8 businesses owned by Nigeria’s richest pastor, Bishop David Oyedepo

Bishop David Oyedepo, Nigeria’s spiritual leader who ranks as the country’s richest pastor, is known for his wisdom and guidance at Living Faith Church Worldwide, also called Winners’ Chapel in Ota, Nigeria.

He’s not just a faith leader but also an author and philanthropist. Bishop David Oyedepo serves as the President of Living Faith Church Worldwide Inc., a vast Nigerian church network with over 250 locations, born from Faith World Outreach Ministry in 1981.

He leads Africa’s largest worship center, Faith Tabernacle, with a seating capacity of 50,000 in Canaanland, the world’s largest auditorium. The Winners’ Chapel International network spans over 300 cities worldwide, from Nigeria to Dubai, the UK, Europe, Asia, and the US and Canada.

Bishop Oyedepo owns four private jets and homes in London and the United States. He founded Covenant University, a top Nigerian institution, and Faith Academy, an elite high school. His ministry has established more than 100 educational institutions across Nigeria, emphasizing Christian values and personal growth.

As a pioneer in the Christian charismatic movement, an influential preacher, and the Chancellor of Covenant University and Landmark University, Forbes magazine recognized him as Nigeria’s richest pastor in 2011.

Billionaires.Africa explores eight businesses founded by Bishop Oyedepo. His remarkable influence extends far beyond Nigeria, as he has left an indelible mark through his spiritual leadership, educational endeavors, and impactful contributions to the world of publishing

1. Covenant University
   Covenant University (CU) is a distinguished private Christian institution located in Ota, Nigeria. Established by Bishop Oyedepo in 2002 and affiliated with Living Faith Church Worldwide, CU is a prominent member of prestigious academic organizations such as the Association of Commonwealth Universities, Association of African Universities, and the National Universities Commission. In 2019, Times Higher Education recognized CU in the top 401-500 category of world universities. Notably, it holds the record for the fastest operating license application granted by the National Universities Commission.
   
2. Faith Academy Network
   Faith Academy Network is a revered missionary day school system fully owned by the Living Faith Church, operating under the aegis of the Education Commission’s Network of Secondary Schools. With an extensive presence, the Faith Academy Network spans 28 schools, serving virtually every state in Nigeria. This educational network is committed to nurturing young minds and instilling values based on faith and character.

3. Kingdom Heritage Model Schools
   Kingdom Heritage Model School, situated in Canaanland, Ota, is a faith-based nursery and primary school inspired by the vision of the Faith Liberation Hour Ministry led by Bishop Oyedepo. Part of the Living Faith Church, aka Winners Chapel, this network of 156 schools is spread across all 36 states of Nigeria and is managed under the Education Commission of Living Faith Church Worldwide. These schools provide quality education within a Christian framework.
   
4. Landmark University
   Established in 2011 by Bishop Oyedepo, Landmark University is a pioneering private university in Nigeria with a focus on agriculture. Founded by Living Faith Church Worldwide, this institution aspires to lead an agrarian revolution and create a self-sufficient Africa in terms of food security through education. Landmark University is already producing graduates equipped with the skills and character to meet the continent’s growing food needs.

5. Dominion Publishing House (DPH)
   Dominion Publishing House (DPH) is the publishing arm of Bishop Oyedepo’s global ministry, inaugurated on Dec. 5, 1992. DPH boasts an impressive collection of over 70 published Christian, inspirational, and motivational books, as well as mini-books, magazines, and other resources. These materials have reached more than 4 million readers worldwide and were honored with a Gold Merit Award from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 1992.

6. Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI)
   Bishop Oyedepo founded Word of Faith Bible Institute (WOFBI) in 1986 to provide reputable leadership training. With branches in approximately 36 African nations, WOFBI has trained over 50,000 men and women to date. This institute caters to the training needs of ministries and endeavors to equip individuals to achieve great exploits.

7. David Oyedepo Foundation
   The David Oyedepo Foundation (DOF) is a platform dedicated to recognizing and rewarding academic excellence across various institutions under Bishop Oyedepo’s visionary leadership. One of its key mandates is to promote agriculture, especially among youth, with a focus on exceptional students, particularly in agricultural-related fields. Notably, students at Landmark University benefit from this noble initiative.
   
8. David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI)
   David Oyedepo Ministries International (DOMI) is the umbrella organisation comprising Living Faith Church World Wide (a global network of churches), World Mission Agency (WMA); the global missionary arm of the church’s operations, Dominion Publishing House; the publishing arm of the church, Covenant University, and the Social Development Missions projects – made up of hospitals, maternity homes, schools, etc.