***Late Buhari SA Media, Pastor Femi Adesina, Veteran Gospel Singer Dr Funmi Aragbaiye, Others Bag 2026 BAME Awards
Heal the Church Outreach (HECO) Ministry has been officially commissioned in Lagos to promote the restoration of the Church to its original purpose through sound doctrine, holiness, accountability, reconciliation and unity among believers.
The commissioning took place on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Mercy Revival Centre, Ikotun, Lagos, during the 26th anniversary celebration of Christian Benefits Magazine, alongside the 2026 Benefits Awards for Missionary Excellence (BAME Awards), organised by Christian Benefits Media Ministry.
Speaking at the event, the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine, Dr Wole Akinyemi Olarinde, said HECO was conceived in 2021 and had undergone five years of incubation before its official commissioning.
He described HECO as the evangelical arm of Christian Benefits Media Ministry, established out of a burden to see the Church restored to its original purpose.
According to him, the initiative is a response to growing concerns over public condemnation of churches and ministers, doctrinal controversies on social media, divisions arising from partisan politics, failed prophecies and other issues affecting the credibility of the Christian faith.
While acknowledging the need to address genuine wrongdoing within the Church, Olarinde stressed that such matters must be handled truthfully and responsibly, with particular attention to victims, the protection of vulnerable persons, accountability and genuine repentance.
He maintained that the call for Christian unity should not be used as an excuse to conceal wrongdoing or compromise biblical truth.
“Our burden is not merely to criticise what is wrong but to encourage a return to biblical principles and the original purpose for which Christ established His Church,” he said.
Olarinde, who was consecrated as Minister-in-Charge alongside his wife, Funmi, said the responsibility required humility, discipline, prayer, accountability and total dependence on God’s grace.
He solicited the prayers, counsel and support of Christian leaders, ministers and believers as they undertake what he described as a sacred responsibility.
The HECO commissioning formed part of activities marking the 26th anniversary of Christian Benefits Magazine, an interdenominational Christian publication established in January 2000.
Reflecting on the magazine’s journey, Olarinde said the publication was founded following his departure from Media Review, describing its establishment as a divine assignment that had been sustained by God’s grace.
He said the magazine had remained committed to its mission of “Spreading the benefits in accepting Jesus Christ and propagating the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the salvation of Mankind.”
According to him, the publication has spent 26 years informing, inspiring and celebrating God’s work across denominations despite the challenges associated with sustaining an independent Christian media organisation.
He attributed the milestone to God’s faithfulness and the contributions of individuals and organisations that had supported the vision through prayers, encouragement, financial contributions and partnerships.
Olarinde also disclosed that the Christian Benefits vision had expanded beyond the magazine into several platforms and initiatives aimed at promoting Christian communication, missionary service, advocacy and societal development.
These include Iwe Irohin Anfaani Kristieni, Christian Benefits Missionary Foundation, the Association of Publishers of Christian Magazines and Newspapers, BAME Awards, Christian Benefits Television, Christian Benefits Media Consultancy Services, Campaign Against Paedophilia Africa and HECO Ministry.
The anniversary celebration also featured the 2026 BAME Awards, established in 2004 to recognise individuals whose contributions demonstrate excellence in Christian service and missionary work.
Olarinde disclosed that the awards had recognised more than 100 recipients since their inception across seven categories: Christian Service, Christian Mission (Humanitarian), Christian Music, Christian Drama, Christian Literature, Christian Entrepreneur and Gospel Legend.
Among the 2026 recipients were Pastor Cyril Azobu, recognised for Excellence in Christian Leadership; Pastor Adebayo Funsho Adaramola, for Distinguished Christian Leadership; Rev. Sunday Godwin Ashe, for Distinguished Church-Planting Ministry; and Evangelist Abosede Nihinlola Adewole, for Distinguished Service to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria.
Others included Pastor Femi Adesina, recognised for Distinguished Christian Ambassadorship in Nation-Building; Dr Funmi Aragbaiye, JP, for her Distinguished Legacy in Gospel Music Ministry; and Bishop Leonard Umunna, for his Distinguished Legacy in Gospel Preaching and Evangelisation.
Also honoured were Dr Godwin Solomon Nwachukwu, for Distinguished Contributions to Leadership Development; Rev. Victor Akerele, for Distinguished Ministerial Leadership and Service; and Rev. Phillip Igbinijesu, for Distinguished Service and Contributions to Christian Benefits Magazine.
The selection process, according to Olarinde, was carried out by the Board of Trustees, with the objective of identifying deserving individuals whose contributions had strengthened the work of the Gospel and inspired others.
Congratulating the recipients, he described their recognition as a celebration of service, sacrifice and commitment, urging them to remain fruitful in their respective callings and inspire the next generation of Christian workers.
He emphasised that the anniversary, HECO commissioning and awards ceremony represented more than institutional achievements, stressing the need for Christians to remain committed to advancing the Gospel.
“The ultimate purpose is not merely to celebrate achievements, but to serve God faithfully and advance His Kingdom,” he said.
Olarinde expressed appreciation to Christian leaders, ministers, friends, partners and supporters who had contributed to the magazine’s survival and the successful organisation of the anniversary activities.
He particularly acknowledged the support and sacrifices of his wife and family, as well as the leadership and members of Mercy Revival Centre for providing the venue and supporting the gathering.
He expressed optimism that the commissioning of HECO would mark a new phase in the ministry’s contribution to the Church, particularly in promoting spiritual renewal, sound doctrine, holiness and reconciliation among believers.
He also expressed hope that Christian Benefits Magazine would continue to fulfil its founding mission, while BAME Awards would sustain their role in encouraging excellence in Christian service and missionary endeavour.
