##Biography
Bishop David Oyedepo is a Nigerian televangelist, pastor, and philanthropist. He is the founder and presiding bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, also known as Winners' Chapel, one of the largest and fastest-growing Christian denominations in the world.
##Early Life and Educational Background
Bishop David Oyedepo was born on September 27, 1954, in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. He hails from Omu-Aran, Kwara State, Nigeria. He had his primary education at St. Stephen's Primary School, Osogbo, and his secondary education at Odo-Otin High School, Osogbo.
Oyedepo went on to study Architecture at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, where he graduated with a Higher National (HND) degree. He later obtained a Bachelor's degree in Theology from the University of Miami, Florida, USA.
##Career
Bishop David Oyedepo's career in ministry began in 1981 when he founded the Living Faith Church Worldwide. He has since become one of the most respected and sought-after pastors in the world, known for his inspiring sermons and philanthropic efforts.
In addition to his pastoral work, Oyedepo is also a televangelist. He has a popular television program, "Winners' Chapel," which airs on several television stations across the world.
##Ministry
Oyedepo became "born again" at the age of 15 in 1969, through the influence of his teacher Betty Lasher (18 June 1930 – 26 August 2022), who took an interest in him during his high school days. According to him, he received a mandate from God through an 18-hour vision in May 1981, to liberate the world from all oppressions of the devil through the preaching of the word of faith. This is the inaugural vision that led to the founding of the Living Faith Church World Wide (LFCWW), first called Liberation Faith Hour Ministries, in 1981.
Two years later, on 17 September 1983, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, ordained David and his wife, Florence Abiola Akano (known as Faith Abiola Oyedepo) to become pastors and officially commissioned the new church. Five years later, Oyedepo was ordained as Bishop by his life mentor, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
Living Faith Church (AKA Winners Chapel International) started in Kaduna but moved to Lagos, the former capital of Nigeria in July 1989, to start a new branch of the church after Oyedepo claimed to have received instructions from God to reach out to the people of Lagos.
According to Forbes, Oyedepo is the wealthiest preacher in the world with a net worth of over US$150 million. The church owns four private jets and several buildings, including in London and the US. Oyedepo is an author and publisher who has written over 70 titles apart from periodicals. He is the chairman or publisher of Dominion Publishing House (DPH), a publishing arm of the ministry. DPH has over 4 million prints in circulation to date. Through Oyedepo; Covenant University, Faith Academy, and Kingdom Heritage Model Schools have been established to equip the youth for global impact. The construction of a third university named Crown University is already underway, located in Calabar, Cross River, Nigeria. In 1998, Oyedepo claimed he was instructed by God to build a new base for the commission to accommodate the increasing number of worshippers. This resulted in Oyedepo's church's acquisition of the initial 530-acre (2.1 km2) facility, known as Canaanland, which serves as the headquarters. It is the home of the 50,000-seat capacity auditorium, the 'Faith Tabernacle'. This was a feat also recorded by the Guinness Book of Records.Construction was completed within 12 months. Reports also claimed that this building was built debt-free. This 50,000-seat edifice was dedicated on 18 September 1999, under the administration of former president Olusegun Obasanjo. Canaanland is in Ota, Ogun state, and is the 5,000-acre (20 km2) estate and campus, that houses The 50,000-seat auditorium, the church secretariat, the church's youth chapel, a primary school called Kingdom heritage model school, a full boarding mission secondary school called Faith Academy, with over 1,500 students and the Covenant University facilities which accommodates over 7,000 students, fully resident in ultra-modern hostel facilities – with fully equipped faculty buildings and numerous staff housing facilities. Canaanland campus also has for-profit establishments operated by the church such as a bakery, a bottled water processing plant, a petrol station, various restaurants and shopping stores, and several residential houses that provide for the over 2,000 church employees and guesthouses. Four banks are also present on this Estate, three of which are branches of external commercial banks and one which is a community and micro-finance Bank operated by the Church. The whole of Canaanland which includes a proposed 15,000 housing estate known as Canaan City had increased to 17,000 acres as of 2012.The Ministry's biggest annual meeting Shiloh, is held every December in the same Faith Tabernacle and often welcomes thousands of congregants across the world. The ministry is currently building a 100,000-seater auditorium called the "Ark", which is reputed to be the building with the largest span in the world.
##Net Worth
Bishop David Oyedepo's net worth is estimated to be around $150 million (approximately N60 billion). His net worth comes from a combination of his pastoral work, televangelism, and business ventures.
##Nominations and Awards
Bishop David Oyedepo has been nominated for several awards, including:
2008: Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Lagos
2009: Honorary Doctorate Degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka
2013: National Honour of the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)
##Personal Life
Bishop David Oyedepo is married to a beautiful woman named Pastor Mrs. Faith Oyedepo, and they have four children together.
##Philanthropy
Bishop David Oyedepo is involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly in the area of education and healthcare. He has worked with several organizations, including the David Oyedepo Foundation, to provide support to underprivileged communities.
##Social Media Presence
Bishop David Oyedepo is very active on social media platforms, including:
Instagram: @davidoyedepoministries (over 2 million followers)
Twitter: @davidoyedepo (over 1 million followers)
Facebook: @davidoyedepoministries (over 3 million followers)
##Conclusion
Bishop David Oyedepo is a renowned televangelist, pastor, and philanthropist who has made a significant impact in the Christian community. His inspiring sermons, leadership, and philanthropic efforts make him a true icon in the industry.