Laju Iren

EARLY LIFE

Laju Iren, born Laju Arenyeka on August 26, 1991, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, hails from Delta State (Itsekiri tribe). She was raised in a Christian family by her parents, Dr. Eyituoyo Arenyeka (a medical doctor) and Mrs. Gloria Arenyeka. She has a brother and a sister. Laju attended Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Benin, where she served as Chapel Prefect and Scripture Union (SU) President. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Covenant University (2007-2011) and a Master's degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos.

PERSONAL LIFE

Laju Iren is married to Apostle Emmanuel Iren, founder and lead pastor of Celebration Church International. They met and married on November 1, 2014 (she was 23, he was 24), and have been together for over 11 years as of 2025. The couple has three biological children (two daughters and one son) and one adopted daughter, totaling four children. She resides in Lagos, Nigeria, and is known for her faith-driven family life.

CAREER

Laju Iren is a pastor, award-winning filmmaker, bestselling author, book writing coach, and storyteller, often describing herself as "The Lord's Storyteller." She serves as an assistant pastor at Celebration Church International (CCI) in Lagos, partnering with her husband in ministry, preaching the gospel, and mentoring women and girls. As a filmmaker and CEO of Laju Iren Films, she specializes in faith-based and inspirational stories, writing, directing, producing, and occasionally acting. Her films include During Ever After (2020), Loving Amanda (2022), Mistakenly Yours (2024), Danfo & The Rose (2024), Last To Marry (2025), Silver Ever After (2025), Love is a Star, and others like Nigerian Son. She has collaborated with actors such as Stan Nze, Uzor Arukwe, Juliana Olayode, Ifeanyi Kalu, and Sam Dede.

Laju Iren founded the Have You Eaten Foundation, a charity that feeds and empowers the less privileged, including victims of terrorism in northern Nigeria. She established the Christian Story Teller Prize for Christ-centered stories.