Several Nigerian pastors who began preaching decades ago remain active in ministry today. From early Pentecostal pioneers to globally known church leaders, these preachers continue to shape Christianity across generations.
1. Apostle O. N. Godwin (96)
Born May 11, 1929, in Isiogbo Nara, Enugu State, Apostle Godwin Ogbonnaya Nwoye, better known as O. N. Godwin, is Nigeria’s oldest active pastor. He founded Christ Ascension Church Nigeria, one of the country’s early indigenous Pentecostal movements. Saved as a child and baptised in 1951, Godwin has spent over seven decades in ministry and still leads services and evangelism in Enugu.
2. Pastor Elijah Abina (90)
Born June 16, 1935, Pastor Elijah Abina has led The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT) since 1988. He left secular work in 1962 to focus fully on ministry. With more than six decades of service, Abina remains a key figure in GOFAMINT’s global outreach and in interdenominational Christian bodies such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
3. Pastor William Kumuyi (84)
Born June 6, 1941, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi founded Deeper Life Bible Church in 1973 as a small Bible study group in Lagos. His ministry now spans over 50 years. The former university lecturer continues to preach, teach, and host large crusades and youth conferences across Nigeria and abroad.
4. Pastor Enoch Adeboye (83)
Born March 2, 1942, Pastor Enoch Adeboye became General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in 1981. A former university lecturer, he was ordained in 1977. Adeboye has led RCCG’s global expansion into more than 190 countries and continues to preach at Holy Ghost Congresses and other church programmes.
5. Archbishop Margaret Idahosa (82)
Born July 29, 1943, Archbishop Margaret Idahosa leads the Church of God Mission International (CGMI), founded by her late husband, Archbishop Benson Idahosa. She has been in ministry for over 40 years and also serves as Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, continuing leadership activities and global outreach.
6. Bishop Mike Okonkwo (80)
Born September 6, 1945, Bishop Mike Okonkwo founded The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) in 1981 after his ordination in 1971. With over five decades in ministry, he continues to oversee church operations, leadership training, and weekly services alongside his wife, Dr. Peace Okonkwo.
7. Evangelist Isaac Omolehin (74)
Born February 24, 1951, Evangelist Isaac Omolehin leads Word Assembly Ministries in Ilorin, Kwara State. His ministry, spanning more than 50 years, focuses on evangelism and discipleship. He continues to travel for outreach programmes across Nigeria and beyond.
8. Pastor Lazarus Muoka (73)
Born in 1952, Pastor Lazarus Muoka founded The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement in December 2002. His ministry has played a major role in Nigeria’s revival movement. Muoka continues to lead large services and crusades that attract followers across the country.
9. Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo (73)
Born March 17, 1952, Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo founded Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London in 1992. With ministry roots in Nigeria dating back to the 1970s, he continues to preach globally and lead outreach initiatives alongside his wife, Pastor Yemisi Ashimolowo.
10. Bishop David Oyedepo (71)
Born September 27, 1954, Bishop David Oyedepo is founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel). Since his call to ministry in 1981, he has led the church for over four decades, overseeing Faith Tabernacle in Ota and global branches. He also heads educational institutions and continues to host the annual Shiloh gathering
