Emmanuel Iren

Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren (born 18 December 1989) well known as Emmanuel Iren is a Nigerian preacher, gospel singer and songwriter. He is the founder of Celebration Church International (CCI), headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. In 2018, he debuted his first album Kerygma and in 2022, he released his second album Apostolos:Voice of Transition.

Early life and education
Iren was born on 18 December, 1989 and hails from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He attained his primary education from Saint Bernadettes Nursery and Primary School in Ipaja, Lagos. From there, he moved to Queen’s Choice Nursery and Primary School College in Ikotun, Lagos and later attended Doregos Private Academy where he acquired his secondary education.

In 2011, he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Building Technology from Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Ministry
In 2008, Emmanuel Iren started a Christian campus fellowship known as Triumphal Youth Fellowship as an undergraduate student in Covenant University. The fellowship soon grew beyond the campus walls, and into a full-time ministry.

On 11 November 2012, the Triumphal Church was opened in Lagos. Two years after, in 2014, it was renamed the Celebration Church International, also known as CCI. Presently, the Celebration Church International has over 11,000 members worldwide with 27 branches: across Nigeria,the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA.

Music career
Emmanuel Iren debuted his first album Kerygma in 2017 with the Outburst Music Group. In 2021, he was featured by Nigerian gospel artiste Odunayo Adebayo in the hit song Zoe.

In August 2022, he announced the release of his second album Apostolos: Voice of Transition, which comprised 13 tracks including Overcome, In Your Name, Holy Ghost and Glory. The album featured other gospel artistes like Sinach, Nosa and Judikay. Shortly after its release, the album peaked as one of the top 10 on Apple Music.

In preparation of the release of his sophomore album, on April 12, 2024 he released the song "Agalliao" featuring acclaimed gospel music minister Nathaniel Bassey.

"Agallio” embodies an exuberant and passionate type of rejoicing, characterised by spinning, jumping and shouting,” according to Emmanuel. He hopes the song will ignite a new dimension of joy in listeners, prompting them to rejoice in God’s promises despite challenging circumstances.

Filmmaking
Iren has now joined the filmmakers by debuting his film called What About Us in Cinema nationwide on July 13th 2024. The pastor has admonished the church to embrace various methods of spreading the gospel as he has also began to spread through filmmaking.

As lead artist

 * Grace Changes Everything (feat Sinach)
 * Holy Ghost (feat Sinach)
 * Overcome (feat E-Daniels)
 * Prophetic Chant (feat Nosa)
 * Fire On My Altar
 * Power in Abundance (feat Bajulaye Victor)
 * The Glory (feat Outburst Music Group)
 * Yes To Your Will
 * In Your name (feat Judikay)
 * The Glory of the Lord reveals
 * Agalliao (feat Nathaniel Bassey)

As featured artist

 * Zoe (Odunayo Adebayo feat Emmanuel Iren)
 * Bo Ta Jor (Prinx Emmanuel feat Emmanuel Iren)


 * Agalliao (Aigbeh Dgong ft Pastor Emmanuel Iren) 


 * Ambience (Damilola Praiseworth ft Pastor Emmanuel Iren)
 * Agalliao (Pastor Emmanuel Iren ft Nathaniel Bassey) 

Personal life
At age 24, Iren married Laju Iren in November 2014. They have three daughters and one son.

Recognition

 * In 2021, he was mentioned in YNaija Magazine among the 100 most influential people in ministry in Nigeria.
 * In 2022, Apostolos was nominated as the album of the year (Kingdom Achievers Awards)
 * In 2023, he was bestowed with an honorary Doctorate Degree from Myles Leadership University.