Benson Idahosa: the Benin City evangelist who shaped Nigerian Pentecostalism

Many of the most famous Nigerian pastors trace part of their story to one man in Benin City. Benson Andrew Idahosa, an evangelist who started with small Bible studies, built the Church of God Mission International into a major denomination and trained a generation of preachers. He is often described as one of the fathers of modern Pentecostalism in Nigeria.

Early life and Church of God Mission

Idahosa was born in 1938 in Benin City. He was a sickly child and grew up in difficult circumstances. He worked for a company in Benin City while beginning to preach. After his conversion, he began preaching in villages around Benin City, holding open-air meetings and planting churches. He studied at Christ for the Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas, in the early 1970s, building ties with American Pentecostal leaders.

He founded the Church of God Mission International in Benin City. Its headquarters, Miracle Centre, became a major centre of worship and training.

Crusades, training and the university

Idahosa held large evangelistic crusades across Nigeria and Africa, and preached in other continents. He was known for bold preaching about faith and miracles. His Bible school, All Nations for Christ Bible Institute, trained many ministers who later founded their own churches. Benson Idahosa University, a private university in Benin City, grew from institutions he founded and was named after him.

He was consecrated an archbishop, reflecting his status in the Pentecostal movement. His wife, Margaret Idahosa, became a bishop and continued leadership roles in the church after his death. Benson Idahosa died in March 1998. His son, Bishop FEB Idahosa, later led the church.

Faith teaching and television

Idahosa preached boldly about faith, healing and prosperity, influenced by American preachers he met. His teaching shaped the message of many Nigerian Pentecostal churches. He used radio and television to spread his message, an approach later adopted by many Nigerian churches. Idahosa built friendships with international evangelists and preached at large meetings abroad, bringing global attention to African Pentecostalism.

Many pastors who studied under him later founded large churches in Nigeria and beyond, extending his influence. Benson Idahosa preached in villages before he preached in stadiums. The pastors he trained now fill many of Nigeria’s largest churches.