Kanayo O. Kanayo, Yul Edochie and 6 Popular Nigerian Celebs Who Answered the Call to Preach
- Nigerian celebrities have taken a bold step away from entertainment to embrace their spiritual callings
- From iconic actors to music stars, these public figures are using their influence to preach, teach, and inspire through ministry
- Among them is veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo, once popularly known for his roles in traditional ritual-themed movies
The Nigerian entertainment industry has a wide range of creatives from different fields of life. It is not surprising to see some of these actors transition from being celebrities to preaching the gospel.
Some of them work in both fields, while others have quit the entertainment industry entirely to pursue their spiritual path.

Source: Instagram
Here are some Nigerian entertainers who have become preachers:
Banky W - Preacher at This Present House Church
Bankole Wellington, better known as Banky W, is a musician, actor, and politician who has ventured into ministry. In 2020, he accepted a pastoral position at This Present House Church, created by Pastor Tony Rapu.
His social media pages demonstrate his turn towards faith-based teachings. Since becoming a preacher, Banky has published an album and a song with gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Zack Orji - Ordained an evangelist
Zack Orji, a well-known Nollywood actor, established himself with the 1991 film Unforgiven Sin. Orji, a former President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), was known for his dynamic performances and leadership, therefore, his transition into ministry was not surprising.
He was ordained as an evangelist at the Christian Central Chapel International (CCCI) and has since been committed to spreading the gospel throughout Nigeria.
Kanayo O. Kanayo - A preacher
Kanayo O. Kanayo, a seasoned actor well known for his ritual-themed film performances, chose a different path in real life. Despite his well-known roles as money ritualists in cinema, Kanayo is a preacher at Christ Mission Worldwide Church in Egbeda, Lagos.
His path exemplifies the dichotomy between amusement and faith, as he actively promotes morality.
Jimmy Odukoya - A senior pastor
Jimmy Odukoya is a multidimensional artist known for his performances as a Nollywood actor and musician, making his debut in 2016 with the film Baby Shower.
Beyond his entertainment career, Jimmy is a motivational speaker, dancer, and fitness fanatic with a diverse set of interests.
He was selected as the senior pastor of the Fountain of Life Church, following his father's death. His election as Senior Pastor began a new chapter in the Fountain of Life Church's history.
Patience Ozokwor - Ministers the word
Patience Ozokwor is a veteran Nollywood actress and gospel singer. She is well-known for her wicked stepmother and wicked mother-in-law characters in Nollywood films, but in recent years, she has been more open about her faith in Christ than ever before. In a 2019 interview, she stated that films about preaching have a global audience.
In 2019, she was seen ministering at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Amuwo-Alaba, Lagos State. She has also spoken about her personal life and her encounter with Jesus Christ, dismissing the distinction between acting and ministry.
Liz Benson - An evangelist
Elizabeth Benson, also known as Liz Benson, is a seasoned Nollywood actress, television personality, and philanthropist.
Liz Benson began acting when she was five years old, and in 2009, she married a man who is now Bishop of the Rainbow Christian Assembly in Warri, Delta State, and was ordained as an evangelist. Liz and her husband jointly oversee the church's operations.
Eucharia Anunobi - An ordained pastor
Eucharia Anunobi, known for her high-class roles in the films Glamour Girls and Abuja Connection, stunned moviegoers by committing her life to Christ. She remarked that her position as a pastor does not prevent her from taking on such “promiscuous” movie roles.
Pastor Psalm Okpe ordained her at the Fresh Oil Ministries Church in Egbeda, Lagos State. Eucharia counsels youth in the church and teaches God's word around the world as she travels.
Yul Edochie - Online preacher
Nigerian actor and filmmaker Yul Edochie recently took on the role of preacher after he established an online church named True Salvation Ministry.
He claims to have received a heavenly order to serve God following a major accident in 2019, during which he heard voices and felt compelled to work for Him. His ministry activity includes preaching, but he also combines traditional Igbo worship and customs into his teachings.
Yul Edochie speaks on traditional worship
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigerian actor gave fans an insight into his interest in traditional worship after becoming a pastor
The controversial movie star shared how God was involved in the situation while opening up about feeling incomplete.
Yul Edochie’s disclosure drew the attention of many Nigerians and triggered an online discussion among them.
Source: Legit.ng