Bishop Charles Ighele.
By Odinaka Uruakpa
The Association of Christian Correspondents of Nigeria (ACCoN) has concluded every arrangement to celaberate Bishop Charles Ighele, Holy Spirit Mission, popularly known as the Happy Family Centre, General Superintended, as well as felicitated with him as he marks his 70th birthday Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Mr. Adeola Ogunlade, ACCoN president, made this known while speaking on behalf of the group, saying the Association joined millions of people across the globe in congratulating the great man of God as he celebrates this milestone.
Ogunlade noted that as Patron of ACCoN, Bishop Ighele had consistently exemplified integrity, spiritual leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the work of God and the welfare of humanity.
Said he: “His unique voice in the Nigerian Christian landscape has remained firm, compassionate, and unrelenting in the pursuit of a society that reflects Christ’s love in action.
“Under Bishop Ighele’s leadership, Holy Spirit Mission has grown to nearly 80 branches across Nigeria. Beyond preaching the gospel, the Ministry is deeply involved in various projects, such as feeding the poor, empowering entrepreneurs, and restoring dignity to vulnerable populations”.
Ogunlade said the celebrant’s deep concern for food insecurity had led to a massive agricultural initiative in Ogun State, with plans to build a University of Agriculture and Rural Development.
He added that Ighele also champions education, youth development, and the transformation of communities through practical skills training.
Said he: “His Ministry is currently developing a Skills Acquisition Institute to inspire and equip young Nigerians with tools for self-reliance, particularly in agriculture and enterprise”.
On the Happy Family Television Programme, which the celebrant co-presents with his wife Rev. Carol Ighele, which broke ground in 1995 as Nigeria’s first regular marriage and family intimacy broadcast, Ogunlade said the programme still continues to inspire strong, godly homes across the country.
A graduate of the University of Ife (UI), now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ighele holds a degree in History and Political Science (1980), and has combined intellectual depth with spiritual discernment to lead a church that speaks to both soul and society.
Stated he: “As he marks his 70th birthday this April, we honour a man who believes the church must not just be a place of worship, but a force for societal transformation.
“Bishop Ighele has taught us that true ministry meets people at their points of need—with compassion, with strategy, and with vision.
“We celebrate his life, his service, and his legacy. Happy 70th birthday, Bishop Charles Ighele”.
