Enoch Adeboye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Enoch Adeboye
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|---|---|
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| 2nd President of PFN | |
| In office 1992–1995 |
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| Preceding | Redeemed Christian Church of God |
| Preceded by | James Boyejo |
| Succeeded by | Benson Idahosa |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Enoch Adejare Adeboye
2 March 1942 Ifewara, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now Ifewara, Osun State, Nigeria) |
| Spouse |
Foluke Adeyokunnu
(m. 1967) |
| Occupation | Pastor |
Enoch Adejare Adeboye (born March 2, 1942) is a Nigerian pastor. He is the current General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He also served as the second national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Enoch Adejare Adeboye was born on March 2, 1942. His birthplace was Ifewara, a town near Ife in what was then British Nigeria. He grew up in a very humble family. He often shares that he wore his first pair of shoes when he was 18 years old.
He began his schooling at Ilesha Grammar School in Osun State in 1956. Later, he went to the University of Nigeria (UNN). However, due to the Nigerian Civil War, he finished his first degree at the University of Ife. This university is now known as Obafemi Awolowo University. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 1967.
He continued his studies and received a Master's degree in Hydrodynamics from the University of Lagos in 1969. In 1975, he earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the same university.
His Work as a Pastor
Adejare Adeboye joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God in 1973. He first worked as an interpreter. In 1975, he was ordained as a pastor by Pa. Josiah Akindayomi. He became the General Overseer of the church in 1981.
For three years, he balanced this role part-time with his university job. Then, he decided to leave his university position to preach full-time. In 2017, Adeboye announced he was stepping down as General Overseer, but he still kept the role.
The church was not very well known before Adeboye became its leader. By March 2017, it had grown to have branches in about 198 countries. There were more than 14 million members in Nigeria alone. Adeboye has a goal to have a church branch within a five-minute walk in developing cities. In developed cities, he aims for a five-minute drive.
Adeboye is known for teaching about the prosperity gospel. This idea suggests that God wants people to be successful and wealthy. He believes that God can help people in their lives right now, not just in the future.
In 2022, he celebrated his 80th birthday. His foundation donated eight dialysis machines to a hospital. They also gave a water purification system and an electrical generator.
University Support
Adeboye has given money to support four Nigerian universities. These include Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Nigeria. This support helps students and research.
Awards and Recognition
- In 2008, Newsweek magazine named him one of the 50 most powerful people in the world.
- In 2019, New African magazine listed him as one of the Top 100 most influential Africans.
Special Doctorates
He has received several special degrees called honorary doctorates. These are given to honor his achievements.
- 2009: Honorary doctorate, University of Lagos
- 2009: Honorary doctorate, University of Nigeria
- 2009: Doctor of Theology, Canada Christian College
- 2011: Honorary doctorate, University of Ibadan
- 2015: Doctor of Science, University of Lagos
- 2016: Honorary doctorate, Obafemi Awolowo University
- 2017: Doctor of Divinity, University of Nigeria
- 2022: Doctor of Divinity, Oral Roberts University
Personal Life
Adeboye married Folu Adeboye on December 17, 1967. They have four children: three sons and one daughter. They also have several grandchildren. Sadly, Pastor Enoch Adeboye's son, Dare Adeboye, passed away on May 4, 2021, at the age of 42.
In May 2023, a movie called "Enoch" was released. This film tells the story of Pastor Adeboye's life. It was made to celebrate his 81st birthday. Adeola Emmanuel Abolaji played the main role in the movie.
See also
In Spanish: Enoch Adeboye para niños
- T.B. Joshua
- David Oyedepo
