Matthew Onocheta
A revered figure in Nigeria’s gospel drama industry, Evangelist Moses Korede Are is dead.
Are, founder of Calvary Drama Ministries, died following a prolonged struggle with liver disease, according to local news outlets.
Known as “Baba Gbenro” for his role in Mount Zion’s Abattoir series, Evangelist Are’s last hours were marked by a great sense of peace.
“Stay by my side, I want to rest,” his close friends and family, who surrounded him in his final moments quoted him as saying, as his emotional last words.
Pastor Niyi Adebayo, lead pastor of True Worshippers Church, who was present at Are’s bedside, said the deceased made the simple, humble request to stop the prayers and stay by his side.
Just minutes later, at 8:10 a.m., he took his final breath and “went home to be with God,” Adebayo said.
Fellow gospel filmmakers, including Evangelist Mike Bamiloye of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, honoured Are’s final moments and spoke about his enduring passion.
Bamiloye recalled how, even during his last days, Are expressed his passion for his work and encouraged his colleagues to continue with gospel projects.
“He didn’t know he had shot his last movie and had gone on his last movie location,” Bamiloye reflected, sharing an emotional message about the unpredictability of life’s “closing time.”
Are, celebrated for his impactful Godly dramas such as Owo Blow, Igbeyawo Aiye, and Emi Mi M’oke, inspired countless viewers across Nigeria.
His dramas, rooted in messages of faith and morality, touched lives nationwide, leaving a legacy that will continue to resonate in the gospel film community.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced soon as tributes pour in from across the country.