Top 10 Famous Female Pastors In Nigeria
Have you noticed the rise of powerful female voices in Nigerian churches? The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28).
This message is seen in the growing number of women taking on leadership roles within the church. However, In this guide, you will learn about the top 10 women who are leading ministries and inspiring congregations across the nation.
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Top 10 Famous Female Pastors In Nigeria
Here are the top 10 most Influential female pastors In Nigeria:
| Pastor Name | Title/Position | Affiliation/Ministry |
|---|---|---|
| Funke Felix-Adejumo | Pastor | Funke Felix-Adejumo Ministries |
| Faith Oyedepo | Wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, Co-founder | Living Faith Church Worldwide |
| Nomthi Odukoya | Founding Pastor | Fountain of Life Bible Church |
| Folu Adeboye | Wife of Pastor E.A. Adeboye, General Overseer | Redeemed Christian Church of God |
| Mercy Ezekiel | Co-Pastor | Christian Pentecostal Mission International (CPM) |
| Pastor Ifeyinwa Adefarasin | Co-Pastor | House on the Rock church |
| Esther Ibanga | Founder | Women Without Walls Initiative |
| Margaret Benson-Idahosa | Head | Church of God Mission International |
| Prophetess Evelyn Joshua | Leader | SCOAN |
| Pastor Peace Okon | Pastor | Dominion City Church |
1. Funke Felix-Adejumo
Reverend (Mrs.) Funke Felix-Adejumo is a great figure in Nigerian Christianity. She wears many hats, a pastor, a motivational speaker, and a prolific author, all driven by a deep passion for helping others.
Pastor Adejumo’s ministry centers around Agape Ministries, a thriving church community she co-founded with her husband, Bishop Felix Adejumo.
Their focus is on strengthening families and empowering individuals, particularly women, to reach their full potential. Her warm and relatable teaching style has connected with millions across Nigeria and beyond.
Pastor Adejumo’s influence extends far and wide. She is a bestselling author, with books like “Fifty Lessons Life Taught Me” and “The Power of a Wise Woman” offering practical guidance and spiritual wisdom on guiding life’s challenges.
Her writing helps readers to build strong relationships, pursue their dreams, and live a fulfilling life of faith. Pastor Adejumo’s commitment to social good is clear in her philanthropic work.
Recognizing the importance of education, she established the Agape Glory Academy, a school providing quality education for underprivileged children. This initiative ensures that young minds have access to the tools they need to succeed.
2. Faith Oyedepo
Faith Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder and president of Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners’ Chapel.
While her husband is the famous face of the ministry, Faith herself is a respected preacher and spiritual leader. Faith was born on May 24, 1958, in Osun State, Nigeria.
She grew up in a Christian family and committed her life to Christ at a young age. In 1982, she married David Oyedepo, who was just starting his ministry at the time.
From those humble beginnings, Faith stood by her husband’s side as the church grew into one of the largest congregations in the world.
Today, Living Faith has branches across Nigeria and in over 300 cities worldwide. Despite being a supportive wife and mother to their four children, Faith is a powerful minister in her own right.
She helps oversee the women’s ministry and regularly preaches at Winners’ Chapel services and events. Her messages focus on teaching biblical principles for successful marriages, parenting, spiritual growth, and living a victorious Christian life.
Faith speaks in a simple, down-to-earth style that connects with both the highly educated and common people. She has authored several books expanding on her teachings, including “Celebrating Marriage” about building godly marriages and “Woman, You Are Next on God’s Agenda” helping women in ministry.
Faith is also known for her work in humanitarian causes like the David Oyedepo Foundation, which provides scholarships and support to the underprivileged across Africa.
At 65 years old, Faith Oyedepo shows no signs of slowing down. She remains a tireless preacher of the gospel, a wise counselor to women, and a wife who partnered with her husband to grow a small Bible study into a global mega-church.
To her millions of followers, Pastor Faith is a beloved spiritual mother and inspiration for living a life fully devoted to God’s purposes.
3. Nomthi Odukoya
Nomthi Odukoya was an Influential pastor In Nigeria who left a lasting impact on many. Born in South Africa, she married Pastor Taiwo Odukoya, and together they served the Lagos community through The Fountain of Life Church.
Sadly, Nomthi passed away in November 2021 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Her faith and strength during this time inspired many.
While a devoted wife, Nomthi Odukoya was much more than just a pastor’s spouse. She was a passionate advocate for children’s rights and well-being.
Her dedication to this cause led her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless young people. Nomthi Odukoya’s work in child advocacy was far-reaching.
She used her platform to raise awareness about issues faced by children and championed initiatives that promoted their safety and education. Nomthi Odukoya’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
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4. Folu Adeboye
Folu Adeboye, also known as Mummy G.O. by many, is a highly respected figure within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Alongside her husband, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of RCCG, they have played a big part in the church’s remarkable growth.
Folu Adeboye is a powerful woman of God, known for her deep faith, wisdom, and dedication to serving others. Within RCCG, Folu Adeboye is Important in several areas. Her ministry focuses on women’s development, empowerment, and spiritual growth.
She is a mentor and counselor to many, offering guidance and support on matters of faith and Christian living. Her passion for evangelism has also led her to actively participate in spreading the gospel message.
5. Mercy Ezekiel
Dr. Mercy Ezekiel is a prominent figure known for her dedication to spreading the Gospel and serving her community.
Alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. O. Ezekiel, she co-pastors the Christian Pentecostal Mission International (CPM), a thriving ministry with a global reach.
Dr. Ezekiel is a leader who goes beyond her co-pastor duties. She serves as the National and International Coordinator for the CPM, overseeing its various branches and outreach programs.
Her strong leadership and organizational skills have been instrumental in the ministry’s growth and success. Dr. Mercy Ezekiel is a passionate advocate for social causes, having established the MEEZ Outreach Initiative.
This program tackles diverse community needs. Faith-based clinics offer medical care, while business development programs empower individuals.
Also, the initiative provides support to expecting mothers. She is a role model for women in leadership and a beacon of hope for those in need.
6. Pastor Ifeyinwa Adefarasin
Many people know Pastor Ifeyinwa Adefarasin as the wife of Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the co-pastor at House on the Rock church. But there’s more to her than that.
Pastor Ifeyinwa is a pastor herself, and she’s also passionate about helping women. Before becoming a pastor, Pastor Ifeyinwa had a very different life.
She worked in a bank and did quite well, even she was a beauty queen in a pageant These experiences might seem far from church work, but they actually help her understand the challenges women face today.
Because of this, Pastor Ifeyinwa started a special program called the Woman to Woman Ministry. This program is there to help women in any way it can.
They offer support groups, talks, and other resources to help women succeed in life, whatever they want to achieve. Pastor Ifeyinwa and Pastor Paul are a great team.
Together, they’ve inspired many people in Nigeria and all over the world. They show that everyone can make a difference, no matter their background.
7. Esther Ibanga
Esther Ibanga is one of the most influential female pastors In Nigeria, dedicating her life to bringing peace and understanding between different religious and ethnic groups.
She founded the Women Without Walls Initiative (WOWWI), known for its amazing work in peacebuilding. Driven by a deep desire for unity and a rejection of violence, Esther Ibanga established WOWWI in 2010.
This was a direct response to the constant religious and ethnic clashes that had troubled Jos, Nigeria, for years. WOWWI’s mission is to create a more peaceful and inclusive society by empowering women.
They bring together women from all backgrounds, helping Christians and Muslims talk and understand each other. This approach, considering both religions, is key to solving the problems that lead to conflict in Jos.
WOWWI uses several ways to achieve its goals. They offer training programs that teach women the skills needed to become peace advocates in their communities.
They also help bring conflicting parties together on neutral ground to find solutions peacefully. Additionally, WOWWI supports people who have been forced to leave their homes due to violence, helping them rebuild their lives.
Then again, they recognize the importance of teaching young people about peacebuilding. They include youth programs that promote tolerance and understanding.
8. Margaret Benson-Idahosa
Margaret Benson-Idahosa is a top figure in Nigerian Christianity. Often referred to as the Matriarch of Church of God Mission International, she is a true trailblazer for women in ministry.
She is the first female Pentecostal Bishop in Africa, paving the way for others to follow. Benson-Idahosa’s life journey is an inspiring story of dedication, faith, and leadership.
Born into Nigerian royalty, she felt a calling to serve God from a young age. She pursued her education and became a trained minister to fight traditional expectations of women in ministry at the time.
Her leadership within the Church of God Mission International has been wonderful. She has played a part in growing the church’s presence not only in Nigeria but across Africa and beyond.
Her passion for spreading the gospel has led her to preach and teach in over 140 countries worldwide. Aside from being a pastor, Margaret Benson-Idahosa is a strong advocate for education and social welfare.
She established the Word of Faith Group of Schools, which now boasts over 100 branches across Nigeria, providing quality education to countless children.
9. Prophetess Evelyn Joshua
Prophetess Evelyn Joshua is one of the most powerful female pastors in Nigeria. Wife of the late Prophet TB Joshua, founder of the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), she has taken on a new and important role as the church’s leader.
Many people in Nigeria and around the world know Prophet TB Joshua for his charismatic ministry and Emmanuel TV. Prophetess Evelyn Joshua has always been by his side, playing a part in the church’s success.
She helped run Emmanuel Global Network, the media arm of SCOAN and was a strong supporter of the many charitable works the church undertook.
People remember her for her kindness and her dedication to helping others. In 2021, after Prophet TB Joshua’s passing, the church looked to Prophetess Evelyn for guidance.
In September of that year, she became the official leader of SCOAN. As the leader of SCOAN, Prophetess Evelyn Joshua has a big responsibility.
The church has a large congregation, both in Nigeria and around the world. She is now in charge of their spiritual well-being and the smooth running of the church. There’s a natural curiosity about what the future holds for SCOAN under her leadership.
People wonder if there will be any changes to the church’s practices, like the televised services or the focus on faith healing, that were hallmarks of Prophet TB Joshua’s ministry.
Only time will tell, but it seems likely that Prophetess Evelyn Joshua will focus on preserving SCOAN’s core values and mission while guiding the church forward.
10. Pastor Peace Okon
Many women in Nigeria look up to Pastor Okon as a role model. She’s not just a pastor leading her congregation, but a strong advocate for women taking on leadership roles in all areas of life.
She even started an organization called Women of Dominion International, specifically aimed at helping women reach their full potential.
This organization provides women with resources, encouragement, and mentors to help them grow. Pastor Okon is also a gifted speaker who inspires people with her messages of faith, hope, and achieving your goals.
She has a way of connecting with people and sharing uplifting messages that connect with them. This has no doubt earned her a large number of followers.
I love the above women of God. By the grace of God, I do have some of their characters.
I wish to be given opportunity to proof God’s grace in my life.
Dr Omon-Irabor Comfort