Bensom Idahosa

Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa, born on September 11, 1938, in Benin City, Nigeria, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential Christian leaders of his time. Born to poor pagan parents, Benson was a sickly child who was abandoned by his father and left on a rubbish heap to die at 18 months old. Despite these challenges, he survived and worked as a farm servant, eventually pursuing education irregularly until age 14. He later took correspondence courses while working for the Bata Shoe Company.

Idahosa’s dramatic conversion happened on a soccer field through Pastor Okpo. He became the first Bini member of the pastor’s small congregation and developed a passion for soul-winning, conducting village outreaches around Benin City. His divine calling came in a vision, where God commanded him to preach the Gospel worldwide, promising signs and wonders would follow his ministry. In response, Idahosa began preaching from village to village, leading people to Christ and performing miraculous healings.

In 1971, he attended Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, where he earned a diploma in divinity. Over the years, Idahosa earned multiple advanced degrees, including a Doctorate of Divinity, a Doctor of Laws from Oral Roberts University, and other qualifications from institutions in Europe and the U.S. He married Margaret Idahosa in 1969, and together they had four children.

As founder of the Church of God Mission International, headquartered in Benin City, Idahosa established over 6,000 churches in Nigeria and Ghana by 1971. He also founded All Nations for Christ Bible Institute, Faith Medical Centre, and Idahosa World Outreach, among other institutions. His ministry extended to over 123 countries through crusades, where he preached to massive crowds, including one in Lagos that drew nearly one million attendees in 1985. He launched the Redemption Television Ministry, reaching millions with the Gospel.

Known for raising the dead, miraculous healings, and his powerful teachings, Idahosa’s ministry was defined by his motto, “Evangelism our Supreme Task.” He emphasized faith, prosperity, and Africa’s significant role in God’s work. Leading ministers praised him for his godly wisdom, tireless work ethic, and Christ-like compassion. T.L. Osborn described him as “the greatest African ambassador of the apostolic Christian faith to the world.”

Idahosa’s secret to success lay in his unwavering faith in God, commitment to prayer, deep study of the Bible, and application of principles learned from other successful individuals. He believed that faith made all things possible and inspired others to trust God for miraculous provision.

By the time of his passing in February 1998, Archbishop Benson Idahosa was regarded as the leader of over seven million Christians worldwide. His legacy continues to inspire countless believers through his teachings, institutions, and the lives he touched.