Baptist Seminary advocates collective participation in Nigeria transformation
By Olatunde Ajayi
The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso, says transforming Nigeria into a better country is a collective responsibility.
Its President, Rev. Stephen Ayankeye, said this on Tuesday in Ogbomoso during a news conference on the forthcoming 2023 NBTS Ministers’ Conference, scheduled to hold from Sept. 11 to Sept. 14.
Ayankeye said that the theme of the conference; “Vessel for Honour”, was apt, following the current situations and challenges in Nigeria.
He said that gospel ministers were expected to lead people to be God-fearing and impact spiritual renewal in them.
According to him, the conference will help gospel ministers to be further equipped and reinvigorated for Godly living and effective ministries.
Ayankeye said the conference, embedded with continuing education programme, would help to update the academic and professional knowledge of gospel ministers.
This, he said, would also sharpen their ministerial skills and provide them the opportunities for fellowship as well as denominational promotion.
“It is the responsibility of all and sundry to participate in the transformation of the society.
“This will be possible and faster if the gospel, which is God’s power unto salvation, is handled by vessels well molded.
“We call on all political office holders and all others in government to live in gratitude to God, for having granted us peaceful elections in Nigeria.
“The citizenry should also be law abiding and be praying for our leaders, regularly.
“Time has come when all should work hard to make Nigeria great again in all ramifications,” he said.
Ayankeye noted that the conference would be a transitioning ministers’ event, as Prof. Emiola Nihinlola, the outgoing President of the body, who had complete his ten years tenure on June 30, would retire on Tuesday, Sept. 12.
“This is why I have been appointed by the Nigerian Baptist Convention to assume the position of the Seminary President from July 1, 2023.
“The conference holding at NBTS Alumni Multipurpose Hall will feature key programme personnel such as Reverend Israel Akanji, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and a visitor to the Seminary, Reverend Victor Adebayo-Dada, among others.
“We look forward to the active participation of all categories of gospel ministers: church pastors, specialised ministers on music, education, children and youths as well as evangelists and missionaries,” he said.
Also speaking, Chairman, Conference Planning Committee, NTBS, Rev. Simon Ishola, noted that adequate security arrangements had been made to ensure safety of lives and properties of all conference participants.
He added that the seminary security apparatus in conjunction with teams of security outfits from the Police, State Security Service and Federal Road Safety Corps would be on ground to maintain law and order. (NAN)
Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa
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