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Chris Okotie (born 16 June 1958) is a leading Nigerian televangelist and the pastor of the Household of God Church International Ministries, a Pentecostal congregation in Lagos, Nigeria since February 1987.

Personal life

Chris Okotie in 2012 got divorced from Stephanie Henshaw, a widow and mother of three. This was his second marriage. Tina, his first wife left him and relocated to the US.

One of his hobbies include jogging, martial art and music.

Education and career

Okotie was born to Francis Idje and Cecilia Okotie, in Ethiope-West, Delta State (then Bendel State). He attended secondary school at Edo College, Benin City. In 1984, he graduated with a degree in law from the University of Nigeria at Nsukka. Okotie abandoned his schooling for a while to pursue a highly successful pop music career before his returning abruptly. He had a highly successful music career with his peers such as Dizzy K Falola, Jide Obi, and Felix Liberty and they stimulated the emerging music industry of Nigeria.

At the height of his pop music success he returned to school to complete his education and graduated with a law degree. Whilst undergoing law school he interrupted his schooling again to begin his religious ministries. Okotie attended the Grace Fellowship Bible School, and, soon after, established the Household of God Ministry.

In 1990, Okotie established the annual Karis Awards, hosted by his church, to recognize and financially reward Nigerian citizens who selflessly serve the nation.

Presidential runs

Okotie first ran for the President under the banner of the Justice Party (JP); he lost to Olusegun Obasanjo in the May 2003 elections. He ran again in 2007 as a member of the Fresh Democratic Party and lost to Umaru Yar'Adua in the May 2007 elections.

Publications

    * The Last Outcast (2001)