Women behind Nigeria’s most influential pastors

Women are powerful and at the same time, can make or mar any man. You can ask men like the Biblical Samson.  As such, for religious leaders who are saddled with the task of shepherding hundreds and even millions of congregation plus families, choosing the right woman is an essential as such woman must buy into their calling. In no particular order, Woman’s Own brings you the pillars behind Nigeria’s most influential men of God. Pastor Faith Oyedepo HER name resonates throughout the ministry of her husband, and though her style is uniquely simple, it is in no way ever devoid of class. Fondly called “Mama”, her sterling attributes as well as powerful voice heavily complement the efforts of her husband who ranks among the world’s wealthiest pastors. Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Dr. David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners’
Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria. Along with her husband of over three decades, Faith preaches in numerous nations of the world. She personally has a ministry targeted at families and homes, to which she has dedicated her life. Her passion has been further strengthened by a recent health challenge which almost sniffed life out of her. Today, she is back at Canaanland, preaching God’s word with more intense passion. Faith is a prolific writer and has authored several books.

Pastor Folu Adeboye FONDLY called “Mummy G.O”, Folu Adeboye is a veteran teacher. The wife of Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, She places premium on modesty. She has carved out a style for herself that has become hers. You’re always likely to see her mostly dressed in skirt suit and a hat to match. When adorning a traditional attire, she loves it simple. What you’ll never catch Folu wear are makeup and jewellery. She directs the Teen and Children Ministry and presides over the Good Women Ministry of the church, to complement her husband’s efforts. Folu has authored several books. Margaret Idahosa THE widow of late Archbishop Benson Idahosa of the Church of God Mission, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa is an excellent proof of the unlimited capability and potentials of a woman. Since the demise of her husband in 1998, Margaret has crested in her heart his vision and pursued it vigorously, further taking the church to greater heights. She is the first female Pentecostal Archbishop and has metamorphosed into one of Nigeria’s leading pastors. Archbishop Margaret Idahosa A woman of many caps, she presides over the women’s arm of the church, Christian Women Fellowship International, CWFI; Benseon Idahosa University and much more. “Mama”, as she is fondly called is style personified even as she continues to age gracefully. Most adorable about her is the fact that she has remained faithful to her marital vows even after Idahosa’s death.   Evelyn Joshua ALTHOUGH much has been heard of Pastor T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, whose miraculous activities, prophetic utterances and charitable endeavours are viewed by millions via Emmanuel TV, little has been heard of family life, particularly his wife. Evelyn is the unassuming woman behind Joshua. Synagogue faithful say this woman is an amazing counsellor. She is also reputed for her simple dress sense devoid of the sort of flamboyance akin to most of her counterparts. She revealed a couple of years ago in an interview that her husband proposed to her when he first met her at the age of seventeen. Since then, the two love-birds have lived happily together, blessed with lovely and intelligent grown-up girls. Evelyn prefers to remain in the shadows supporting her husband whom she says she is lucky to get married to. Helen Oritsejafor HELEN is the wife of Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, founder of Word of the Bible Church. Nobody seems to spot a wide variety of wide hats like this beauty does. Like her husband, she loves the beautiful things of life. You may want to call that flamboyance. *Helen Helen is the President-General of the Daughters of Sarah Fellowship and Chief Host of “Family tips” on the Daughters of Sarah Kitchen Corner TV programme and “Mama Helen and You”, a regular talk show on ABN Africa. Along side complementing her husband’s efforts in the ministry, she runs the Eagle Flight MicroFinance Bank in Warri, Delta State. Evelyn Joshua ALTHOUGH much has been heard of Pastor T.B. Joshua of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, whose miraculous activities, prophetic utterances and charitable endeavours are viewed by millions via Emmanuel TV, little has been heard of family life, particularly his wife. Evelyn is the unassuming woman behind Joshua. Synagogue faithful say this woman is an amazing counsellor. She is also reputed for her simple dress sense devoid of the sort of flamboyance akin to most of her counterparts. She revealed a couple of years ago in an interview that her husband proposed to her when he first met her at the age of seventeen. Since then, the two love-birds have lived happily together, blessed with lovely and intelligent grown-up girls. Evelyn prefers to remain in the shadows supporting her husband whom she says she is lucky to get married to. Ifeyinwa Adefarasin IFEYINWA is the wife of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the General Overseer of the House on the Rock. A former beauty queen during her undergraduate years at the University of Lagos, motherhood has in no way changed her love for wow elements. From stylish clothes to exotic shoes, fragrances and a customised number plate car, Ifeyinwa sure maximises to the fullest the power of personal appearance. Nike Adeyemi ......THIS woman is adored by many for her simple and humble disposition. She dresses moderately and classily. The wife of Pastor Sam Adeyemi of DayStar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos and mother of three, Pastor (Mrs) Nike Adeyemi has grown into a very successful preacher through her support for her husband’s ministry. She dresses simply but creates that attractive ambience whenever she steps out. The soft-spoken graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife where she studied Architecture co-heads the church that boasts of thousands of youths currently.