Chris Okotie is a renowned Nigerian pastor, televangelist, politician and founder of the Household of God Church International Ministries, a Pentecostal Church founded in Lagos since February 1987.
He was born on June 16, 1958, in Ethiope West, Delta State, (then Bendel State) Nigeria, to the family of Francis Idje and Cecilia Okotie. During his early years of life, he loved to music and used to sing to entertain his friends and close associates. While in secondary school at Edo College, Benin City, he belonged to the school’s Music Club and usually entertained groups of people.
Though he initially did not contemplate commercializing his talent, the weight of fate then changed his life and eventually made a career in music while in the University, a period his father also died.
Chris Okotie’s Educational Background
Chris Okotie attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he studied law. He later pursued theological studies and received a degree from the Grace Fellowship Bible School, which is associated with the Church of God Mission International.
Here is a brief overview based on my last update:
Chris Okotie initially gained fame as a popular pop musician in the 1980s before becoming a pastor. He released several albums during his music career, with some of his songs achieving significant success.
In 1992, Chris Okotie announced that he had a spiritual encounter with God and subsequently founded the Household of God Church International Ministries in Lagos, Nigeria. He transitioned from the music industry to full-time ministry, becoming a charismatic and influential preacher. His church has grown to become one of the prominent churches in Nigeria.
Aside from his religious activities, Chris Okotie has been involved in Nigerian politics. He ran for the presidency of Nigeria in 2003, 2007, and 2011 under the banner of the Fresh Democratic Party (FDP). However, he did not succeed in winning the elections.
Chris Okotie’s Pastoral Work
Chris Okotie has been primarily known for his pastoral work as the founder and leader of the Household of God Church International Ministries in Lagos, Nigeria.
Here are some aspects of his pastoral work and achievements:
- Household of God Church: Chris Okotie founded the Household of God Church in 1992. The church has grown over the years and has become one of the notable churches in Nigeria. It has a substantial following and is known for its charismatic worship services and teachings.
- Teaching and Preaching: Pastor Chris Okotie is recognized for his dynamic preaching style and teachings. He addresses a wide range of topics, including Christian spirituality, personal development and societal issues.
- Media Ministry: Like many modern pastors, Chris Okotie has utilized media extensively to reach a broader audience. His church services are often broadcast on television and the internet, allowing people to access his teachings beyond the physical church.
- Humanitarian Work: Pastors often engage in various humanitarian activities, and while specific details may vary, many pastors are involved in charitable projects. Chris Okotie, through his church or personal initiatives, have been involved in community development, poverty alleviation, or other charitable endeavors.
His Political Career
Okotie first ran for the President under the banner of the Justice Party (JP), led by Ralph Obiorah after he was schemed out of the National Democratic Party (NDP) primaries elections; he lost to Olusegun Obasanjo in the May 2003 elections.
He again ran in 2007 on the platform of a party he founded, Fresh Democratic Party, FRESH and lost to Umaru Yar’Adua in the May 2007 elections. Then in 2011, he ran and lost to the President Goodluck Jonathan.
Publications
Okotie has published several books and is a regular contributor to several Nigerian newspapers.
- The Last Outcast(Best Selling Book, 2001)
- A Terror War Beyond Hashtags
- A Conference Of Geriatrics
- In Search Of Game Changers
- Power Shift: What My Readers Say
- Why Vision 20:2020 Became A Lost Cause
- State Policies And Prophetic Solutions
- Adadevoh And The Ebola Crisis
- A Government Stuck In Timing Response Snafu
- This Present Assault On Education
- Rage Over Villaleaks Et Al
- Time To Shift Governance Paradigm
- 2015: Imperative Of The Paradigm Shift Option
- ASUU Strike: Implications Of Political Infidelity
- Counting The Cost Of Insecurity
- The Looming Demographic Time Bomb
- Reclaiming Nigeria’s Lost Hope
Grace programme/Karis Award
In 1990, Chris Okotie established the annual Karis Awards, hosted by his church, to recognize and financially reward Nigerian citizens who excelled in various fields of human endeavour.
The Grace Program/ Karis Award is an annual charity event hosted at the church where he pastors; The HouseHold of God International Ministries, Lagos. The guiding philosophy being that greatness does not consist in being great but in the ability to make others great.
The Karis Award gives recognition to deserving Nigerians, while financially rewarding Nigerians who had offered distinguished service to the nation, but are not recognized nor rewarded for their contributions to the nation building.
Some notable beneficiaries of these awards include the late Prof. Chike Obi, the mathematician (1996), D.I.G. Chris Omeben, a retired policeman (1997), Mr. Taiwo Akinwunmi who designed the national flag (1998), Hogan Bassey, former Commonwealth and World boxing champion (1999), Chief Michael Imodou, the Labour leader (2000), Chief Margaret Ekpo (2001), nationalist and woman activist, Mallam Aminu Kano, nationalist (2004)and Isaac Adaka Boro, human rights activist (2005).
The Grace Program also makes regular cash and material contributions to charity organizations such as the SOS Children Village, the Sunshine Foundation, Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted and Little Saints Orphanage, Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria, and The Childcare Trust.
His Marital Life
Okotie married twice and announced he has separated from his second wife on June 24, 2012. He has since kept his family affairs from the public domain.
His hobbies include jogging, martial arts and music.
Chris Okotie’s Net Worth
Chris Okotie has made huge fortune from his career. He has an estimated net worth of between $3-$10 million dollars as at 2011, according to Forbes rating.
A million thanks for your time, reading about Pastor Chris Okotie’s biography, his pastoral work, politics, marital life, numerous achievements, other interesting facts and net worth.