Tributes pour in as Margaret Idahosa celebrates 83

Tributes are pouring in from around the world as Margaret Benson-Idahosa, the Archbishop of the Church of God Mission International, marks her 83rd birthday. A week-long celebration has seen family, spiritual children, clergy, public officials, and well-wishers join millions of admirers online to honor the revered cleric.

The festivities commenced with heartfelt tributes from her children, followed by goodwill messages and prayers from pastors, family, and friends globally. One of her daughters, Rantiade, described her mother as "a maverick mother," "a generational voice," and "a shining pillar of strength," praising her resilience and faith, especially after the passing of her husband, the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. "Celebrating courage at 83 in the form of our maverick mother, Margaret Idahosa. Happy birthday, Mummy. We love you," Rantiade shared.

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Celebrating courage at 83 in the form of our maverick mother, Margaret Idahosa. Happy birthday, Mummy. We love you.

Her son, Fab, and the official Church of God Mission International social media channels also extended birthday wishes. Another daughter, Laurie Idahosa, wrote, "A Queen. An Archbishop. A Mama. A Grandma. A Teacher. A Counsellor. A Friend. And now, 83 years of wisdom wrapped into one powerhouse of a woman. There is no title grand enough for what you mean to us, and no way to thank you for a lifetime of pouring into the world. We are learning from you every day. Happy Birthday, Mama. We love you."

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A Queen. An Archbishop. A Mama. A Grandma. A Teacher. A Counsellor. A Friend. And now, 83 years of wisdom wrapped into one powerhouse of a woman. There is no title grand enough for what you mean to us, and no way to thank you for a lifetime of pouring into the world. We are learning from you every day. Happy Birthday, Mama. We love you.

The celebration extended to the church, where members gathered in thanksgiving, commending her nurturing leadership, unwavering faith, and decades of service in developing Christian leaders. A highlight included the cutting of a two-tier white cake adorned with the number 83. Archbishop Idahosa expressed her gratitude to God, stating, "Thank You, Jesus! Eighty-three years of God’s faithfulness to me and my family."

Margaret Idahosa is the Chancellor of Benson Idahosa University and heads the Church of God Mission International, which has worldwide branches. She is widely recognized as Africa’s first female Pentecostal Archbishop. Born on July 29, 1943, into the royal family of the Benin Kingdom, she learned resilience early, being the only surviving child of her mother's nine children. Following her husband's death, she assumed leadership of the ministry, preserving and expanding his vision into a global evangelical movement.

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Thank You, Jesus! Eighty-three years of God’s faithfulness to me and my family.