Nkechi Francis Anayo-Iloputaife is a Nigerian charismatic leader, pastor and

televangelist Televangelism (wikt:tele-, tele- "distance" and "evangelism," meaning "Christian ministry, ministry," sometimes called teleministry) is the use of media, specifically radio and television, to communicate Christianity. Televangelists are minister ...

. In 1985, along with her husband, she co-founded Victory Christian Church. She remained one of the leaders of the church until the assassination of her husband, who was the overall head of the church. After his death in 1995, she assumed his previous role, overseeing the entire activities in the church. She is also credited to be involved in humanitarian and philanthropic activities. Modern Ghana likened her management of the church affairs to her having the "leadership spirit of a man". In 2014, ''

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'' described her governance and coordination of the church as evidence that "what a man can do, a woman can also do, even better at times".

Biography

Prior to meeting her husband, Nkechi had a

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background. She was married to Harford Anayo Iloputaife until his assassination in February 1995, a case that still remained unsolved. She had alleged that government may had some input in the event that led to his demise, due to his strong position on the leadership of Nigeria at the time. She regards her deceased husband as her mentor, describing him as "closest representation of

Christ Jesus, likely from he, יֵשׁוּעַ, translit=Yēšūaʿ, label=Hebrew/Aramaic ( AD 30 or 33), also referred to as Jesus Christ or Jesus of Nazareth (among other Names and titles of Jesus in the New Testament, names and titles), was ...

likeness in human form" in an interview with ''

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''. Since his death, Nkechi has been the leading figure of the church, which she attested to her husband announcing her as a "co-visioner" in 1985. Being questioned by '' Daily Independent'' on how she has been able to lead men in her church, Nkechi explained that she "...relates with them as a mother and their spiritual leader". Speaking on her fashion sense, Nkechi explained that the meaning of her name is "style and elegance", while describing her trendy looks as being "simplistic and elegant".On whether she hopes to remarry, the energetic preacher told Daily Independent in a different interview that "No, marriage is not in my agenda at all, it’s over, I’m done with marriage, I’m married to Jesus. I’m just asking for more grace for all the things He has put in my hand to do and I have asked him to keep me strong so that I can finish well." She has been involved with donation of materials to educational institutions and other charitable endeavors.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Anayo-Iloputaife Living people Nigerian Christian religious leaders Nigerian television evangelists Women Christian clergy Year of birth missing (living people)