Biography of Pastor E.A. Adeboye – General Overseer, RCCG

“A humble man with a global mandate.”

Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, fondly called Daddy G.O., is a respected Nigerian pastor, teacher, mathematician, and the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) - one of the largest and fastest-growing Pentecostal churches in the world.

His journey from a humble village boy to a global spiritual father is a powerful testimony of divine grace, radical obedience, and kingdom vision.

Early Life and Education

  • Full Name: Enoch Adejare Adeboye
  • Date of Birth: March 2, 1942
  • Place of Birth: Ifewara, Osun State, Nigeria
  • Tribe: Yoruba

Born into a very poor family, Adeboye once shared how his parents couldn’t afford to buy him shoes until he was 18 years old. Yet he was driven by a hunger for education and excelled in academics despite economic hardships.

Academic Achievements:

  • BSc in Mathematics – University of Nigeria, Nsukka (later completed at University of Ife due to the Nigerian civil war)
  • MSc in Hydrodynamics – University of Lagos
  • PhD in Applied Mathematics – University of Lagos (1975)

Before ministry, Pastor Adeboye worked as a university lecturer and had dreams of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Vice-Chancellor.



Salvation and Call to Ministry

In 1973, Enoch Adeboye gave his life to Jesus Christ at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) under the ministry of Pa Josiah Akindayomi, the church’s founder.

Initially, Adeboye helped with Bible translation and interpretation, due to his fluency in English and Yoruba. But within a few years, he was deeply involved in church work and spiritual training.


 Becoming General Overseer of RCCG

When Pa Akindayomi passed away in 1980, he had already prophesied that Pastor Adeboye would succeed him—a surprise to many, considering Adeboye’s relatively short time in ministry.

At just 38 years old, Adeboye became the General Overseer of RCCG.


Vision and Expansion

Pastor Adeboye received a clear divine mandate:

“Take the gospel to every nation of the world.”

Under his leadership, RCCG moved from 40 parishes in Nigeria to over 190 countries worldwide, including the U.S., UK, Brazil, UAE, South Africa, Canada, Australia, and more.

Today, RCCG has:

  • 50,000+ parishes globally
  • A strong presence in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas
  • A large youth movement and campus fellowships
  • The Redemption Camp—a city-sized prayer ground on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway


 The Holy Ghost Services

In 1986, Pastor Adeboye started the monthly Holy Ghost Services—a massive all-night program of worship, teaching, healing, and deliverance.

These gatherings now attract millions, both physically and virtually. The Annual Holy Ghost Congress in December is one of the largest Christian events on earth.


Personal Life and Values

  • Spouse: Pastor (Mrs) Foluke Adeboye (married since 1967)
  • Children: Four biological children, including Pastor Dare Adeboye (of blessed memory)
  • Known for: humility, prayerfulness, discipline, and simplicity

Pastor Adeboye is also the author of numerous books and devotionals, including:

  • Open Heavens (Daily Devotional)
  • The Mathematics of Marriage
  • In His Presence
  • Walking in the Spirit


Global Recognition

  • Listed among the Top 50 Most Influential People in the World by Newsweek (2008)
  • Regularly invited to speak in nations, universities, and interdenominational conferences
  • Known globally as a spiritual father to millions across different denominations


  FAQs

Is Pastor E.A. Adeboye a professor?

Yes. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics and served as a university lecturer before becoming a full-time pastor.

When did Pastor Adeboye become General Overseer?

He became the General Overseer of RCCG in 1981, following the death of founder Pa Josiah Akindayomi.

What is RCCG known for?

The Redeemed Christian Church of God is known for massive evangelism, prayer-focused programs, youth ministries, and its global church-planting mission.

Does Pastor Adeboye live in Nigeria?

Yes, he resides in Redemption Camp, Ogun State, Nigeria, which serves as the headquarters of RCCG.


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