Enoch Adeboye

Enoch Adejare Adeboye: Biography Enoch Adejare Adeboye was born on March 2, 1942, into a humble family in the village of Ifewara, Osun State, in the South-Western part of Nigeria. He often recounts tales of his humble beginnings, including wearing his first pair of shoes at the age of 18. Adeboye developed a passion for books and an aptitude for science, particularly mathematics, during his youth. He was admitted to Ilesha Grammar School in 1956. He pursued higher education in the field, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1967. In 1969, he earned a Master of Science degree in Hydrodynamics from the University of Lagos, and later a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the same university in 1975. Following his academic career, he lectured at the University of Lagos and the University of Ilorin. Enoch Adeboye’s transition into ministry began after he made a personal commitment to Christ on July 29, 1973, through the ministry of Reverend Josiah Olufemi Akindayomi, the founder and first General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). He quickly manifested an incredible passion for the work of the Lord, pioneering Bible study meetings, crusades, and evangelistic programs. He was ordained as a pastor in the church in 1975, where he initially served as an interpreter. In 1981, he became the General Overseer of the RCCG, succeeding Pa. Josiah Akindayomi. Under Adeboye's leadership, the RCCG experienced explosive growth, expanding from a relatively small Nigerian Pentecostal movement to a global denomination with millions of members and congregations in over 200 nations worldwide. His ministry emphasizes holiness, faith, prayer, and community service. His major achievements include initiating large-scale evangelistic efforts such as the monthly Holy Ghost Service (HGS) in Nigeria, which draws an average attendance of over 1 million people, and the annual 3-Day Special Holy Ghost Service (SHGS), which has attracted over 6 million attendees. Notable works by Enoch Adeboye include being the author of numerous books and publications, most notably the popular daily devotional guide, *Open Heavens Daily Devotional*. Other publications include *Lessons from the Sower*, *Christian Moderator*, *Deadly Enemy of Man*, *Divine Favour*, *Kingdom Prosperity*, *Fruits of the Spirit*, and *God of Wonders*. Adeboye has also endowed four Nigerian universities, including Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Nigeria, to support education. In addition to his religious influence, Pastor Adeboye has received significant global recognition. *Newsweek* magazine cited him as one of the "50 most powerful people in the world" in 2008, and he was named one of the "Top 100 most influential Africans" by *New African* magazine in 2019. He has also received several honorary doctorates from various institutions, including the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan. Adeboye married Foluke Adenike Adeboye (née Adeyokunnu) in 1967. They have four children (three sons and one daughter) and reside at the Redemption Camp in the suburbs of Lagos, Nigeria. He served as the second national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria from 1992 to 1995. As of his current status, he continues to lead the Redeemed Christian Church of God as its General Overseer, overseeing its global ministry and massive humanitarian and educational efforts.