Stephen Adegbite
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University of Ibadan
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite August 17, 1968 |
| Other names | STV Adegbite |
| Alma mater | Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan University of Ibadan |
| Occupations | Bishop, theologian, administrator |
| Known for | Executive Secretary, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State |
| Spouse | Princess Adewunmi Fadeke Adegbite |
Stephen Tunde Victor Adegbite (born 17 August 1968), is a Nigerian bishop of the Methodist Church Nigeria, theologian, and public administrator.[1][2][3] He serves as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) and Chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel.[4][5][6][7] He is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Ikeja and the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).[8][9][10]
Adegbite was born on 17 August 1968 in Oyo State, Nigeria.[1] He attended Fiditi Grammar School, Fiditi, from 1979 to 1985.[1][2] He then studied at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan (1988–1991), earning Diplomas in Theology and Religious Studies.[2][4] He obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Religious Studies from the University of Ibadan (1992–1995), followed by a Master of Arts in Ethics (1998) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the same university in January 2022.[2]
He also attended management and administration courses, including the CORAT programme in Kenya (2008) and multiple Management Courses for Presbyters at ASCON, Badagry.[1][2]
Ministry and career
Adegbite is an ordained minister in the Methodist Church Nigeria.[11] He has served in various capacities, including as Presbyter at Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos (during which a new church building was constructed), Proto-Presbyter at Methodist Church of the Trinity, Tinubu, Lagos (2012–2015), and Synod Secretary for both Trinity Church Council and Lagos Diocese.[2] He was also Coordinator of Lay Preachers in the Archdiocese of Lagos and Chairman of City Wide Crusade for Lagos Diocese.[12][3]
He rose to become Bishop of the Diocese of Ikeja and has served as the supervising Bishop for Igbobi College, Lagos, representing the Methodist Church Nigeria.[13] He was formerly Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Lagos State, and later Chairman of CCN Southwest.[14][15] He has led Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem and other holy sites for over 23 years.[16][1]
In January 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed him as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), making him the 4th substantive holder of the office.[17][18][19] He also serves as Chaplain of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel in Abuja.[20]
Leadership in Christian organisations
Adegbite has held ecumenical positions. He served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State chapter (re-elected for a second term).[9][14] He is a member of the Inter-Faith Committee of Lagos State under the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).[21] He has been recognised for promoting interfaith harmony and Christian unity.[22][23][24][25]
He is known as a preacher, scholar, and advocate for good governance, peace, and religious harmony in Nigeria.[2]
Personal life
Awards and recognition
Adegbite has received academic and professional honours throughout his career. He was awarded:
- Best Student in English Language at Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan (1991)[12]
- Best Student in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan (1996 set)[2]
- Best Postgraduate Student, University of Ibadan (1998 set)
He has received awards from various Christian bodies and organisations. Notable honours include:
- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and Honorary Professor in Humanitarianism, conferred by Heart Bible International University and Seminary, USA (July 2024)[28][29]
- Africa Christian Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by CLIMA Awards and Magazine)[30]
- Award of Excellence, presented by the Coalition of Nigerian Christian Bishops and Clerics (28 August 2025)[31][32]
- Life Patron Award by the National APC Christian Leaders Forum of Nigeria (November 2025)[33][34]
- Meritorious Service Award by the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) (June 13, 2024)[35][36]