Ayo Oritsejafor

Last updated
Helen Oritsejafor
​
(m. 1997)​
Pastor
Ayo Oritsejafor
Ayo oritsejafor.png
5th President of CAN
In office
July 2010 –July 2016
Children3
Parent(s)Joseph Monday Oritsejafor
Roli Durojaiye Oritsejafor
Residence(s) Warri, Delta State, Nigeria
Occupation Preacher, Author
Website Ayo Oritsejafor Ministries

Ayodele Joseph Oritsegbubemi Oritsejafor, known as Papa Ayo Oritsejafor, is the founding and Senior Pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, located in Warri, Nigeria. He became the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) on 7 February 2005, [1] a position he held for five years. In July 2010, Oritsejafor was elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), [2] [3] the apex body of all Christians in the country. In doing so he became the first Pentecostal leader to hold the position. Oritsejafor was the first to launch a Miracle crusade from Africa to a world audience via satellite in 1987 with evangelist Joe Martins.

Contents

Early life

Pastor Ayo ministering at the Warri Miracle Crusade in the Warri City Stadium. Warri, Nigeria. December 10, 2015 Ayo oritsejafor crusade.jpg
Pastor Ayo ministering at the Warri Miracle Crusade in the Warri City Stadium. Warri, Nigeria. December 10, 2015

Ayo Oritsejafor was born on November 10 into the family of Mr. Joseph Monday Oritsejafor and Mrs. Roli Durojaiye Oritsejafor in Lagos, Nigeria. His mother is a staunch member of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).

In 1972, Oritsejafor became “born again” in an evangelical crusade held in Sapele, Nigeria. Oritsejafor enrolled at the All Nations For Christ Bible Institute, Benin City, Nigeria.

Oritsejafor further enrolled with the Nigerian Baptist Seminary, Ogbomosho in Oyo State, Nigeria and later proceeded in 1979 to the United States for further studies at Morris Cerullo's School of Ministry (El Cortez), San Diego, California.

According to him, he had a vision of himself wearing a suit and was preaching to thousands of people and he heard a voice that said to him, “this is what you are going to be doing the rest of your life” and the voice said, “Take my word to the world”. This is the inaugural vision that led to the founding of the Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC) in November 1987. He hosts Hour of Deliverance, a television program which had its debut in 1980.

Oritsejafor says he owes all his life's accomplishments to God, and his success in ministry he attributes to the influence of God-given mentors like Archbishop Benson Idahosa, Dr. Morris Cerullo, Evangelist Robert W. Schamback, and Evangelist Tommy L. Osborn amongst others.

Oritsejafor is a proponent of leadership by example. [4] This is evident in the role he played in bringing the crisis in Niger Delta area of Nigeria to an end. [5] [6]

Philanthropy

[[File empowerment programme.jpg|thumb|upright|Oritsejafor with a benefactor during the Annual Poverty Alleviation Program in Warri, Nigeria on December 26, 2015]]

Oritsejafor identifies himself as a servant of God and a vessel through which God ministers to the spiritual and physical needs of people. [7] [8] His ministry emphasizes salvation, repentance, holiness, deliverance, and empowerment of the less privileged through social responsibility programs. Over the years, he has condemned wastefulness and advocated for giving back to society, irrespective of religion or race.

Oritsejafor provides scholarships to underprivileged students in various tertiary, secondary, and elementary institutions both within and outside Nigeria, regardless of tribe or denomination. [9] [10]

In December 2005, Oritsejafor and his wife Helen partnered with Flight Micro Finance Bank to start an empowerment programme for the people. Oritsejafor, ever since, makes it a tradition to empower the less privileged and to alleviate the sufferings of families all over at the end of every December. [11]

On 26 December 2016, the Word of Life Bible Church in conjunction with the Eagle Flight Micro Finance Bank held the poverty alleviation programme in Warri. [12]

African Broadcasting Network (ABN)

Oritsejafor set up African Broadcasting Network, an international satellite Christian television station intended to serve as a voice for the gospel of Christ from Africa to the world. ABN is a satellite channel broadcasting from London, with a coverage that spans across the whole of Africa, parts of Asia and parts of Europe. ABN is currently viewed in 75 countries world-wide and online via WebTV. [13]

Recognition

Oritsejafor has received several awards both internationally and locally in regards of his various peace and humanitarian initiatives. He has been honored with the Golden key to the City of Kalamazoo, Michigan by the mayor of the city. He was also honored with the International Youth Ambassador for Peace Award. He was conferred an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) one of the Nigerian National Honours at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on December 22, 2008. Oritsejafor received an award of 'A True Servant of God' by The Northern States Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF) May 9, 2013. [14] Speaking on the choice of Oritsejafor, the Chairman of NOSCEF, Matthew Owojaiye said:

Oritsejafor was chosen because of his commitment and dedication for the things of Christ, noting that when others tried to save their head, he dared to speak the truth.

Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN)

In 2010, Oritsejafor was declared the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He has been called the "most misunderstood" [15] President of CAN. He was re-elected as the president on July 10, 2013. [2] [16] In an interview with a CAN Official, he lauds Oritsejafor:

If people need to celebrate any man, it is this man because he has lifted the profile of the Christian Association of Nigeria. Before, people talk down on CAN, today you don't just talk down on CAN without CAN responding. That is a very huge achievement. One of the greatest achievements that he has done which has never ever happened before in the history of CAN, there has never been any President of CAN who interfaced with all the different blocs of CAN, and there is no bloc that can say the CAN President has not come either physically to worship with them or participated in one of their projects. Do you know that some of the Christian leaders that were killed, like some pastors in Maiduguri, he gave them accommodation, gave their children scholarship. [17]

Oritsejafor came up with the idea of a Jubilee Centre to generate funds for the association: a 50–bedroom structure with a huge conference hall. [18] The Jubilee Centre, National Christian Center, Abuja, was completed and opened in 2015 by President Goodluck Jonathan . [19]

USCIRF ChairDr. Katrina Lantos Swett with CAN President Ayo Oritsejafor. June 2012 USCIRF Chair Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett with the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.jpg
USCIRF ChairDr. Katrina Lantos Swett with CAN President Ayo Oritsejafor. June 2012

Books

Oritsejafor has authored several books:

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Redeemed Christian Church of God</span> Pentecostal megachurch and denomination

TheRedeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) is a holiness pentecostal megachurch and denomination headquartered in Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. With presence in 197 countries and territories of the world and more than 5 million members in Nigeria alone, it is one of the biggest church denominations in the world with over 9 million members worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reinhard Bonnke</span> German Pentecostal evangelist

Reinhard Bonnke was a German-American Pentecostal evangelist, principally known for his gospel missions throughout Africa. Bonnke had been an evangelist and missionary in Africa since 1967. In Nigeria’s city, Lagos, in 2000, a single service is believed to have been attended by 1.6 million people.

The city of Warri is an oil hub within South-South Nigeria and houses an annex of the Delta State Government House. Warri City is one of the major hubs of the petroleum industry in Nigeria. Warri, Udu, Okpe and Uvwie are the commercial capital of Delta State with a population of over 311,970 people in 2006. The city is the indigenous territory of Itsekiri, Urhobo and Ijaw people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Delta State</span> State in southern Nigeria

Delta State is a state in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. Named after the Niger Delta—a large part of which is in the state—the state was formed from the former Bendel State, on 27 August 1991. Bordered on the north by Edo State, the east by Anambra and Rivers states, and that south by Bayelsa State while to the west is the Bight of Benin which covers about 160 kilometres of the state's coastline. The state was initially created with 12 local government areas in 1991, but was later expanded to 19 and now has 25 local government areas. Its capital city is Asaba which is located along the River Niger on the northeastern end of the state, while the state's economic center is the city of Warri on the southwestern coastline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Itsekiri people</span> Yoruboid subgroup of Delta State, Nigeria

The Itsekiri are an ethnic group who mainly inhabit Nigeria's Niger Delta area. They speak a Yoruboid language and can be found in Ondo, Edo and Delta State. The Itsekiris presently transcends a population of over 1 million people and live mainly in parts of Ondo, Edo and majorly in the Warri South, Warri North and Warri South West local government districts of Delta State on the Atlantic coast of Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries</span> Nigerian religious denomination

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) is a Pentecostal denomination founded in Yaba, Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria in 1989, now with churches in several countries. It was founded by Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya ("DKO"). Many publications on deliverance have been credited to Olukoya, such as the popular prayer books known as Prayer Rain, Prayer Passport to Crush Oppression, and Pray Your Way to Breakthroughs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deeper Christian Life Ministry</span> Church in Nigeria

Deeper Christian Life Ministry also known as Deeper Life Bible Church is an international Pentecostal Christian denomination with its headquarters, Deeper Life Bible Church Lagos, in Gbagada, Lagos. It is overseen by the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christianity in Nigeria</span>

Christianity in Nigeria represents one of several religious traditions in the country, including Islam and Traditional African religions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Association of Nigeria</span> Organization of Christian denominations in Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is an umbrella organisation containing numerous Christian denominations in Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benson Idahosa</span> Nigerian pentecostal preacher (1938–1998)

Benson Andrew Idahosa, was a Charismatic Pentecostal preacher. He founded Church of God Mission International. Archbishop Benson Idahosa was popularly referred to as the father of Pentecostalism in Nigeria. Idahosa was the founder of Benson Idahosa University (BIU) in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. His only son, Bishop F.E.B. Idahosa, is now the president of BIU, founder and president of Big Ben's Children Hospital, and vice-president of All Nations for Christ Bible Institute International, among other positions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christ Apostolic Church</span> First Aladura Pentecostal church in Nigeria

Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) is the first Pentecostal church present in Nigeria. It arose in the first half of the 20th century, in the then-British empire. The establishment of the Christ Apostolic Church Nigeria was traceable to the early formation of a prayer group named Precious Stone Society and later metamorphosed to "Diamond Stone" from the Church Missionary Society (CMS) now Saint Savior Anglican Church, Italupe, Ijebu-ode, Ogun State, Nigeria in 1918 led by Mr. Joseph Sadare, D.O. Odubanjo, D.E. Oduga, E.O. Odukoya, and Miss Sophia Odulami but was formally established in 1941 after a split from the Apostolic Church which the original Aladura organization had invited to Nigeria. Its growth was led by Joseph Ayo Babalola, a road construction driver who became its first General Evangelist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William Kumuyi</span> Nigerian clergyman (born 1941)

William Folorunso Kumuyi is the convener of Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), and the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry situated at Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria. He is the author of several Christian books and devotionals.

Tim Omotoso is a Nigerian televangelist and the senior pastor of Jesus Dominion International, based in Durban, South Africa. He has been in jail awaiting trial since April 2017 at the Port Elizabeth High Court for rape, racketeering, and human trafficking. He is alleged to have groomed his victims and began molesting them from the age of 14. He was arrested by the South African priority crimes unit, Hawks, on 20 April 2017 at the Port Elizabeth International Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uma Ukpai</span> Nigerian Evangelist

Uma Ukpai is a Christian leader, an international evangelist, and preacher from Nigeria. He is the founder and president of Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association (UUEA), a non-denominational gospel ministry based in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He is also a key leader of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, being a founder of the movement.

House on the Rock is an Evangelical Christian Church headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Word of Life Bible Church</span> Church in Delta, Nigeria

Word of Life Bible Church (WLBC) is a Pentecostal Christian megachurch located in Warri, Delta, Nigeria. It is one of the largest congregations in Nigeria, averaging about 30,000 attendees per week. The church now has congregations in over 70 locations worldwide. The senior pastor is Ayo Oritsejafor with his wife, Helen, who serves as co-pastor.

Samson Olasupo Adeniyi Ayokunle, CON commonly known as Supo Ayokunle is a Nigerian pastor and administrator. He was the 6th president of the Christian Association of Nigeria. He was also the 6th President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

Cornelius Adam Igbudu (1914–1981) was a Nigerian religious figure known for founding the Anglican Adam Preaching Society (AAPS), an evangelical group in the Anglican Church of Nigeria. He was credited with healing ability.

God's Kingdom Society (GKS) is a Christian sabbatarian denomination founded by Gideon Urhobo. He served as its life president from its inception in 1934 till his passing in 1952.

References

  1. ↑ "24 years of sweetness for Pastor Oritsejafor and wife". The Nation Newspaper. 2021-05-01. Retrieved 2022-03-07.
  2. 1 2 "CAN re-elects Oritsejafor as president. On July 10, 2013. He was first elected into the position in May 2010'". Vanguard News . 2014-10-28. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  3. ↑ "'CAN Officers'". Archived from the original on 2016-01-18. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  4. ↑ "The church can help solve Niger Delta crisis". The Nation . 2008-07-20. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  5. ↑ "How Yar'Adua Can Address Niger Delta Problem -Oritsejafor". Vanguard News (via allAfrica.com). AllAfrica Global Media. 2008-07-24. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  6. ↑ "Grant Amnesty to Militants". Vanguard News (via allAfrica.com). AllAfrica Global Media. 2008-08-17. Retrieved 2016-02-15.
  7. ↑ Atonko, Ben (2013-02-17). "Ayo Oritsejafor celebrates love in Warri". Daily Trust . Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  8. ↑ "Ayo Oritsejafor: The dogged lion equipping people". Vanguard News . 2013-04-13. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  9. ↑ "Minor bags Oritsejafor's scholarship". Vanguard News . 2015-02-22. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  10. ↑ "40 indigent students bag Oritsejafor scholarship awards". Vanguard News . 2013-11-26. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  11. ↑ "Oritsejafor gives out 7 cars". Vanguard News . 2014-12-23. Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  12. ↑ "Xmas; Woman Bursts Into Tears After Getting Gift From Pastor Oritsejafor. Photos". National Helm. Archived from the original on 2017-04-15. Retrieved 2017-04-15.
  13. ↑ "African Broadcasting Network".
  14. ↑ Eyoboka, Sam (2013-05-26). "NOSCEF: Why we honoured Oritsejafor". Vanguard News . Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  15. ↑ Eyoboka, Sam (2014-10-28). "Oritsejafor is the most misunderstood Christian leader — Oibe, CAN Official". Vanguard News . Retrieved 2016-02-05.
  16. ↑ "Oritsejafor returns as CAN president". Vanguard News . 2013-05-10. Retrieved 2016-02-06.
  17. ↑ "Oritsejafor Is the Most Misunderstood Christian Leader - CAN Official (Elder Sunday Oibe)". Vanguard News (via allAfrica.com). AllAfrica Global Media. 2014-10-28. Retrieved 2016-02-04.
  18. ↑ "Inauguration of CAN Jubilee Resort and Leadership Centre". Encomium. Encomium Nigeria. 2015-04-25. Retrieved 2018-11-30.
  19. ↑ "Jonathan opens CAN Leadership Centre". The News. The News Nigeria. 2015-04-25. Retrieved 2018-11-30.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.