Nollywood actress-turned-evangelist Tonto Dikeh has taken a major step in her increasingly public Christian journey with the launch of the New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle, an interdenominational Christian fellowship in Abuja dedicated to prayer, spiritual renewal, revival and a deeper pursuit of God.
The development marks another striking chapter in the life of the popular actress, humanitarian and former political candidate, whose public career has passed through several different phases. From her years as one of Nollywood’s recognisable leading actresses to her involvement in philanthropy, advocacy and politics, Dikeh has consistently remained a prominent figure in Nigeria’s public space. She is now attracting attention for a different reason, as she openly embraces the role of an evangelist and begins leading Christian gatherings.
The launch of the New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle, popularly referred to as NWPT, follows months of indications from Dikeh that she was preparing for a deeper commitment to ministry. Her latest announcement has now transformed those earlier declarations into a physical gathering where believers can come together for prayer, worship, spiritual teaching and fellowship.
In a video shared on her social-media platform, Dikeh was seen leading worshippers in an intense prayer session, raising her voice in prayer as members of the gathering joined her in what appeared to be a deeply emotional spiritual encounter. The images and videos from the gathering have since drawn attention from her followers and Nigerians who have watched her transition from entertainment into an increasingly visible Christian ministry.
The development was formally announced by Dikeh through her social-media platforms, where she described New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle as an “interdenominational altar, spiritual home, and global movement of consecrated believers.” She explained that the initiative is intended to create a place where believers can pursue the presence of God, spiritual growth, prayer and revival.
Unlike a conventional church built around traditional structures and denominational identity, Dikeh has specifically presented NWPT as a gathering of believers united by a common spiritual purpose. Reports on the announcement state that the organisation itself clarified that it is not intended to function as a conventional church but as an intense gathering of Christians committed to seeking God and fulfilling what they understand to be His purpose.
At the heart of the new ministry is the biblical concept of “new wine”, drawn from Mark 2:22. The passage is traditionally interpreted as an illustration of renewal and the need for new structures to accommodate something new. By choosing this theme, Dikeh appears to be presenting the ministry as a symbol of spiritual renewal, transformation and a new season in the lives of those who participate.
The ministry’s stated vision goes beyond holding prayer meetings. According to details released around its unveiling, NWPT seeks to encourage a wider movement of consecrated believers who will live consciously in God’s presence and contribute to spiritual and societal transformation. Its core values are represented by the acronym FIRE, standing for Flame of Intercession, Intimacy and Consecration, Revival and Soul Winning, and Empowerment through Deliverance and Healing.
This gives the initiative a broader identity than a celebrity-led prayer gathering. Its stated objectives encompass intercession, evangelism, spiritual development, revival and healing, suggesting that Dikeh and those behind the initiative see it as a platform that could eventually develop into a larger Christian movement.
The choice of Abuja as the base for the new fellowship is also significant. Nigeria’s capital has become home to numerous churches, prayer ministries and Christian fellowships, attracting worshippers from different parts of the country. Dikeh’s decision to establish her ministry there places her within an already active religious environment where prayer meetings and prophetic fellowships have become an important part of Christian life.
According to reports following the launch, New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle is expected to hold regular gatherings every Friday in Abuja. The announced venue is Omini Grand Hotel, formerly known as Alexis Hotel, at Masalachi Junction, Jabi, with meetings scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
DDM News understands that Dikeh’s move into Christian ministry represents a significant shift in the public image she has built over several years. Although she remains widely recognised for her Nollywood career, her recent public activities have increasingly reflected an interest in faith, spirituality and service. The launch of NWPT therefore appears to be the latest and most concrete expression of that transition.
Tonto Dikeh first became widely known through Nollywood, where she established herself as one of the industry’s popular actresses after appearing in numerous films. Over time, however, her activities expanded beyond acting. She became involved in humanitarian initiatives, public advocacy and political activities, demonstrating an interest in issues beyond entertainment.
Her journey into politics also brought her into another aspect of public life. In 2022, she was announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Rivers State for the 2023 election. Although that political chapter did not become the defining point of her career, it further demonstrated her willingness to move into unfamiliar territory and take on new public responsibilities.
Her emergence as an evangelist now represents another major transformation.
For Dikeh, however, the latest development appears to be about more than adopting another public title. The language surrounding New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle repeatedly emphasises consecration, prayer, revival and intimacy with God. Her decision to personally lead prayer sessions also indicates that she intends to be actively involved in the spiritual activities of the fellowship rather than simply lend her celebrity status to the project.
The sight of a former Nollywood star standing before worshippers and leading a prayer gathering has naturally generated reactions. For some of her supporters, the transformation is evidence of a new direction in her life. Others are watching closely to see how the ministry develops and whether it will grow beyond its current fellowship structure.
Celebrity involvement in Christianity is not new in Nigeria, where entertainers have occasionally moved into preaching, gospel music, evangelism and other forms of Christian service. What makes Dikeh’s development particularly notable is the visibility of her transition and the fact that she has chosen to establish an organised platform rather than merely make occasional appearances at religious events.
The ministry’s emphasis on interdenominational fellowship could also allow it to attract Christians from different church backgrounds. Rather than presenting itself as an institution tied to a particular denomination, NWPT has positioned itself as a meeting point for believers who share an interest in prayer, revival and spiritual growth.
The phrase “new wine” may therefore be more than a name for the actress’s new initiative. It appears to capture the central message she wants the ministry to communicate: renewal, change and the beginning of a different spiritual chapter.
As images and videos from the first gatherings continue to circulate online, attention will now shift towards the future of the initiative. Questions about its programmes, leadership structure, expansion plans and the extent of its evangelistic activities are likely to emerge as the fellowship becomes more established.
For now, Dikeh is stepping into this new responsibility with an unmistakable public declaration of faith. Her transformation from actress to evangelist is no longer merely a subject of speculation, as she has now begun publicly leading Christian gatherings under the banner of New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle.
DDM News reports that the launch has added another unexpected dimension to the career of one of Nigeria’s most recognisable entertainers. Having spent years under the spotlight for her work in Nollywood and later for her humanitarian and political activities, Tonto Dikeh is now using that same public platform to promote a message centred on prayer, consecration, revival and spiritual transformation.
Whether New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle eventually becomes a large-scale Christian movement or remains an intimate interdenominational fellowship, its launch has already established a new chapter in Dikeh’s public journey. The actress who once commanded attention from cinema screens is now standing before worshippers with a microphone in hand, leading prayers and inviting believers into what she describes as a new spiritual season.
For Tonto Dikeh, the journey appears to have moved from entertainment and public life towards ministry. And with the New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle now established in Abuja, the next phase of that journey has officially begun.
