The Nigerian gospel film industry is mourning the loss of one of its prominent figures, Moses Korede Are, popularly known as “Baba Gbenro” from the popular Mount Zion series Abattoir.
The actor’s death was announced by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who shared the sad news on his verified Instagram account on Thursday.
Adejumobi wrote, “Heaven’s Gain Again. A General Has Gone to Rest.”
Another tribute came from gospel actor Zoe Adeola, who posted on X, “Rest in peace, Baba Gbenro. Your role in Abattoir will definitely leave a great memory of you in our minds. So painful.”
Another colleague and founder of Paramount Ministry, Michael Adelakun, also confirmed to PUNCH Online, saying, “He is dead. Baba has been battling with diabetes for a while now.”
However, Adelakun, as of press time, could not confirm the cause of his death.
Fondly known as Baba Gbenro, Korede Are was born on 11 June 1959. He grew up in Kano State, Nigeria, where he received part of his early education, later studying in Plateau State before moving to southwestern Nigeria for higher education.
After his studies, he completed his National Youth Service Corps programme in Jigawa State.
Baba Gbenro was the founder and International President of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry, based in Ogbomoso, Nigeria, which he established on 2 September 1995.
Through this ministry, he used drama evangelism to spread the gospel. He also served as the CEO of Calvary Movies Television, an online Christian streaming service dedicated to drama and evangelism.
Throughout his career, he collaborated with other notable figures in the gospel film industry, including Toluwalope Israel Adegbo and Evangelist Damilola Mike-Bamiloye.
His role in the series Abattoir cemented his legacy in gospel drama, where he became widely known as “Baba Gbenro.”
Mike Bamiloye mourns, recounts How Baba Gbenro died
When a person has laboured during the day in office, he would go home after work to go and rest.
Dr. Korede Are has gone home to rest after finishing his work in the office.
Our Employer in this Vineyard is Jesus Christ. He alone knows our Closing Time at work.
My Closing Time at work is different from your Closing Time at work.
But only Jesus Christ, our Employer knows when to tell us: IT IS CLOSING TIME.
Baba Korede Are, a hard working Vineyard worker has closed for the day.
His Master told him: IT IS TIME TO CLOSE FROM WORK.
We were working together, when the Master suddenly called him and said: KOREDE, COME OVER HERE, IT IS TIME TO COME HOME.
We were on Location of ABEJOYE season 8, we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard.
He was on Film Location of ABATTOIR 5, we never knew he was rounding off.
The Lesson for us all is:
When will the Master call you to come Home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME.
Baba Korede is a very highly dedicated Man of God, a Humble drama minister.
But he has finished his portion of work.
He has gone honestly to rest from series of Movie Shoots and learning of many lines:
When he was been taken to the hospital and we were talking on phone, he said:
“Please, greet my friend for me. Please, Daddy, I will be well, dont let this discourage you from calling me on Film Location o!”
He didn’t know he had shot his last Movie and had gone on his last Movie Location.
In Heaven, he has seen the glory of his Master he had longed to see.
He has now met His Master he has worked for all his life.
WE DID NOT LOSE HIM, NO!
Heaven has gained him.
He has gone to rest.
He Died here and Woke up there eternally.
Halleluyah.
#mikebamiloye.
