Nonye Alugwo Tony Rapu (born 1 January 1957) is a Nigerian medical doctor, pastor, social reformer, and filmmaker. He is known for his foundational work in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Rapu chairs The House of Freedom, an umbrella church network that oversees This Present House, God Bless Nigeria, The Waterbrook, and The Potter’s House of Lagos.
| Tony Rapu | |
|---|---|
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| Personal Details | |
| Name: | Tony Rapu |
| Born: | 1 January 1957 (age 69 years old) |
| Place of birth: | Kano State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Tribe: | Igbo |
| Education: | MBBS, Medicine |
| Alma mater: | University of Ibadan |
| Occupation: | Pastor, Author, Medical Doctor, Filmmaker, Life Coach |
| Spouse: | Nkoyo Rapu (m. 1987) |
| Children: | 3 |
Early life
Tony Rapu was born on 1 January 1957 in Kano State, Nigeria. His father, T.D. Rapu, worked with the Nigerian Customs, and his mother, Maria Rapu, was a teacher. He is the only son and the fourth of six children.
Education
Rapu attended King’s College, Lagos. After secondary school, he studied at the University of Ibadan (UI), where he took a degree in Zoology and later in Medicine.
Career
Rapu initially worked as a medical doctor at Eko Hospital in Lagos. In 1986, he gave his life to Christ at a Friendship Bible Study meeting held at the Ikoyi home of his eldest sister, Mrs Bridget Itsueli. Shortly after, his sister introduced him to Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye.
Rapu became an active member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), worshipping at the Headquarters Church in Ebute Metta. He held House fellowship in his family home in Ekololu Street, Surulere and was also involved in parish development, leadership training, and discipleship programmes.
In 1991, Pastor Adeboye directed him to start the Apapa Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. He led a team of 50 new Christians, mostly from the Ekololu house fellowship. He planted major parishes, including Jesus House London (1994), Jesus House DC (1995), and City of David, Lagos (1996).
He started The Redeemers International School, Haggai Institute, Hebron House, House of Hope, and the first Bible School for graduates outside the Redemption Camp.
He continues his ministry under the House of Freedom, an umbrella organisation that reaches out to different strata of society, including the flagship church This Present House, The Water Brook, God Bless Nigeria, Holy Trinity Church, The Potters House, and Mount Zion.
Rapu founded the Freedom Foundation, which runs initiatives like the House of Refuge, Genesis House, and Bethesda. He also produces and edits short films documenting his fieldwork, including the documentary series “My Lagos Diaries.”
Personal life
In 1987, Tony married Nkoyo Rapu, who became his ministry partner and a key leader in his churches and foundations. They have three children, Uju, Kene, and Tobe.
In January 2026, their son Tobe married Donna Duke, the youngest daughter of former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke, in Calabar.
References
- Ovwe Medeme. “Donald Duke’s daughter weds Pastor Toni Rapu’s son, Tobe (PHOTOS)”. Premium Times.
- This Day Live. “Tony Rapu at 60: Portrait of a Reformer”. www.thisdaylive.com.
- Lufodo. “Dr Tony Rapu”. www.lufodo.com.
