The General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission, Bishop Charles Ighele, clocks 70 today, April 8, 2025, drawing tributes from within and beyond Nigeria’s Christian community.
In a statement issued by the President of the Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCN), Mr. Adeola Ogunlade, who praised Bishop Ighele as “a Kingdom General” whose life has been defined by service, integrity, and impact.
“As Patron of our Association,” Ogunlade said, “Bishop Ighele has consistently exemplified integrity, spiritual leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the work of God and the welfare of humanity. His voice remains one of reason and compassion in Nigeria’s faith space.”
He noted that Bishop Ighele leads the Holy Spirit Mission, also known as the Happy Family Centre, a church with close to 80 branches across the country. Under his leadership, the ministry has become a driver of both spiritual renewal and social development. From feeding programmes and empowerment schemes to youth training and community projects, his message of “Life in the Kingdom” is matched by action.
“A major focus of his current work is addressing food insecurity. In Ogun State, the ministry has launched an ambitious agricultural project alongside plans to establish a University of Agriculture and Rural Development. His upcoming Skills Acquisition Institute also aims to equip young Nigerians with vocational and entrepreneurial skills, especially in agriculture” , he said.
Beyond the pulpit, Ogunlade stated that Bishop Ighele is also a familiar face on Nigerian television. Since 1995, he and his wife, Carol, have co-presented The Happy Family Television Programme, the country’s first regular broadcast focused on marriage and family intimacy. The show continues to counsel and inspire strong, faith-driven homes.
“A 1980 graduate of the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), where he studied History and Political Science, Bishop Ighele combines intellectual clarity with deep spiritual conviction. His ministry is rooted in the belief that churches must be more than places of worship—they must be hubs of practical transformation”.
“True ministry,” Ogunlade added, “meets people where they are. Bishop Ighele has shown us what it means to serve with vision and compassion. As he turns 70, we celebrate not just his age, but the enduring legacy he is building.”
