Benjamin Idume was born on 12th December, 1968, in Aviara Town, Delta State, to the late Ven. and Mrs. James Idume. His father served as the Archdeacon of Ika Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Asaba and was also the Vicar of St. John’s Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, prior to the creation of the present Ika Diocese. As a result, Ben grew up in the Anglican Church vicarage and gave his life to Jesus Christ as a young teenager in 1984 at Agbor.
He attended Ika Grammar School, Agbor, for his secondary education and went on to study English and Literature at the then Bendel State University (now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma). In 1992, he earned a Master’s degree in English and later obtained a Ph.D. in English Language from Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria.
Ven. Idume trained for ministry at Trinity (Union) Theological College, Umuahia, for Dip.Th and Crowther College of Theology, Okene where he obtained B. Th and was ordained a Deacon in July 1996 and priested in July 1997.
Ven. Idume’s early pastoral service began in the Niger Delta region, first as a Curate at All Saints’ Church, Oleh, followed by two postings as Vicar in Warri and Sapele: Good Shepherd Church, Igbudu, Warri, and All Saints’ Church, Sapele.
He moved to Port Harcourt, where he held a mix of curacies and vicarages. This included serving as a Curate at the unique New Generation Faith Anglican Church (Goat Sellers’ Market), Mile 3, before taking on the role of Vicar at Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Ada George Road, Rumueme. He also served as a Curate at New Covenant Anglican Church, Nzimiro.
A significant move saw him in the Northern part of Nigeria, where Ven. Idume served as Vicar of Christ Church, Kaduna. This eventually led to a concentration of service in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
Starting with a major posting in Abuja, Ven. Idume served as the Archdeacon of Asokoro Archdeaconry & Vicar of St. James’ Church, Asokoro. He was later the Archdeacon of Maitama & Vicar of St. Matthew’s Church, Maitama.
He also held a position as Sub-Dean at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarinpa. He currently holds the post of Archdeacon of Asokoro & Vicar of St. James’ Church, Asokoro, Abuja.
He has served the Church of Nigeria in various capacities and locations across the country. In 2002, he was made a Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Diobu, Port Harcourt. He was appointed Director of Youth and Women Affairs in the Church of Nigeria. He was later appointed Archdeacon of Christ Church, Kaduna where he helped to resolved the crises that rocked Christ Church and restore the congregation back to the Diocese in January 2005.
Ven. Dr. Ben Idume is an anointed, inspirational, and vibrant preacher today as a result of God’s divine grace and wisdom that is in him. He exudes passion for the youth ministry and this has distinguished him as God’s gift to our contemporary Church. He is a great mobilizer, church builder and teacher of God’s word. He is a seasoned, dynamic, and charismatic Church leader, he is a visionary man, full of the Holy Spirit, with a deep passion for church planting, growth, and the unity of God’s Church.
Ven. Benjamin Idume is happily married to Joy Nwamaka Idume, and their union is blessed with six children.
