Tinubu Hails Bishop Oyedepo at 72 for Decades of Service
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, on his 72nd birthday, praising his contributions to faith, education, leadership and humanitarian work in Nigeria and beyond.
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Bishop David Oyedepo, founder and presiding bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, on his 72nd birthday, praising a ministry that has stretched across more than four decades and left a mark on faith, education and public life in Nigeria and beyond.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president joined Oyedepo's family, members of the Living Faith Church, the wider Christian community and his followers in marking the occasion on September 27.
Tinubu said the cleric had consistently promoted integrity, discipline, diligence, responsibility and excellence, values that he said contribute to stronger families and institutions. He described Oyedepo as a prominent Nigerian voice on faith, leadership and human development whose books and teachings have reached audiences across national and continental boundaries.
«Bishop Oyedepo's influence extends beyond the pulpit into education, publishing, leadership development and humanitarian service, with the Living Faith Church maintaining a significant international presence across Africa and other parts of the world,» the president said.
The statement singled out Oyedepo's investment in education, particularly through Covenant University and Landmark University, which Tinubu said have contributed to academic development, entrepreneurship, leadership and innovation. He also noted that the cleric's work has extended into publishing, humanitarian activities and leadership development.
Tinubu saluted the social-development initiatives associated with Oyedepo's ministry, including schools, healthcare facilities and humanitarian interventions, as well as the David Oyedepo Foundation's support for education and people in need.
«For over four decades of ministry, Bishop Oyedepo has become a prominent Nigerian voice on faith, leadership, integrity, education and human development,» the president said, adding that his commitment to building lives, institutions and communities has given the ministry a significant national and international footprint.
The president offered prayers for Oyedepo's continued wisdom, strength, good health and renewed grace, wishing him many more years of fulfilment and service to God and humanity.
Oyedepo, one of Nigeria's most recognisable religious figures, has led Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners Chapel, since its founding in the early 1980s. Under his leadership, the church has grown into a global network with congregations in several countries, while its affiliated institutions have become part of the country's educational landscape.
The birthday message reflects the continuing public role of religious leaders in Nigeria, where churches and their founders are often credited not only with spiritual guidance but also with shaping education, philanthropy and civic values. Tinubu's tribute placed Oyedepo within that tradition, framing his decades of ministry as a contribution to national development as well as to the life of the Christian community.
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