INTRODUCTION
The Benefits Awards for Missionary Excellence (B.A.M.E Awards) is a non-governmental (NGO) arm of Christian Benefits Media Ministry; Publishers of Christian Benefits magazine and Iwe Iroyin Anfaani Kristiani.
Christian Benefits magazine is a non-denominational Christian news media ministry commissioned in 1999 by the Lord with the vision of promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Christian activities. The wholly monthly Christian news magazine debuted on January 29, 2000 and birthed its Yoruba version, Iwe Iroyin Anfaani Kristiani, in 2004.
The Benefits Awards for Missionary Excellence (B.A.M.E Award) was instituted by Christian Benefits media ministry in 2004 for recognition of outstanding Christian works in the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The B.A.M.E Awards is conferred annually on outstanding Christian individuals or ministries in six (6) different categories namely Christian Missions (Humanitarian/charity service), Christian Drama, Christian Music, Christian Literature, Christian Entrepreneur and Christian Service.
The B.A.M.E Awards is managed by a Board of Trustees of impeccable personalities who also double as Associate Directors of Christian Benefits.
CATEGORIES
A. CHRISTIAN MISSIONS: B.A.M. E Award for Christian Missions is presented to individuals who have distinguished themselves in humanitarian services to orphanages, rural evangelism, rehabilitation of religion persecution victims, the sick, the rejected, the wretched, the displayed, the fatherless, the motherless, the orphans, the poor widows, the homeless, the handicap and the less privileged generally.
B. CHRISTIAN DRAMA: B.A.M.E Award for Christian Drama is presented to distinguished Christian dramatists or Christian drama ministries who have displayed outstanding dramatic/artistry skills in Gospel Drama presentations towards the propagation of the gospel.
C. CHRISTIAN MUSIC: B.A.M.E Award for Christian Music is presented to distinguished Christian gospel singers who have released outstanding gospel songs either evergreen or contemporary songs.
D. CHRISTIAN LITERATURE: B.A.M.E Award for Christian literature is presented to Christian individuals who have distinguished themselves in Christian literary works like Christian books, Christian Poetry, Christian journals/periodicals and Christian news magazines.
E. CHRISTIAN ENTREPRENEUR: B.A.M.E Award for Christian Entrepreneur is presented to an accomplished Christians in businesses who have distinguished themselves as Apostles of Jesus Christ in the market place.
F. CHRISTIAN SERVICE: B.A.M.E Award for Christian service is presented to Christian individuals who are committed to the progress and unity of the Body of Christ for the advancement of the gospel
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
DR. WOLE OLARINDE (EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, B.A.M.E)
Dr. Wole Olarinde is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Christian Benefits magazine and Iwe Iroyin Anfaani Kristieni since January 29, 2000 till date.
He is a Higher National Diploma (HND) holder in Mass Communication from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo state and a holder of World Bank-sponsored certificate in Investigative Journalism. Wole started his career as a Reporter with The Guardian newspapers and later worked with Media Review magazine and also as a freelance journalist with a couple of other newspapers that include the defunct Poise magazine (DTN), Lagos, Third Eye newspaper, Ibadan, Oyo State, The Tide newspapers and Sunray newspapers both in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. In 1998, Wole co-established an integrated marketing communication outfit, The Millennium Communication, with his friends before he received and responded to the call of God upon his life in 1999 to establish a Christian media ministry, and which birthed Christian Benefits magazine in 2000. Otunba Jesu; as Wole is fondly called is also the CEO of Christian Benefits Missionary Foundation. He is a media consultant, a creative writer, a poet and an author. His published books include: Otunba Jesu: The Story of the Conflicts in Heaven. The Rehab’s Cord and Confessions of Born Again Prostitutes. My Dossier: A Celebration of 20 years in Christian Journalism in which he also published 30 of his poems. Wole was conferred with an honorary Doctorate degree (PhD) in Christian Communication and Media services by the International Institute of Church Management, Florida, USA, in conjunction with Salvation Herald Bible College, Nigeria on the celebration of his 20 years in Christian Journalism. Wole hails from Akinmoorin in Afijio Local Government of Oyo state. He is fruitfully married to Funmi Olarinde and blessed with wonderful children.
MRS. FUNMI OLARINDE (EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, B.A.M.E)
Mrs. Funmilayo Olarinde (Nee Onakoya) is a graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State, with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Quantity & Land Surveying. Shortly after his NYSC programme in 2002, Funmi joined Christian Benefits magazine as Managing Editor, and she worked with the magazine until 2009 when she started her private business first in clothing and later in Pharmaceutical before she joined the teaching career till date.
Funmi, who is happily married to the Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief of Christian Benefits magazine, Dr. Wole Olarinde, hails from Odogbolu, Ogun state. She and her husband are blessed with wonderful God’s heritages.
REV. TONY AKINYEMI (Chairman, BAME board of Trustee)
Reverend Tony Akinyemi is the Senior Pastor and core visionary of The Shepherd’s Flock International Church with headquarters in Ikeja and branches in Nigeria and around the globe. He earned his B.Sc. degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and became a Certified Netware Engineer (CNE) in 1992. He obtained a B.Th. degree in Theology from the LIFE Bible College & Theological Seminary, Ikorodu, Lagos in 1998. He had pioneered and pastored The Oregun Foursquare Gospel Church for eleven years before he was led by God to start The Shepherd’s Flock International Church in 2004 with a mandate to raise holy, healthy and highly successful believers. His radio and television broadcast on healthy living is viewed across Africa and parts of Europe. He has authored several books on holiness, health and high success. Rev. Tony is also a motivational speaker, businessman, author, TV and Radio presenter, conference speaker, health coach, life coach, mentor, and lots more. His scholarship foundation (Rev. Tony Scholarship Foundation– rTSF) currently sponsors more than 100 indigent students annually in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, paying their 100% tuition from start to finish. Born about 50+ years ago in Ghana, his story of humblest of beginnings but divine rise to success is no doubt an inspiration to all. He is married to Pastor Tutu Akinyemi with whom he co-pastors The Shepherd’s Flock International Church. They are blessed with three great children; Melody, Lovelyn and David.
Dr. ELISHAMA IDEH (Member)
Dr. Elishama Rosemary Ideh is a called Evangelist that operates with a distinct prophetic apostolic voice unto the Nations. She is the President/Founder of Christ the Ever Present Ministry (CTEM) Lagos, a faith based organization that provides succor and hope for the hurting and the lost generation through CTEM. She is also the initiator of Partnership for a New Nigeria (PFANN) a social advocacy group committed to awakening the consciousness of all Nigerians towards engendering the birth of A NEW NIGERIA and the realization of God’s Agenda for Nigeria. She is also the Founder of Elishama Ideh Ministries (Mentoring Women, Raising Leaders). Elishama Ideh is a minister, author, a much sought after conference speaker, philanthropist, entrepreneur, media personality, political activist and a social crusader. A mother of three, Evangelist Elishama holds a B.A in Mass Communication from Bowie State College (Now-Bowie State University) Maryland, USA. She is currently into full-time ministry.
PASTOR AYO AYOLOLA (Board Member)
PASTOR AYOBAMI A AYOLOLA is a professional of repute, a qualified and experienced Human Resources Practitioner with over 20 year Human Resources and Administrative experience in the private sector.
Pastor Ayolola holds a Diploma in Public Administration and an Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies from Bayero University, Kano. He is a Chartered Administrator (ACIA) of the Chartered Institute of Administration, Nigeria.
He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Strategic Management of Nigeria (ASIAN). Pastor Ayolola is currently the President, of World Christian & Ministerial Alliance (WCMA), President, Global Bible College (Affiliate, Freedom Bible College & Seminary, Arkansas, USA), Senior Pastor, Light of Salvation Evangelical Ministries (Blessed Chapel), Lagos, Nigeria. He is married to Victoria and are blessed with children.
PASTOR PHILIP IGBINIJESU (Member)
Pastor Phillip Igbinijesu is the Apostolic Set-man and God’s visionary for Word Assembly, a mission oriented Ministry with international outreaches and satellite churches in Zambia, South Africa, Belgium and USA and some cities in Nigeria with a passion for leadership development, social impact and kingdom relevance. An author, television host, conference speaker and life coach, he travels widely with a mandate to reach nations, raise leaders, revive ministries and restore marriage and family values. Aside serving as the President, Central Executive Committee of Word Assembly, he is the President of Philip Igbinijesu Ministries International (PIMI); President, Just Couples (an organization with the mission of restoring, reviving and renewing marriage and family values); President, Leadership Development Institute (LDI); Executive Director (West Africa), Institute for National Transformation (INT); Executive Director, S.H.A.P.E. Empowerment Foundation (SEF); Principal, Surepace Business Academy (SBA); and CEO, Kings Court LP. He also serves on the Board of a few other Ministries. He earned an LL.B in Law from the University of Benin; B.L from the Nigerian Law School, after which he was admitted to the Nigerian Bar; MBA from the Netherland Business School and currently pursuing a PHD in Human Resource Development in Regents University, USA. Pastor Philip’s overwhelming passion as a transformational apostle is to see people and nations become the best they can be in God. Anointed, cerebral, articulate, unassuming and highly principled, he is a delight to meet and hear as he teaches the word of God with simplicity, clarity, conviction and great unction. He is married to Olubunmi, a co-pastor, and together they have three children Joshua, Jochebed and Joel.
REV. DR. MATHEW SHOBIYE (Member)
Rev. Dr. Mathew Shobiye is the Chief Executive Officer of MATHMER & ASSOCIATES and a seasoned business consultant. Apart from his early education, he held Diploma in Business and Industrial Law at University of Ibadan in 1998-2000 and attended University of Stellenbosch Business School, South Africa in 2007. He worked at Akinjide & Co Barristers and Solicitors for ten (10) years as a Personal Assistant before he later started his own business. He is a man who believes that learning is continual He is a disciplined man of God and a man of principle and vision. He makes the Word of God his watchword and guide. Dr. Shobiye met with the Lord Jesus Christ in 1976 and from that day his was transformed and he has been pressing forward. He never looks back. Relations, friends and his associates were surprised about the miracle of transformation that happened in his life. Rev (Dr) Mathew Shobiye also belongs to the Jerusalem pilgrimage. He is married to a virtuous woman of God. He and his wife are Senior Pastors of Mercy & Virtue Christian Church of God (MVCCG), Lagos. They are blessed with children.
BAME AWARDS PAST RECIPIENTS
2004
RECIPIENTS ORGANIZATION CATEGORY
1. Evang Elishamma Ide CTEM Missions
2. Evang. Blessing Jibuike SUMA Missions
3. Rev. Dele George Little Saints Orph. Missions
4. Bishop Moses Obaladele AEGA Missions
5. Elder Festus Akinyombo RAYPAINT Entrepreneur
6. Rev. Tony Akinyemi TSF Christian Service
7. Evang D. Bakare C.A.C Oke Itura Christian Service
8. Prophet T.A Aboluwarin C.A.C Agbara Adura Christian Service
2006
1. Mrs. Doyin Adelaja Heart of Gold Missions
2. Evang Taiwo Olowoyeye Bethlehem Orphan Missions
3. Prop Edith Ukasanya Food Crusade Missions
4. Pastor Kayode Williams PREMI Missions
5. Prof C.I Ohiku VOW Missions
6. Mrs. D.A Fasoyin Good Women, IB. Christian music
7. Rev. J.A Adelakun AYEWA INT’L Christian Music
8. Mrs. Bimbo Edwin VEEVEE Waters Entrepreneur
9. Pastor Ayo Ayolola WACCM Christian Service
2007
1. Mrs. Agatha Chukwura Gold Crest Family Missions
2. Elder Margaret Aiyeleso Heart Aglow, Ilorin Missions
3. Pastor Ronke Adekoya Hephzibah Foundatn Missions
4. Rev. Femi Ayanwale TESM, Ibafo Missions
5. Rev. David Adetiloye End Time Army Missions
6. Rev. Ladi Thompson Macedonia Initiative Missions
7. Pastor Aity Inyang SURE WORD Christian Music
8. Bro. Segun Okeowo Cornerstone Drama Christian Drama
9. Apostle Friday Idawor GFC, Ikorodu Christian Service
2008.
1. Pastor Yinka Amu Highways Evangelical Missions
2. Apostle Mrs. Amuwo GALM Missions
3. Evang. Grace. Oladimeji Triumph Gospel Christian Music
4. Word for Today GSAF Literature
5. Br. Lekan Otufodunrin Journalists for Christ Christian Service
6. Bishop Mary Ajisafe Peace of God Ministry Christian Service
7. Pastor Gloria Nwachukwu GPM, Ojodu, Lagos Christian Service
8. Evang. Lekan Ajao Care Paints Entrepreneur
9. Apostle Femi Ejide Ogo Sioni Ministry Christian Service
10. Apostle Kemi Togun Ogo Sioni Ministry Christian Service
2010
1. Rev. Dr. Ajani Olutade C.A.C Entrepreneur
2. Prophet M.A Adegbuyiro C.A.C Ireti Ayo Missions
3. Dr. Sunny Ojeagbase SADC Entrepreneur
4. Rev. Mrs. Marta Ndu RUHF Missions
5. Rev. Margaret Adebayo Ireti Ogo Jesu Christian Service
2019 SPECIAL 20TH ANNIVERSARY BAME AWARDS NOMINEES
1. Primate Elijah Ayodele Inri Evangelical Missions
2. Dr. Mathew Shobiye Mathmer Group Entrepreneur.
3. Dr. James Akanbi GOMERM Christian Service
4. Olatokunbo Bankole CB U.K Columnist Christian Service
5. Pastor John Alabi Word of God Services Literature
6. Pastor Olufemi Ibironke The Faithful Christian Service
7. Prophet Peter Olowoporoku LOCCI Christian Service
8. Rev. Yeside Staveley Eagles Height Christian Service
9. Rev. Tony Akinyemi TSF Christian service
10. Evang. Elishama Ideh CTEM Christian service
11. Pastor Ayo Ayolola LISEM Christian service
12. Pastor Samson Makinwa Kingdom of Light Christian Service
