Enoch Adeboye

Enoch Adejare Adeboye: Biography of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God **Early Life and Education** Enoch Adejare Adeboye was born on March 2, 1942, into a humble family in the village of Ifewara, near Ife, in Osun State, Nigeria. He often recounts growing up in poverty. As a youth, he developed a strong passion for books and an aptitude for science, particularly mathematics. He was admitted to Ilesha Grammar School in Osun State in 1956. Adeboye pursued higher education in the sciences, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1967. He continued his studies, earning a Master’s degree in Hydrodynamics from the University of Lagos in 1969, and subsequently a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the same institution in 1975. Prior to entering full-time ministry, he worked as a lecturer at the University of Lagos. **Ministry and Career Progression** Adeboye made a personal commitment to Christianity in 1973 and joined The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), which was founded by Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi. He manifested an intense dedication to the church's work, serving as an interpreter for the founder. He was ordained as a pastor in the church by Pa. Josiah Akindayomi in 1975. In 1981, Adeboye was appointed the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, succeeding the founder. Although he initially continued to teach at the university, he eventually dedicated himself fully to the ministry. Under his leadership, the church experienced explosive growth, expanding from a small congregation in Nigeria to millions of members worldwide, becoming a significant global Pentecostal movement. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Under Pastor Adeboye’s stewardship, the RCCG expanded its presence significantly across Africa and internationally. He is responsible for initiating the monthly Holy Ghost Service (HGS), a large open-air meeting in Nigeria that draws over a million attendees, and the annual 3-Day Special Holy Ghost Service (SHGS), which has attracted average attendance exceeding six million people. These gatherings are typically held at the Redemption Camp in the suburbs of Lagos, Nigeria. Adeboye served as the second national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) from 1992 to 1995. His global influence has earned him numerous accolades; in 2008, *Newsweek* named him one of the 50 most powerful people in the world, and *New African* magazine cited him among the Top 100 most influential Africans in 2019. He has also demonstrated a commitment to education and philanthropy, endowing four Nigerian universities, including Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Nigeria. He has received several honorary doctorates from institutions globally. **Publications and Personal Life** Pastor Adeboye is a prolific author, known for several Christian books, including the widely read devotional, *Open Heavens Daily Devotional*. Other notable works include *Lessons from the Sower*, *Divine Favour*, and *Kingdom Prosperity*. He has been married to Foluke Adenike Adeboye (née Adeyokunnu) since 1967. They have four children: three sons and one daughter. They reside at the Redemption Camp in Nigeria. **Current Status** As of today, Enoch Adeboye remains the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He continues to lead the ministry's expansive global operations, teaching principles centered on faith, prayer, and holiness, while maintaining a significant presence in global Christian leadership.