In 1989 I was in my first year at Edokpolo Grammar School when Papa hosted the Christian Student Association of secondary schools in the state-wide then annual students conference held in Benin City, which was tagged Talitakumi 89 (Little Girl, Rise). I recall everything that happened that day at Faith Arena where embryonic leaders were being incubated by the Archbishop who was one like none other. I must confess here today that I got my baptism of confidence at this unforgettable conference because Papa taught us that day that the only obstacles we have in our lives was fear and the miracle we need against the obstacle is faith, and I understood that he meant confidence. I was astounded by the massive church auditorium built by a man who was once abandoned in a garbage pit for dead and considered by even his parents to be a worthless child. Right there, within that Arena, I fell in love with this man who I was to fanatically follow virtually all his telecasts and teachings thereafter until he suddenly sailed home on the gentle sea in 1998. While he ministered to us on that day, I felt the Shekinah literally. I knew right there (I have always had the gift of knowledge) that no matter what his human errors may be (Yes, he was 100% human), I knew that this was a Man of God. When he blessed us at the end of the conference, he prayed for us like he would not have another opportunity to do so. He was passionate. He prayed from his heart like s father for his biological children. Benson Idahosa was a man of uncommon vision, unparalleled mission, unmatched commission and unbeatable devotion to the gospel, healthcare and education. For these developmental initiatives, he earned a place forever in my heart. Even though I did not leave my and his Mother Church, the Assemblies of God Church, but from that day onwards, I became an IWO TV programs fan until the unthinkable happened in 1998. And the man slept. In retrospect, I can say that Nigeria and indeed Edo state lost an iconic legend. Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa would have been 76 years old next week 11 September, 2014 but there are many genuine questions for which we can never get genuine answers; life, death, suffering, are some. But we continue to live in hope that, because God has not promised us tomorrow, so we have to work today to be the best that we could possibly be, while we yet have breathe un us. For we all are debtors, and one day be one day we shall each pay our debt to Mother Nature who roams daily seeking for those whose debt is due. May God allow us to complete our purpose before we pay our debt. Today, I look back and I find a lot to celebrate about this man that reformed Christianity and, to a large extent, society of Nigeria, from a situation where we once had pastors as poor as church rats to this day when pastors now cruise in private jets and own financial empires, from a state when Christians should not partake in politics to this day when not only Rev Obadan his son became Deputy Governor to Oyegun but his other son, my father too, Ayo Oritsajafor, is now more or less like a Minister for Christians Affairs, speaking and acting loudly against those who have declared war on Christians. Papa invested heavily in the economy and society of his immediate environment, thereby creating opportunities, jobs and developing human capacity. Word of Faith College, Benson Idahosa University and Faith Mediplex are among the best facilities in the country. They are all mainly headquartered in Edo State, providing employment and essential services to thousands of our people. This man needs to be celebrated. Little wonder that in 2013 Edo Political Forum awarded him the EPF Leadership Award, posthumously. Well deserved. As a mark of respect and gratitude to this great icon from our land, I recommend that everyone who reads or likes this post, indeed possibly everyone in EPF, who is able to be in Benin City, should make effort to attend Church of God Mission service this Sunday, or on the 11th, or next Sunday to join the CGM Family to celebrate this comet that once brilliantly illuminated our sky. Archbishop Benson Andrew Idahosa; Sleep on, Pentecostal Pope. #SME
Posted on: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:51:19 +0000