Reverend Victor Atenaga, a renowned gospel minister, worship leader, songwriter, voice therapist, writer, life coach and businessman, has been celebrated for his contributions to gospel music, ministry and humanitarian service as he marks his birthday.
The tribute, written by lawyer, writer and policy analyst, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., described Atenaga as a humble and benevolent personality whose ministry has impacted lives and inspired a generation through gospel music and worship.
According to Ogbankwa, Atenaga’s approach to gospel music has remained focused on the worship and adulation of God, rather than commercial interests.
Atenaga is the founder and Senior Pastor of Simply Worship International Ministries, SWIM, popularly known as “The Glorious House,” which began at Saida Hotel in Benin City around 2012.
The ministry has since expanded, with its headquarters located along Sapele Road by Adesuwa Junction in Benin City, alongside branches in Ugbowo, Ramat Park and Irhirhi. The ministry also has a branch in Asaba, while plans are reportedly underway for churches in Abuja and Lekki.
Beyond the pulpit and music, Atenaga has also been recognised for his humanitarian efforts.
He is known for the annual “Smile Naija” charity programme held around Nigeria’s Independence Day, through which support is provided to vulnerable members of society.
The initiative has included the distribution of food items, clothing and household furniture, as well as free legal assistance and medical care to people in need. According to the tribute, beneficiaries have included people who are not members of his church and people from different religious backgrounds.
Atenaga’s journey in Christian ministry and music dates back to 1989, when he became born again and began his musical career.
In 1991, he became the travelling secretary to the Youth Intercessors of the Christian Youth Fellowship of Church of God Mission International and, by 1993, became the State Coordinator.
In 1992, he and his prayer team established the Eki-Uwa branch of the church, where he served as pastor for a year before being recalled to Benin City to continue his responsibilities as a worship leader.
His return helped revive the worship pattern at the CGMi Upper Mission Branch in Benin City, according to the tribute.
Atenaga was recognised as the church’s Best Vocalist of the Year in 1994 and again in 1995.
Following his achievements in music ministry, he was transferred to Faith Arena, the headquarters of Church of God Mission International and the ministry associated with the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa.
From 1996 until Archbishop Idahosa’s death in 1998, Atenaga worked with the ministry’s international administrative office and served as the Archbishop’s personal psalmist, travelling with him to various locations.
During his time at Faith Arena, he served as worship leader, music director and pastor under Archbishop M.E. Idahosa.
He was ordained into ministry as a Reverend in Church of God Mission International in 2006 and continued his ministry responsibilities until he was released to establish Simply Worship International Ministries in 2012.
Atenaga has also contributed to the development of gospel musicians through his work as a voice trainer and therapist.
He previously served at the Gospel Music College and is currently described as a lecturer, voice therapist and Rector of Paradigm Academy of Music in Benin City.
He hosts the annual Simply Worship event at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, one of the major worship gatherings associated with his ministry, and also organises worship and healing meetings in different parts of Nigeria.
As a music minister, Atenaga has written and produced several gospel songs, including “You Will Win,” “Majesty,” “Teach Me Your Ways,” “Thou Art Worthy,” “God Is a Miracle Worker,” “Hiding Place” and other worship compositions.
He has also shared platforms with internationally recognised gospel and contemporary Christian artistes, including Marvin Winans, Phil Driscoll, Jaci Velasquez, Lionel Petersen and Alvin Slaughter.
Despite his extensive experience and international exposure, Atenaga is said to prefer the simple description of “a worshipper.”
He is also an author, with books including Answers on How Best to Use Your Voice, Understanding the Priesthood of the Psalmist, Worship and the Miraculous and The Miraculous Acts of Praise.
Ogbankwa described Atenaga as an award-winning international worshipper, pastor, music producer, arranger, conference speaker and role model whose life and ministry have continued to inspire gospel ministers and professionals.
Atenaga is married to Pastor Vivian Atenaga, and the couple are blessed with three daughters — Drucilla-Zelig, Rovwe and Manuel. The family resides in Benin City, Edo State.
Reflecting on the significance of Atenaga’s life and service, Ogbankwa cited Ralph Waldo Emerson’s observation that it is not merely the length of a person’s life that matters, but its depth.
He prayed for many more decades of fruitfulness, prosperity and good health for Reverend Victor Atenaga, expressing optimism that greater years of impact lie ahead.
The birthday tribute was signed by Douglas Ogbankwa Esq., lawyer, writer and policy analyst, who is also the President of the Benin Writers’ Society and a member of Simply Worship International Ministries.
