On the grand stage of life, where virtues shine, there stands Archbishop (Dr) Margaret Benson-Idahosa, a beacon of faith and philanthropy. Born on July 29, 1943, in the realm of Benin City, Edo State, she emerged from the noble lineage of Pa Lawrence and Madam Alice Izevbigie, descendants of the royal line of Oba Ereosoyen.
A founding mother of Nigerian Pentecostalism, her name is synonymous with charity and devotion to the divine. A role model to many, a mentor to others, she has journeyed far in her ministerial work, continuing the legacy of her late husband, Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
As the wife of the church’s founder, she seamlessly ascended to lead the Church of God Mission International after her husband’s passing in 1998. Doubts may have loomed, but her capable hands have guided the church to ever greater heights.
Elevated to the exalted title of Archbishop on November 7, 2009, she also presides as the Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University, a bastion of academic excellence and spiritual enlightenment. Education is her passion, evident in the top-class administrators who nurture her educational institution.
But her heart extends beyond the walls of academia. As Executive President of the Christ Bible Institute International, she shapes the minds of future religious leaders, strong in doctrine and faith.
A champion of women’s empowerment, she leads the Christian Women Fellowship International, a non-denominational body empowering women to embrace their God-given potential as leaders and role models. The Restoration Centre, a multipurpose facility she founded, uplifts and empowers young women in need.
Her compassion extends to the realm of healthcare, for she is the Executive President of Faith Mediplex Hospital, a haven of healing combining prayer and medicine.
A seeker of knowledge, she pursued education with fervor, earning numerous degrees and honorary doctorates, a testament to her unwavering pursuit of wisdom.
A member of esteemed Christian bodies both at home and abroad, she is revered for her contributions to society, receiving awards and tributes from far and wide.
As she reaches her eightieth year, tributes pour in for this remarkable soul. A mother of four biological children and four adopted ones, she is also a spiritual mentor to countless souls who look to her for guidance and impartation.
To Archbishop (Dr) Margaret Benson-Idahosa, we raise a chorus of praise and gratitude. A life of devotion, a legacy of love, and a heart of benevolence define her journey. As she enters this new chapter of life, we celebrate her as a shining beacon of faith, an inspiration to all, and a true servant of God.
Hail and Congratulations on your 80th birthday! May your days be filled with divine blessings and the joy of touching lives, just as you have touched ours. Long may you continue to illuminate the path of righteousness and inspire generations to come.