Apostle Emmanuel Iren Biography: Age, Wife, Family, Ministry, Songs, Net Worth and More

Introduction

Apostle Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren is a Nigerian preacher, gospel singer, author, and teacher of the Word of God. He is the Founder and Lead Pastor of Celebration Church International (CCI), a fast-growing church with branches across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Beyond preaching, he is also the founder of Outburst Music Group, a gospel music ministry that has released several spirit-filled songs. His unique approach to teaching combines sound doctrine with practical examples, making him one of the most relatable and followed young pastors in Nigeria today.

This biography covers Apostle Emmanuel Iren’s early life, education, ministry journey, marriage, children, achievements, controversies, net worth, and legacy.

Early Life and Background

Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren was born on 18th December 1989 into a Christian family in Lagos, Nigeria, though his roots trace back to Akwa Ibom State.

He attended Saint Bernadette Nursery and Primary School in Ipaja, Lagos, before moving on to Queen’s Choice Nursery and Primary School in Ikotun, Lagos. For his secondary school, he went to Doregos Private Academy, where he stood out as a bright and disciplined student.

Growing up, Emmanuel had a strong Christian foundation. His parents instilled in him the fear of God and discipline, values that shaped his personal life and later influenced his calling into ministry.

Education

After secondary school, Emmanuel Iren gained admission into Covenant University, Ota, where he studied Building Technology. While in university, he developed a deeper passion for God and started engaging in ministry work among fellow students.

Later, he obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Lagos, which broadened his leadership and organizational skills — qualities that today reflect in the structure and growth of his ministry.

Call to Ministry and Founding of Celebration Church

While still an undergraduate, Emmanuel Iren started a Christian fellowship on campus called Triumphal Youth Fellowship. This fellowship gave him early ministry experience and connected him with other young believers.

After graduation, he officially started a church in November 2012, then called Life Triumphal Church. By 2014, the name was changed to Celebration Church International (CCI).

From a small congregation in Lagos, CCI has grown to become an international ministry with branches across major Nigerian cities such as Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt, and in countries like the UK, Canada, and the USA.

His vision for the church is simple: “to raise people fully yielded to God and Christ-conscious in their daily living.”

Ministry Programs and Outreach

Over the years, Apostle Emmanuel Iren has initiated several platforms and programs that extend beyond Sunday services:

• Triumph30 Devotional – a platform encouraging believers to pray and study the Word daily.
• Manifest Bible Course – a training school for Christians to grow deeper in biblical knowledge.
• Outburst Music Group – a gospel music platform where he records and releases songs for worship and edification.
• Conferences and Crusades – CCI organizes life-transforming conferences such as Word Explosion and Celebrate Jesus Conference, which attract thousands of believers.

Ordination and Apostolic Office

Emmanuel Iren has often been described as a teacher with an apostolic calling. His messages are Christ-centered, with a strong emphasis on understanding scriptures accurately and applying them to daily life.

He was later recognized formally as an Apostle, a title that affirms his global mission of spreading the gospel and raising leaders in different nations.

Age and Family Life

As of 2025, Apostle Emmanuel Iren is 35 years old (turning 36 in December).

He is married to Pastor Laju Iren, a writer, filmmaker, and content creator who also pastors alongside him at CCI. The couple got married in November 2014, and their union has been an example of godly marriage to many young Christians.

The marriage is blessed with four children:

1. Ruby-Grace Iren (daughter)
2. Nadia Iren (daughter)
3. Nasara Iren (daughter)
4. Kairos Emmanuel Touyo Iren (son, born in 2022)

The Iren family is often admired for their closeness, simplicity, and commitment to kingdom service.

Emmanuel Iren as a Gospel Musician

In addition to being a preacher, Apostle Emmanuel Iren is also a gospel artist and songwriter. Through his Outburst Music Group, he has released several songs and albums.

• In 2017, he released his first music project titled Kerygma.
• In 2022, he released the highly acclaimed album Apostolos: Sounds of Transition, which featured hit songs like In Your Name, Overcome, and Glory.
• He has collaborated with top gospel artists like Sinach, Judikay, Nosa, and E-Daniels.

His music is known for its deep scriptural content, focusing on worship, prayer, and victory in Christ.

Achievements and Recognitions

Apostle Emmanuel Iren’s contributions to the Christian faith and society have earned him recognition both locally and internationally. Some notable achievements include:

• Founder of Celebration Church International (CCI) with branches in multiple nations.
• Author of several Christian books and devotionals.
• Founder of Outburst Music Group, with songs topping gospel charts.
• Recognition as one of Nigeria’s most influential young pastors.
• Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Myles Leadership University (2023).
• Appointed as President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Youth Wing (2025).
• In 2025, he announced the establishment of a free primary school in Ibadan to provide education for less privileged children.

Controversies

As a public figure, Apostle Emmanuel Iren has faced some controversies, though none have derailed his ministry.

Some critics have questioned the rapid expansion of Celebration Church and its approach to youth-focused ministry. However, Apostle Iren continues to emphasize integrity, transparency, and biblical teaching.

Overall, he is respected as one of the most disciplined and consistent voices among Nigeria’s new generation of church leaders.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Apostle Emmanuel Iren’s net worth is estimated between $8 million and $10 million.

His income streams include:

• Pastoral ministry and church-related programs.
• Music and album sales.
• Book sales and speaking engagements.
• Investments in real estate and other ventures.

While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, his financial stability allows him to fund outreach programs such as free schools and community projects.

Teaching Style and Ministry Focus

Apostle Emmanuel Iren is widely admired for his teaching style — simple, scriptural, and easy to understand. He often breaks down complex biblical concepts into practical lessons for everyday life.

His ministry focus includes:

• Raising leaders who are Christ-centered.
• Equipping Christians to influence culture and society positively.
• Teaching the Word of God with clarity and power.
• Using music and media as tools for spreading the gospel.

Legacy and Future Outlook

At just 35, Apostle Emmanuel Iren has already built a legacy that many ministers only achieve later in life. His church continues to expand, his music reaches thousands globally, and his initiatives impact both believers and non-believers.

The upcoming free primary school project in Ibadan signals his desire to leave a lasting social legacy beyond the pulpit. His influence in both ministry and gospel music ensures that his relevance will keep growing for decades to come.

Conclusion

Apostle Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren is a preacher, teacher, gospel singer, husband, and father whose life reflects dedication to God’s kingdom. From his days as a young fellowship leader in Covenant University to becoming the founder of an international church, his journey is one of passion, discipline, and impact.

Married to Pastor Laju Iren and blessed with four children, his family life also reflects the values he preaches. Through Celebration Church International, Outburst Music, books, and social projects, Apostle Emmanuel Iren has established himself as one of the leading Christian voices of his generation.

With his passion for teaching, music, and youth empowerment, his influence will only continue to spread — both in Nigeria and across the globe.