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Draft:Mike Okonkwo

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  • Comment: See WP:BLP. Statements, starting with the date of birth, need to be sourced or removed. Greenman (talk) 10:19, 13 June 2025 (UTC)


Chukwunweike Michael Okonkwo MFR (born September 6, 1945) is a Nigerian Pentecostal minister and the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM).[1][2], a prominent Christian denomination headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the founder of the Empowerment for the Less Privileged (ELP) Foundation and a former National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). In recognition of his contributions to national development, he was conferred with the Nigerian national honor of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) in 2012.[3][4]

Early Life and Education

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Mike Okonkwo was born in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. He began his primary education at Salvation Army Primary School in Enugu State, later attending Ijero Baptist Primary School in Lagos State, and completing his primary education at St. Mark’s Primary School in Offa, Kwara State. For his secondary education, he attended Mayflower College in Ikenne, Ogun State, and Merchants of Light Grammar School in Oba, Anambra State, graduating in 1963.

In 1981, Okonkwo graduated with a diploma from the Morris Cerullo School of Ministry in San Diego, California, USA. In 1982, he earned a diploma and a Bachelor of Bible Theology from the International Bible Institute and Seminary in Orlando, Florida. He later obtained a Doctor of Divinity degree from Covington Theological Seminary in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, USA.

Ministry

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Okonkwo began his ministerial career in 1972 under the tutelage of Apostle Samuel Egbo at the United Church of Christ (UCC), where he served until 1980. In 1981, he founded The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM) in Lagos, Nigeria. The church, which started in an uncompleted building with a few members, has grown to over 180 branches in Nigeria and ten countries worldwide. As the Presiding Bishop of TREM, He is also the Convener of the Communion of Covenant Ministers International (CCMI), a network designed for fellowship, spiritual covering, mentoring, and strengthening of pastors through conferences and seminars.

Leadership Roles

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Okonkwo has held several leadership positions within the Christian community in Nigeria. He served as the National General Secretary of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) from 1986 to 1995, Deputy National President from 1995 to 1998, and National President from 1998 to 2007. He is also a member of the National Advisory Council of the PFN and a trustee of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)[5][6][7][8]

Philanthropy

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In 1980, Okonkwo established the Empowerment for the Less Privileged (ELP) Foundation, a non-governmental organization committed to alleviating the plight of the less privileged in society. The foundation provides donations to hospitals, establishes free vocational training centers, runs free preparatory schools for secondary school students, and facilitates public enlightenment campaigns on health issues.[9][10][11]

Publications

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Okonkwo is the author of several books, including:

  • Kings on Earth
  • Faith is Now or Never
  • Jesus and Now
  • The Mystery of the Seed
  • Wisdom for the Day (Annual Publication)
  • Overcoming the Siege (2010)
  • It’s Time for a Paradigm Shift (2010)

Personal Life

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Mike Okonkwo is married to Bishop Peace Okonkwo, who serves as the Resident Pastor of the TREM Headquarters Church and is the Proprietress of the Word of Power Group of Schools. They have a daughter.

Awards and Recognitions

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Okonkwo has received numerous awards and honors, including:

Award of Honour

  • Meritorious Achievement Award – International Affairs Leadership
  • Distinguished Role Model Award – University of Lagos Joint Christian Fellowship
  • Bishop Genie J. Evans Memorial Leadership Award
  • Kingdom Promoters Award
  • Distinguished Christian Leaders Merit Award
  • Kwame Nkrumah African Leadership Award
  • Grand Defender of the Christian Faith Award
  • Daughters of Dominion Merit Award
  1. ^ Alabi, Tope (2023-09-09). "Pictorial: Banky W, Mike Okonkwo, Matthew Ashimolowo, others attend Odukoya's funeral". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  2. ^ "Dr. Mike Okonkwo". The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM). Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  3. ^ PastorIhu (2025-01-20). "Biography Of Bishop Mike Okonkwo - Inspiration Portal". inspirationportal.org. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  4. ^ Television, Channels (2012-09-10). "Full list of Nigerians shortlisted for National Honours". Channels Television. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  5. ^ Rapheal (2021-10-16). "Bishop Mike Okonkwo: Nigeria needs a ruthless leader with a human face". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  6. ^ Upfront, Global (2025-01-26). "Crisis Rocks Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, President Accused Of Renegading On Promise". Global Upfront Newspapers. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  7. ^ Bankole, Idowu (2023-09-20). "PFN denies remarks against CAN, says 'it doesn't represent truth'". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  8. ^ Salau, Seyi John (2021-09-20). "Emulate Bishop Mike Okonkwo, PFN urges Nigerians". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  9. ^ Oduah, Henry (2025-04-22). "Mike Okonkwo, Oritsejafor, Kasali, others raise funds for victims of insecurity in North". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  10. ^ Reporter, Our (2025-06-12). "Bishop Okonkwo plans free eye surgeries for 80th birthday". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
  11. ^ Amos (2025-06-12). "TREM, foundation to give free eye surgeries". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
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