Church of God Mission International (CGMI) is the institutional mother of modern African Pentecostalism. Founded in 1971 by the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa, a man often described as the “Father of Pentecostalism in Africa,” the ministry transformed the religious landscape of the continent. Idahosa was a pioneer who broke racial and denominational barriers, becoming the first African to host massive, stadium-sized evangelical crusades across the globe. His bold “Human-First” approach wasn’t just about spiritual conversion; it was about the total dignity of the African person—intellectually, physically, and economically.

Today, under the leadership of his wife, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa (the first female African Archbishop), CGMI continues to manage a sprawling empire of social missions. From its headquarters in Benin City, the church oversees a global network of hospitals, orphanages, and world-class educational institutions, maintaining the legacy of a man who famously believed that “a church that only thinks of heaven is no good on earth.”

SOCIAL MISSIONS & INSTITUTIONAL IMPACT

EDUCATION: BENSON IDAHOSA UNIVERSITY (BIU)

Continuing the Intellectual Legacy in the South-South

Established in 2002 to fulfill the Archbishop’s vision for Christian higher education, BIU stands as a premier private university in Nigeria’s South-South region.

  • Academic Entrepreneurship: BIU is renowned for its focus on leadership and entrepreneurship, aiming to produce graduates with “Godly character” who can thrive in the global marketplace.
  • Infrastructure: The university operates across two main campuses in Benin City, featuring the high-tech Legacy Campus which serves as a hub for research and innovation.
  • Source: Benson Idahosa University Official

HEALTHCARE: FAITH MEDICAL CENTRE

Clinical Care and Maternal Health

Founded as part of the church’s holistic mission, Faith Medical Centre in Benin City serves as a primary healthcare provider for the region.

  • Community Impact: The facility provides affordable maternal and child health services, general surgery, and emergency care. It remains a critical alternative to state-owned facilities, known for its emphasis on compassionate care and clinical excellence.
  • Source: Church of God Mission International – Medical Directorate

LEADERSHIP TRAINING: ALL NATIONS FOR CHRIST BIBLE INSTITUTE (ANCBI)

The Forge of Africa’s Global Pastors (1970s–Present)

ANCBI is perhaps the most significant theological training center in African history. In the 1970s and 80s, it served as the “West Point” for African Pentecostal leadership.

  • Indigenous Training: It was here that thousands of pastors from across Africa and the world were trained. Many of today’s most prominent church founders and global leaders—including Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Ayo Oritsejafor—were mentored under this institution’s curriculum.
  • Source: Historical Records of African Pentecostalism; ANCBI Archives

NEWS UPDATE: MAY 2026

CGMI Commissions “Idahosa Legacy” Solar Farm to Power Rural Edo Schools

In May 2026, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa officially commissioned a multi-hectare solar farm project. This initiative is designed to provide sustainable, 24/7 power to several rural secondary schools and health clinics operated by the mission across Edo State. This project reinforces the church’s 2026 mandate to “Bridge the Infrastructure Gap” through green technology and community-led engineering.