Eighteen Nigerian celebrities, including Jimmy Odukoya, Yul Edochie, Zack Orji, Eucharia Anunobi, Liz Benson, and Patience Ozokwor, have transitioned from entertainment to Christian ministry, taking on pastoral or evangelistic roles. Some, like Yul Edochie, Patience Ozokwor, and Jimmy Odukoya, have continued their entertainment careers alongside their religious callings. Their journeys vary from formal ordination and church leadership to evangelism and independent ministries, demonstrating that becoming a minister does not always mean leaving Nollywood behind.
Formal Ordinations and Church Leadership
Jimmy Odukoya, known internationally for his role as Oba Ade in The Woman King, serves as Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Fountain of Life Church in Lagos. His pastoral career did not start when he inherited church leadership after his father's death in 2023; the church says he was ordained in Oklahoma in 2007, in Nigeria in 2009, and became a pastor at the church in 2012.
Veteran actor Zack Orji, who has appeared in more than 100 films, was ordained a reverend in 2012 by Bishop Lawrence Osagie of Power Line Bible Church. His ministry has taken him beyond Nigeria, with preaching engagements abroad and across different churches. Orji has described acting and ministry as callings, explaining that his celebrity status provides an avenue to reach people with the gospel.
Kenneth Okonkwo, famous as Andy Okeke in Living in Bondage, is identified by Cedar House of Faith Ministries International as its founder and General Superintendent, ordained as a Reverend serving in the office of Pastor-Teacher. Chris Okotie, a former major pop musician with songs including "Carolina," "Show Your Backside," and "Fine Mama," founded Household of God Church International Ministries in Lagos and has served as its pastor for decades.
Evangelists and Preachers Who Stayed in the Spotlight
Eucharia Anunobi, known for films such as Glamour Girls and Abuja Connection, was reportedly ordained an evangelist on February 5, 2012, at Fresh Oil Ministry in Egbeda, Lagos. Liz Benson, one of the biggest female stars of 1990s Nollywood, was ordained as an evangelist at Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri and became involved in ministry with her late husband, Bishop Great Ameye.
Patience Ozokwor, known as Mama G, was ordained as an evangelist and has preached in several churches, believing she was called to win souls. Charles Okafor, who appeared in Domitilla, Forest of Promises, and Boiling Point, confirmed he had been ordained a pastor and said his beliefs made him selective about scripts. Sylvester Madu, known for playing tough characters, left acting to become a pastor in Christ Embassy, with ministry based in Lagos, and was reported to have been involved in door-to-door evangelism.
From Music and Nollywood to New Ministries
Banky W, born Bankole Wellington, has worked as an associate pastor at churches including This Present House and Waterbrook Church in Lagos and is currently described as a Global Ambassador and Associate Pastor of Union Church in the United States. Soul E, whose real name is Emmanuel Okose, known for songs such as "Baba Dey Here," identified himself as Apostle Emmanuel Okose in a 2021 interview with Vanguard, serving as General Overseer of New Evidence Christian Church of God.
Yul Edochie announced in January 2024 that he had accepted a calling from God and launched True Salvation Ministry, holding online services via YouTube. His first online service was held on January 28, 2024, during which he explained that a serious car accident years earlier had been a turning point in his spiritual journey. In February 2026, Tonto Dikeh announced she had completed a discipleship programme at Streams of Joy International, led by Pastor Jerry Eze, and in August 2026 announced New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle (NWPT), an interdenominational ministry focused on prayer, revival, spiritual training, and Christian fellowship.
Legacy Figures and Newest Additions
Idowu Philips, aka Iya Rainbow, a veteran Yoruba actress, established a church in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos after feeling called to build a church. Iyabo Ogunsola, known for portraying Efunsetan Aniwura, is now known as Evangelist Iyabo Ogunsola. Okey Ogunjiofor, co-producer and writer of Living in Bondage, has described himself as a preacher of the gospel and stopped taking many acting roles to avoid conflict with his preaching.
Kanayo O. Kanayo, famous for villainous roles, has participated in Christian crusades and been a guest minister at Christian programmes. Nollywood actress Jumoke Odetola, in September 2026, announced she is now a minister of God and a preacher of the gospel, revealing a new calling to share her faith, and said she may soon be seen preaching publicly, including on the streets, but has not announced leaving acting behind.
