Mike Bamiloye shares final conversation with late actor Baba Gbenro: "It was closing time"

• Gospel film director Mike Bamiloye shared the last conversation he had with late actor Baba Gbenro, highlighting the actor’s faith and dedication
• Bamiloye mourned the loss of actor Moses Korede Are, fondly known as Baba Gbenro, describing his passing as a "gain for Heaven" and a peaceful transition to eternal rest
• Despite his health struggles, Are remained committed to gospel filmmaking, leaving behind a powerful legacy of faith and hard work, especially in Abattoir and Abejoye

Nigerian gospel film director and founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, Mike Bamiloye, has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late actor Moses Korede Are, better known as "Baba Gbenro," who passed away recently. 

In a touching Facebook post shared on Thursday, November 14, Bamiloye reflected on the last conversation he had with Are before he was hospitalised, describing it as a poignant moment that underscores the actor's dedication to his work and his unwavering faith.

Bamiloye recalled speaking with Baba Gbenro just before his hospitalization, revealing the actor’s calm and reassuring words: “Please, greet my friend for me. Please, Daddy, I will be well. Don’t let this discourage you from calling me on film location o.”

Those words, Bamiloye shared, were a testament to Are's commitment to his craft and his steadfast faith in God, even in the face of health challenges.

Reflecting on the life and legacy of Korede Are, Bamiloye described the actor as a "true servant of God" who had been actively involved in gospel film production up until his final days. 

Are had been working on the sets of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 when his health took a sudden and critical turn, leading to his hospitalisation.

In his tribute, Bamiloye expressed his disbelief that Are was unknowingly "rounding off his assignment in the vineyard" while still actively involved in production. 

He wrote, “We were on location of Abejoye season 8, we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard.” 

The emotional post also served as a reflection on the brevity of life, with Bamiloye pondering the moment when the "Master" calls each of us home, asking, “When will the Master call you to come home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME?”

Bamiloye further described Are’s passing as a "gain for Heaven," adding, “He died here and woke up there eternally,” marking the end of a long and fruitful journey on Earth, and the beginning of eternal rest in the presence of the Lord.

Korede Are, whose unforgettable role as Baba Gbenro in the popular series Abattoir endeared him to audiences across Nigeria, is remembered for his unwavering dedication to gospel drama. 

Bamiloye noted that the actor, who was known for learning many lines and tirelessly shooting film scenes, has now found peace, "resting from series of movie shoots and learning of many lines."

The sad news of Are's passing was first shared by his colleague, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, who took to Instagram on Thursday, November 14, to announce the actor's death, leaving fans and colleagues alike in mourning.

Tears as veteran actor Francis Duru loses son, netizens offer sympathy

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nollywood’s veteran actor announced the death of his 15-year-old teenage son, Ifeanyi, on August 8.

The circumstances that led to the death of the young boy were yet to be ascertained by the actor or his family as of the time of this report. Ifeanyi is said to be the actor’s second son.