In 1990, Chris Okotie started the annual Karis Awards. His church hosts this special event. The awards aim to recognize and financially help Nigerian citizens. These are people who have done great things for the nation but haven't been properly thanked or rewarded.
The idea behind the Karis Awards is that true greatness comes from helping others become great. Some famous Nigerians who have received this award include:
- Prof. Chike Obi, a mathematician (1996)
- Mr. Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed Nigeria's national flag (1998)
- Hogan Bassey, a former boxing champion (1999)
- Chief Margaret Ekpo, a nationalist and women's rights activist (2001)
- Mallam Aminu Kano, a nationalist (2004)
- Isaac Adaka Boro, a human rights activist (2005)
The GRACE Program, which includes the Karis Award, also gives money and supplies to charity groups. These include the SOS Children Village, Pacelli School for the Blind, and Little Saints Orphanage.
Views on Church Reopening
In August 2020, the Nigerian government allowed churches to reopen. However, they made it mandatory for people to wear nose masks or face shields. Pastor Okotie shared his thoughts on this rule. He believed that using face shields would go against a spiritual idea related to Christ's death. He felt it would create a separation between people and God.
Running for President
Chris Okotie has run for the President of Nigeria several times. His first attempt was in 2003 with the Justice Party. He lost that election to Olusegun Obasanjo.
In 2007, he ran again. This time, he used his own party, the Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH). He lost to Umaru Yar'Adua in the May 2007 elections. He tried once more in 2011 but lost to President Goodluck Jonathan.
His Wealth
In 2011, Forbes magazine estimated Chris Okotie's wealth. They reported it to be between US$3 million and US$10 million.
