Chris Okotie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chris Okotie
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Chris Okotie, 2011, Lagos
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| President of Fresh Democratic Party | |
| Assumed office 2011 |
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| 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 was born on June 16, 1958. He is a Nigerian televangelist, which means he preaches on television. He is also the senior pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries. This is a Pentecostal church in Lagos, Nigeria, which he started in February 1987.
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About Chris Okotie
Chris Okotie was born in Ethiope-West, Delta State, Nigeria. His parents were Francis Idje and Cecilia Okotie. From a young age, he loved to sing. 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 only thought about making music his career after his father passed away during his first year at university. Chris Okotie enjoys jogging, martial arts, and music as his hobbies.
Education and Early Career
Chris Okotie went to secondary school at Edo College in Benin City. In 1984, he earned a law degree from the University of Nigeria at Nsukka. For a while, he paused his studies to become a pop music star. Later, he returned to finish his law degree.
While he was studying law, he decided to start his religious ministry. He attended the Grace Fellowship Bible School in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Soon after, he founded the Household of God Ministry.
Helping Others: The Karis Awards
In 1990, Chris Okotie started the annual Karis Awards. His church hosts this event to honor and give money to Nigerian citizens. These are people who have done great things for the nation but might not have been recognized for their efforts.
The idea behind the Karis Award is that true greatness comes from helping others become great. The program also gives money and supplies to charity groups. Some of these include the SOS Children Village, the Sunshine Foundation, and Little Saints Orphanage.
Some famous Nigerians who have received the Karis 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)
Views on Public Health
In August 2020, the Nigerian government allowed churches to reopen but required people to wear face masks or shields. Pastor Okotie disagreed with using face shields. He believed it went against a religious idea of a "veil" that was removed when Christ died. He felt it would create a separation between people and God.
Political Aspirations
Chris Okotie has run for president of Nigeria several times.
First Presidential Campaign
His first attempt was in 2003. He ran under the Justice Party (JP). He lost that election to Olusegun Obasanjo.
Later Presidential Campaigns
In 2007, he ran again. This time, he used his own political party, the Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH), which he founded. He lost to Umaru Yar'Adua in the May 2007 elections. He tried once more in 2011 but lost to President Goodluck Jonathan.
Wealth
In 2011, Forbes magazine estimated Chris Okotie's wealth to be between US$3 million and US$10 million.
