Nigerian gospel film director Mike Bamiloye has penned a heartfelt tribute to the late Moses Korede Are, affectionately known as “Baba Gbenro,” following the actor’s recent passing. The emotional message, shared on Facebook, revealed the last conversation the two shared before Korede Are was hospitalized.

Reflecting on their final exchange, Bamiloye recounted, “When he was being taken to the hospital and we were talking on the phone, he said: ‘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.’”

Bamiloye, founder of Mount Zion Faith Ministries, praised Korede Are’s unwavering dedication to gospel drama. “Dr. Korede Are has gone home to rest. Our employer in this vineyard is Jesus Christ. He alone knows our closing time at work,” he wrote, emphasizing the deep faith that guided Korede Are’s life and work.

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Korede Are was actively involved in the production of Abejoye Season 8 and Abattoir 5 before his health critically declined. Bamiloye reflected, “We were on location of Abejoye Season 8; we did not know he was rounding off his assignment in the Vineyard. He was on the film location of Abattoir 5; we never knew he was rounding off.”

Sharing a poignant message for others, Bamiloye wrote, “The Lesson for us all is: When will the Master call you to come home and say: IT IS CLOSING TIME.”

Korede Are’s enduring legacy is best remembered through his iconic role as Baba Gbenro in Abattoir, a performance that deeply resonated with audiences and showcased his passion for ministry through drama. Bamiloye described his passing as a “gain for Heaven,” noting that he has now found peace “resting from series of movie shoots and learning of many lines.”