FOREMOST NIGERIAN ARCHITECTS TURNED PASTORS AND MINISTERS

Architecture: described as the art/practice of designing and constructing buildings.

Completing a degree in architecture can be a long and arduous process, but also wonderfully rewarding as the skills and knowledge you can acquire as an architect  also allows you to pursue a variety of careers that aren’t related to architecture, if you so choose.

This is especially true for you if you have studied and gained knowledge in other areas in parallel with architecture, such as business, history, interior design or fine arts.

Benjamin Franklin once said: "you can do anything you set your mind to.” 

As well as a career in architecture, Architects tend to be able to develop skills and knowledge relating to their own interests and professional directions, which may or may not involve a career in Architecture. 

For your digest, below is a list of Notable Nigerian architects who have transitioned into Ministerial and Pastoral careers, this list also includes quite a few surprise mentions.

1.  BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO

Bishop David O. Oyedepo studied Architecture at Kwara State Polytechnic now Kwara State University and worked briefly with the Federal Ministry of Housing in Ilorin before resigning to concentrate on Missionary work. He also gained a Ph.D in Human Development from Honolulu University, Hawaii, United States of America.

Bishop David O. Oyedepo is a Nigerian Christian author, preacher and the founder of Living Faith Church World Wide, popularly known as Winner’s Chapel, and its affiliated international churches known as Winners Chapel International, with headquarters in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Bishop David Oyedepo’s Faith Tabernacle, Ota, which he heads, seats 50,000. It is reported to be the largest church auditorium in the world, bench marked in the Guinness Book of Records in 2008 and 2009. it was built within 12 months, debt free, a feat which many describe as only a “miracle” as it should take at least three years to complete such edifice. it was dedicated on September 18, 1999 under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

2.  PASTOR PAUL ADEFARASIN

Pastor Paul Adefarasin is a Christian minister, author and televangelist. He hosts the weekly television religious program, Something Is About to Happen!, which is broadcast throughout Africa and Europe. 

Pastor Paul Adefarasin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Miami. He practiced as an Architect in Florida before his call into Ministry. He is the founder, Senior Pastor and Prelate presiding over the HOUSE ON THE ROCK churches headquartered in Lagos.

He is the convener and host of the annual Experience Interdenominational Gospel concert often tagged the largest musical concert in Africa.

As a visionary, he obeyed the leading of God to start the Lagos Experience Gospel Musical Concert and the program was first produced in 2006. Now in its tenth year, the Lagos Experience has become a landmark event that draws gospel music greats of this age.

Pastor Paul Adefarasin is married to pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin, and together, they have three lovely children, 

3.  PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome studied Architecture at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma in Nigeria’s Edo state.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founding president of Christ Embassy (aka Believers’ LoveWorld), an evangelical Christian ministry with headquarters in Lagos, Nigeria.

Christ Embassy also known as Believers’ LoveWorld Incorporated, is a megachurch and a Christian denomination founded by pastor Chris Oyakhilome in 1990.

The Church has since become a global network of churches with congregations in many countries, with millions of members. The headquarters of Lagos has over 40 000 members. The ministry was founded in Pastor Chris’ university. There are several major programs with thousands to millions of people in attendance.

4.  PASTOR NIKE ADEYEMI

Pastor Nike Adeyemi graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) with a B.sc and M.sc in Architecture in 1989 and 1991 and also with an MBA from Business Studies in Netherlands. She further trained in Strategic Perspective for Non-Profit Management at Harvard Business School. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Researchers and Administrators of Nigeria, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Social Workers among others.

The Architect turned Pastor is the Director, Women Ministries of Daystar Christian Church and the President of Real Women Foundation, a motivational and healing ministry for women.
Like her husband, she is an author, seminar facilitator and television host with her programme, ‘Real Woman with Nike’. She is also an international conference speaker and has been privileged to minister within and outside Nigeria. She is also visible in the Daystar Leadership Academy, a leadership development centre to empower youths and help them in maximizing their potentials.  

5.  PASTOR OLAJUMOKE ADENOWO

Pastor Olajumoke Adenowo was admitted at age 14 to study Architecture at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where she graduated with a BSc. Hons., the Faculty Prize, and proceeded to postgraduate studies where she was awarded the first distinction in the University’s Master of Science in Architecture Program (setting an academic record which held for several years later).

CNN described her as "Africa's Starchitect" and The Guardian (Nigeria) has described her as "the face of Architecture in Nigeria". Adenowo was featured in the world's foremost architectural journal Architectural Record, she holds many honorary degrees, and has spoken at many summits and conferences including the Global Women's Forum and  Harvard Business School  (African Business Club). She hosts a syndicated radio show on leadership "Voice of Change".

She became a Chartered Architect in 1993 and Principal Partner of AD Consulting, an Architectural firm founded in 1994.  AD’s portfolio now includes over 70 completed projects. 

She is the Founder and Coordinator of Awesome Treasures Foundation; a Faith based NGO founded in 1999 out of her passion to impact lives and engage women and youth in the process of national transformation.

In recognition of her work with women in 2007, she was honoured with the Rare Gems award (by WODEF in partnership with UNIFEM and the UNITED NATIONS Information Centre). She is married to Olukorede Adenowo and they are blessed with two sons.

6.  LARA GEORGE

Lara George studied Architecture at the University of Lagos Akoka. Lara joined the fellowship music team on campus, where she met Ty Bello, Emem, and Dapo.  

The bond tightened, and further yielded the group KUSH. The influence of western and homeland tunes in their upbeat sound overwhelmed the populace, grew their fan base, and earned them huge accolades and achievements. The group, however, eventually split up. In spite of all the challenges encountered in the music industry and after a 2-yr break from the scene. 

Lara George re-launched her music career with a solo debut Album titled ‘Forever In My heart’ with Hit Single “Ijoba Orun’. The much-celebrated album earned Lara several nominations and awards such as ‘Voice of the Year 2008’ Nigeria Music Awards, as well as ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Female Artiste of the Year’, Nigeria Gospel Music Awards 2009.

Lara has transformed into the professional whose inspirational style of delivery has helped define the new sound and direction of Nigerian music.

7.  BISHOP BOB ALONGE

Bishop Francis Akinboboye Alonge attended the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he graduated with a Masters degree in Architecture. While at the university, he had a unique encounter with God which changed the course and direction of his life. He gave his life to Christ at the Savannah PolyClinic and shortly after that, he had an open vision where he saw millions reaching out desperately to touch God’s outstretched hands but were unable. Then he heard the Lord say to him, “I HAVE MADE YOU A LINK”. That vision would form the bedrock of his ministry.

Bishop Bob Alonge is the Senior Pastor of The Capital Assembly, a multi-cultural Christian ministry based in Abuja, the capital City of Nigeria. He is an apostolic voice reaching many nations with a message of hope and reformation.

Bishop Bob Alonge combines scriptural insight with practical leadership, management and relational principles. His ministry is characterized by a strong prophetic anointing and a strong manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit.

He is married to Adeteju Oloko and their Union is blessed with three children; Sowapo, Omorinre and Omolola. Their media outreach is reaching many nations and touching lives through satellite TV, publications and the internet. They oversee a ministerial association with members scattered around the world and they are involved in pioneering projects in education, community development and social engineering.

8.  PASTOR ALEX ADEGBOYE

A Chartered Architect by profession, Pastor Alex Adegboye founded The Stone Church in 1993. He gave his life to Christ in 1979 while studying for his degree in Architecture at the University of Lagos.

For many years, he was actively involved in the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship, where he anchored the widely popular TV programme, ‘The Happiest People on Earth’ (THP). He has authored several books amongst which are ”SEX TRAP”, ”THE SCARS OF FAITH” & “YOU ARE THE PROPHET OF YOUR LIFE” just to mention a few. 

He teaches the Word with passion, simplicity and accuracy, emphasizing God’s eternal commitment to bring it to pass. He believes ‘the Word works if It is worked. He is married with children.

9.  PROPHET SAMSON AYORINDE

‘The Prophet’ as he is popularly known holds a master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Ilorin.  

He preaches the word of God across the continents with prophetic anointing, confirmed with miracles, signs and wonders. His Television Ministry is beamed to the world through Faith World Channel U.K while his crusade outreach records great multitudes in attendance and numerous converting.

He is the Founder and General Overseer of World Evangelism Bible Church (WEBIC) with headquarters in Lagos and branches all over Nigeria, Europe and U.S.A. He is married to Rev. (Mrs.) Mercy Ayorinde and they are blessed with children.