Thursday, December 20, 2012

Five Nigerians Emerge As Richest Pastors In Africa



Africans view the wealth of men of God from different perspectives. While some think there’s nothing bad living a good life filled with abundant wealth, others believe men of God are just supposed have enough, and that their calling doesn't require luxury spending.


Whichever way you choose to look at this, everyone has a right to their opinion.
Here are the five pastors Forbes think are the richest in Africa.


1. Bishop David Oyedepo

Affiliation: Living Faith World Outreach Ministry, aka Winners Chapel

Estimated net worth: $150 million

David Oyedepo is Nigeria’s wealthiest preacher. Ever since he founded the Living Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981, it has grown to become one of Africa’s largest congregations. The Faith Tabernacle, where he hosts three services every Sunday, is Africa’s largest worship center, with a seating capacity of 50,000. Oyedepo owns four private jets and homes in London and the United States. He also owns Dominion Publishing House, a thriving publishing company that publishes all his books (which are often centered on prosperity). He founded and owns Covenant University, one of Nigeria’s leading tertiary institutions, and Faith Academy, an elite high school. 

2. Chris Oyakhilome

Church: Believers’ Loveworld Ministries, a.k.a Christ Embassy

Estimated net worth: $30 million – $50 million

Last year, the charismatic preacher was at the center of a $35 million money laundering case in which he was accused of siphoning funds from his church to foreign banks. Pastor Chris pleaded no wrongdoing and the case was eventually dismissed. His church, Christ Embassy, boasts more than 40,000 members, several of whom are successful business executives and politicians. Oyakhilome’s diversified interests include newspapers, magazines, a local television station, a record label, satellite TV, hotels and extensive real estate. His Loveworld TV Network is the first Christian network to broadcast from Africa to the rest of the world on a 24 hour basis.

 3. Temitope Joshua

Church: Synagogue Church Of All Nations (SCOAN)

Estimated net worth: $10 million – $15 million

Nigeria’s most controversial clergyman is also one of its richest and most philanthropic. T.B Joshua heads the Synagogue Church of all Nations (SCOAN), a congregation he founded in 1987, which accommodates over 15,000 worshippers on Sundays. The Pastor has remained controversial for several years for his inexplicable powers to heal all sorts of incurable diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and paralysis. For miracle-craving worshippers, it’s the perfect seduction. The church currently has branches in Ghana, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Greece. In the past three years, he has given over $20 million to causes in education, healthcare and rehabilitation programs for former Niger Delta militants. He owns Emmanuel TV, a Christian television network, and is close friends with Ghanaian President Atta Mills.

 4. Matthew Ashimolowo

Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)

Estimated net worth: $6 million – $10 million

In 1992, Foursquare Gospel Church, a Nigerian church, sent Ashimolowo to open a satellite branch in London. But Pastor Matthew had other ideas and decided to set up his own church instead. Today, his Kingsway International Christian Center is reportedly the largest Pentecostal church in the United Kingdom. In 2009, the church posted profits of close to $10 million and assets worth $40 million. Ashimolowo earns an annual salary of $200,000, but his real wealth comes from varied business interests including his media company, Matthew Ashimolowo media, which churns out Christian literature and documentaries. Ashimolowo’s representatives did not respond to a request confirming his net worth and ownership of all these assets.

 5. Chris Okotie

Church: Household of God Church

Net worth: $3 million -$10 million

Pastor Okotie made his first success as a popular pop musician in the 80s. He found the light, embraced the bible and set up the Household of God Church, one of Nigeria’s most flamboyant congregations. His 5,000 member church consists predominantly of Nollywood celebrities, musicians, and society people. He contested and lost Nigerian presidential elections for the third time this year under the Fresh Party, a political party he founded and funds. An automobile lover, he owns a Mercedes S600, Hummer and Porsche among several others.

Daughter Beats 92-year-old Grandma To Death, Says Her Grandmother Was A Demon





A WOMAN who allegedly stomped her 92-year-old grandmother because she feared the old woman was possessed by a demon may face stiff penalties now that the victim has died. Angela Armstrong died recently at a hospital in St. Louis Country, Mo, following the November 21 attack by her granddaughter, Rachel Armstrong. The younger woman threw her grandmother down the stairs before stomping her, which left Angela with broken arms and eight cracked ribs.

Pastor, two others killed over land dispute




CALABAR—Founder of Faith Builders Ministry, in Calabar, Cross River State, Rev. John Ene-Obong and two members of the church, have been allegedly killed over a land dispute.
Rev. Ene-Obong, who was allegedly killed penultimate Monday by irate youths over a land dispute in Ikot Ene-Obong community of the metropolis, was said to have returned to Nigeria from Canada barely a week before his death. The pastor was allegedly killed alongside two others, whose names were given as Effiong Koko-Ette and Victor Ene-Boco.

Who deserves to be Silverbird Man of the Year 2012?






See the nominees below..
1. Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu - former Lagos State governor
2. Sule Lamido - Jigawa State governor
3. Mohammed Abubakar _ Inspector General of Police
4. Shamsuddeen Usman - Minister of National Planning
5. Akinwunmi Adesina - Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development
6. Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala - Minister of Finance
7. Ahmadu Guiade - National Drug Law Enforcement Agency chairman

Pepsi Voice Your Dream Lyrical Challenge





Are you good at writing song lyrics and haven’t had the opportunity to showcase you talent? Are you between 16-35 years old and vibrant? Then this is for you! PEPSI NIGERIA, the official beverage sponsor of Nigerian Idols is here again with the "Voice Your Dream Lyrical Challenge"

The Late Kaduna Governor Patrick Yakowa buried





The remains of  the late governor of Kaduna state, Patrick Yakowa, were buried at his country home at Fada Kagoma today Thursday December 20th. President Jonathan led the Federal Government delegation to the burial. Yakowa died on Saturday, December 15, in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa state along with five others, including former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Azazi.

Updates: Nkiru Sylvanus and Kenneth Okolie released by kidnappers




What a relief! And thanks for all your prayers. Actress Nkiru Sylvanus and ex-Mr Nigeria Kenneth Okolie have been freed by their kidnappers. Nkiru and Kenneth were released less than an hour ago in Owerri. The kidnappers blindfolded them and dropped them off at an unknown location where they were able to call friends to come pick them up. No details on whether they paid a ransom. Great news!

Séx-Starved Man Demands N1.2m Refund from Wife’s Parents




Malam Mukailu Naibi of Keke Village, Kaduna, whose wife allegedly starved him of séx for two years, on Wednesday demanded N1. 2 million as compensation from the wife’s parents before an Abuja Area Court. Naibi, while testifying at the resumed hearing of the case, told the court that the amount, covered the bride price he paid before marrying Maryam, his wife.  He also told the court that the amount also covered the cost of damages done to the house after Maryam allegedly set the house on fire before fleeing to court to seek divorce.

Nkiru Slyvanus Updates: Police Arrest 16 Suspects





Imo State Police Command yesterday said it has arrested 16 suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Nollywood actress and Special Assistant to the State Governor on Public Affairs, Nkiru Sylvanus.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Vitalis Onugu (DSP), disclosed that the suspects were arrested in a raid of suspected kidnappers’ dens in the forest, adding that they were already assisting the police in its investigation.
Meanwhile, the state government has directed security agencies to arrest any unauthorised person found using siren and vehicles with tinted glasses. Rising from a security council meeting, the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, said the renewed war against unauthorised use of siren and tinted glasses was part of the stringent measures adopted by the council to checkmate crime in the state, especially during the Yuletide.
Also, members of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Southeast Zone, demanded the immediate release of the actress. Members of the actors’ body, led by its National Vice President, Southeast, Ikechukwu Ezenagu, a legal practitioner, barricaded the entrance of Government House displaying placards with various inscriptions which include, “Southeast governors give Nollywood actors security,” “Insecurity is the bane of investment in the Southeast,” “Turn away from kidnapping and join Nollywood,” among others.

Cameroonian Jailed For Texting 'I'm in love with you' To Another Man





A Cameroon appeals court upheld a sentence against a man convicted of homosexuality for texting his male friend to say, "I'm very much in love with you."
Roger Mbede, a university student, was arrested in March last year after the man who received the message tipped off authorities, Human Rights Watch said. A court sentenced Mbede to three years in prison at the time after he was beaten to coerce a confession, according to the group. In July, after more than a year in detention, Mbede was released as his case went through the appeals process, the rights group said in a statement.The appeals court issued its ruling Monday.

We Politicians Exploit Religious, Ethnic Sentiments For Selfish Reasons- President Jonathan





President Goodluck Jonathan has accused most Nigerian politicians of exploiting religious and ethnic sentiments to divide Nigerians for selfish reasons. The President said this during the weekly Executive Council of the Federation, FEC, meeting held on Wednesday. He said this while eulogising the late Governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Yakowa. The Council, Wednesday, honoured the victims of last Saturday’s helicopter crash by rescheduling all its memos slated for discussion to next year.

EFCC Declares Ex-Kogi Governor, Abubakar Audu, Wanted Over N4bn Fraud





The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has declared former governor of Kogi State, Abubakar Audu, wanted for offences bordering on conspiracy, stealing and misappropriation of public fund.
The action followed the failure of the Mr. Audu to respond to invitations by the anti- graft agency.
An attempt by the EFCC to arrest at the former governor at his 32, Sulaiman Barau Street, Asokoro, Abuja residence on December 11, 2012 failed as he allegedly evaded arrest.The former governor is alleged to have fraudulently enriched himself with over N4 billion of Kogi funds while he held sway as governor between 1999 and 2003.

Gov Sullivan Chime Has Heart Problem ––Insiders Expose Secret





As the people of Enugu State continue to ask questions about the state of their governor, few aides and a serving Commissioner who are not happy with the ongoing deceit have disclosed that Governor Sullivan Chime underwent a heart surgery in the United States of America in 2005. This was two years before he contested the state governorship election in 2007. The insider sources said Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, who was governor of Enugu State at the time, had financed the heart surgery and subsequent treatment. The aides, who craved anonymity so as not to be victimised, told the Punch that Nnamani gave Chime N7m for the surgery. 

“All Lives Are Equal” – Co-Pilot’s Family Laments Preferential Treatment For Yakowa, Azazi




All fingers are equal but some are more equal than others. That is what aptly describes the mood of the family of Lt. Adeyemi Sowole, the co-pilot of the Navy helicopter which crashed on Saturday in Bayelsa State as they have expressed disappointment that authorities have only focussed their attention on the dignitaries that died on the flight, while ignoring their son. “All lives are equal. At this point, the right thing to do is for government to treat all the victims with respect and give them the same recognition. 

Niger State Governor, Aliyu Berates Those Celebrating Yakowa’s Death





Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger has chided those Nigerians reported to have celebrated the death of late Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State, describing their action as “inhuman”.
Aliyu made the remark while receiving the Speaker of Niger House of Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Usman who led other members of the Assembly to pay a condolence visit on him.The visit on Aliyu was with regard to his position as chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum.

South Korea Gets First Female President, Park Geun-Hye




Park Geun-hye the daughter of the late dictator Park Chung-hee, has become South Korea’s first female president. Park, the 60-year-old leader of the conservative Saenuri Party, defeated 59-year-old liberal challenger Moon Jae-in — once jailed for opposing her father’s rule — by a margin of about 3.5%.  on Wednesday. “Park Geun-hye has made history. The keen contest that saw an unprecedented voter turnout of 75.8% can do any democracy proud,” Vishnu Prakash, Indian ambassador to South Korea, said after exit polls when a majority of the votes had been counted.

ST

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