Matthew Ashimolowo

Matthew Ashimolowo is a British-Nigerian pastor, author, and the founder and senior pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London. Born on 17 March 1952 in Kaduna, Nigeria, he has built one of the largest Pentecostal congregations in the United Kingdom, with around 12,000 members. His television program, Winning Ways, airs on TBN UK, TBN Africa, and KICC TV, extending his reach across continents.

Beyond the pulpit, Ashimolowo is a prolific author and entrepreneur. He has written numerous books on faith, wealth creation, and leadership, and serves as the founder and CEO of ten profitable companies. He also holds the role of Chancellor at Kings University, reflecting his commitment to education. Forbes once estimated his personal fortune at $6 million to $10 million, and he is widely recognised as a pioneer of wealth creation within the Christian community.

In 2026, Ashimolowo remains an influential voice in global Christianity, known for his prosperity gospel and his philanthropic efforts through Compassionate Crusades to the Rural World (CCRW), which delivers medical aid and the gospel to rural communities. [edit]

Matthew Ashimolowo was born on 17 March 1952 in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, into a Muslim family. He was the fourth of five children. Growing up in the northern region, he was immersed in Islamic traditions, and his early life gave no hint of the Christian ministry that would define his future.

As a young man, Ashimolowo encountered Christianity and underwent a profound conversion, a decision that set him on a new path. The details of his education and early career are not widely documented, but his journey from Islam to Christianity was transformative. He felt a calling to ministry and began preaching, initially in Nigeria, before moving to the United Kingdom.

His early experiences in Nigeria, shaped by both faith and the socio-economic realities of the continent, would later influence his ministry's focus on wealth creation and practical Christian living. By the time he arrived in London, he had already developed a vision for a church that would serve the growing African diaspora. [edit]

In 1992, Matthew Ashimolowo founded Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) in London. The church quickly grew, attracting a large congregation of Nigerians and other Africans in the diaspora. Today, KICC has approximately 12,000 members, making it one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the UK.

Ashimolowo's influence expanded through his television program, Winning Ways, which broadcasts on TBN UK, TBN Africa, and KICC TV. He has authored over 30 books, including titles on faith, prosperity, and leadership. His personal website describes him as a recognised global leader and pioneer of wealth creation, and he serves as the founder and CEO of ten profitable companies.

His philanthropic arm, Compassionate Crusades to the Rural World (CCRW), organises medical outreaches and gospel crusades in rural Nigeria. In November 2025, he announced a major crusade in Port Harcourt offering free medical services. In 2026, he attended the dedication of Dreamland and Masters City in Warri alongside Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor David Ibiyeomie, and he has continued to speak on issues of leadership and national unity, urging Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu.

Ashimolowo also serves as Chancellor of Kings University, further cementing his role as an educator and mentor. [edit]

Matthew Ashimolowo is a prominent figure in the prosperity gospel movement, blending spiritual leadership with entrepreneurial acumen. His public image is that of a success-driven pastor who teaches that faith can lead to material wealth. He is known for his authoritative and motivational speaking style, often focusing on practical success principles. His social media presence, including his active Facebook page with nearly 900,000 likes, amplifies his message of wealth creation and leadership. While he is respected by many for his philanthropic work, his wealth and lifestyle have also drawn criticism, with some questioning the prosperity gospel. His public statements, such as his defence of Pastor Adeboye and his urging Nigerians to support President Tinubu, keep him in the news. He has no official fandom name, but his followers engage through church membership, crusades, and online platforms. [edit]

Matthew Ashimolowo commands a congregation that functions less like a typical church and more like a structured corporate-religious ecosystem. His followers, identified simply as members of the Kingsway International Christian Centre or attendees of his crusades, do not operate under a singular fan moniker. Instead, their devotion manifests through high-impact rituals centered on "Prophetic Declarations" and the consumption of teachings on wealth creation. This community amplifies his message by disseminating sermons globally, turning digital views into a form of collective advocacy. They participate in economic empowerment initiatives and organize large-scale charity crusades that provide free medical services, treating his ministry as a vehicle for tangible social change rather than mere entertainment. The interaction remains formal, with Ashimolowo positioned as a spiritual father figure who guides his flock through both theological depth and business acumen. While pop stars rely on chaotic viral moments, Ashimolowo's influence is built on intellectual authority and a consistent narrative of prosperity. He navigates the intersection of faith and politics, recently cementing his status as a defender of clergy against silencing attempts. This unique blend of spiritual leadership and entrepreneurial success has propelled him to global recognition within his specific sphere. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Matthew Ashimolowo is currently the 95th most famous person in Pastors, a position he has held steady since the previous cycle.[edit]

Born on March 17, 1952, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Matthew Ashimolowo was raised in a Muslim family before converting to Christianity, a foundational story fans still retell to illustrate his spiritual journey. As the fourth of five children, he eventually founded the Kingsway International Christian Centre, which now boasts over 12,000 members in London. Beyond the pulpit, he serves as the founder and CEO of ten profitable companies, blending spiritual guidance with sharp business strategy. His philanthropic arm, CCRW, delivers free medical services during massive crusades across Africa. In January 2026, he sparked significant controversy by unfavorably comparing the life progress of musician Sir Shina Peters to that of billionaire Jim Ovia, a moment that ignited public debate about wealth and faith. Later that year, in July, he stood alongside other prominent Nigerian leaders to dedicate major infrastructure projects like Dreamland and Masters City in Warri. He also publicly defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye, declaring that pastors would not be silenced amidst rising tensions. These events have woven a modern legend around him, portraying him not just as a preacher, but as an unshakeable pillar of economic and religious authority in the region.[edit]

Matthew Ashimolowo is married and identifies as a husband and father in his social media bios. His wife's name is not publicly disclosed, and details about their marriage remain private. He has children, though their names and number are not shared publicly. The family resides in London, where Ashimolowo leads KICC. His upbringing in a Muslim household in Kaduna, Nigeria, with four siblings, shaped his early years, but he rarely discusses his family in public forums, preferring to keep his personal life out of the spotlight. [edit]

Matthew Ashimolowo is associated with several prominent Nigerian religious and public figures. He has publicly defended Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He has also appeared alongside Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor David Ibiyeomie at church dedications. In 2026, he was involved in a public dispute with musician Sir Shina Peters, and he has referenced businessman Jim Ovia in his teachings. He also serves as Chancellor of Kings University, connecting him to the academic world. [edit]

Matthew Ashimolowo keeps his personal life private, and little is known about his dating history. He is married, as confirmed by his Instagram bio, which lists 'Husband' as his first identifier. His wife's name has not been publicly disclosed, and the couple has children. There are no public records of any prior relationships, engagements, or divorces. As of 2026, he remains married, though details about the duration of his marriage are not available. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN Editorial Team estimates Matthew Ashimolowo's net worth at $10 Million. This valuation reflects his dual role as a senior pastor leading a massive congregation and a successful entrepreneur managing ten profitable ventures. His income streams include substantial earnings from his television program, Winning Ways, which broadcasts across TBN UK, TBN Africa, and KICC TV. Book royalties from his prolific writings on faith and leadership further bolster his financial standing. His business portfolio features key roles such as Executive Chairman of Makarios Luxury, contributing significantly to his overall wealth. Speaking engagements and the stable revenue generated by his church also play vital roles in this accumulation. While his charitable work through CCRW operates without profit motives, it enhances his public profile and solidifies his reputation as a leader who integrates service with success.[edit]