Pastor Tony Rapu is a leading Nigerian pastor, medical doctor, filmmaker, life coach, and social reformer at the helm of the House of Freedom ministry network. From his Igbo Catholic upbringing, he integrates medical knowledge with faith-driven efforts to fight drug addiction and urban poverty.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Anthony Oseloka “Tony” Rapu |
| Date of birth | January 1, 1957 |
| Place of birth | Kano State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Southeastern Nigeria (Igbo) |
| Partner | Nkoyo Rapu (m. 1987) |
| Children | Uju, Kene, Tobe (3 total) |
| Occupations | Pastor, Medical Doctor, Filmmaker, Life Coach |
| Net worth | ~$40.5 million |
Early Life and Education
Tony Rapu entered the world on January 1, 1957, in Kano, Nigeria, as the fourth of six children and sole son to T.D. Rapu, a customs officer, and Maria Rapu, a teacher. He pursued secondary education at King’s College, Lagos, then obtained a Bachelor’s in Zoology in 1978 and a medical degree at the University of Ibadan. His southeastern Igbo heritage from Nigeria molded his inclusive outlook.
Career
Pastor Tony Rapu started as a medical doctor at Eko Hospital in Lagos before his 1986 conversion to Christianity, leading to full-time ministry under Pastor E.A. Adeboye of RCCG. In 1991, he led 50 converts to found RCCG Apapa Parish, pioneering Nigeria’s model parish for professionals with a bold gospel.
At Apapa, he launched graduate Bible schools, model schools, and rehab centers like Hebron House, focusing on discipleship through worship, study, prayer, and fasting. This groundwork fueled global church plants and his vision for holistic ministry.
Rapu later built the House of Freedom network and Freedom Foundation (2001), tackling social issues via House of Refuge rehab, Genesis House for trafficking survivors, Bethesda for kids, and King Solomon’s Funds for skills training.
Beyond ministry, he produces acclaimed documentaries like the “My Lagos Diaries” series, capturing street-level outreach in Lagos, and serves as a life coach mentoring leaders in public and private sectors. His holistic approach blends evangelism with practical interventions, influencing thousands via global church plants and social programs.
Personal Life
Rapu married Nkoyo Bassey, a lawyer, author, pastor, and life coach, in 1987 after connecting in Ibadan; they raise three children; daughters Uju (a doctor) and Kene (a barrister), and son Tobe, who recently wed former Governor Donald Duke’s daughter in a January 2026 traditional ceremony in Calabar.
The family upholds strong faith, mutual mentorship, and low-profile support for his initiatives.
Net Worth
Pastor Rapu’s wealth totals roughly $40.5 million in 2026, accumulated from medicine, pastoral work, life coaching, filmmaking, and advisory roles. He embraces simplicity to channel resources toward reform.
