By Philomina Attah
The Nigerian Baptist Convention Vice President (Ministerial), John Enyinnaya, has urged Nigerian leaders to embrace their responsibilities to solve inherited problems through divine guidance, not complaints.
Speaking during the thanksgiving service at the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, to mark the on-going 113th Annual convention session, Enyinaya emphasised that leadership was most critical during periods of difficulties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convention is with the theme, “Entering into Newness through the Fruit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit”.
It is scheduled to hold from April 18 to April 23, and it gathered delegates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Enyinnaya said while leaders often lament the poor state of affairs upon assuming office, true leadership is defined by the ability to step up and make a difference when things are not okay.
The cleric said that current challenges facing Nigeria required more than human wisdom and capacity.
Quoting from the books of Acts and Galatians, he said that God designed human beings to be led by His Spirit to accomplish tasks that are beyond their natural strength.
He urged those in authority to depend on God and allow themselves to be used as instruments to solve the nation’s multifaceted problems.
“Leadership is something you need when things are not okay.
“It is when things are difficult that leadership steps up. My encouragement to our leaders is that the opportunity to lead is an opportunity to make a difference,” he said.
He urged leaders to move past excuses, stressing that the difficulties of the nation are the very reasons they were elected or appointed to lead.
Addressing the role of the church, he described Christians as the hope of Nigeria, likening them to the salt of the earth and light of the world.
“If Christians truly depend on the Holy Spirit and allow their light to shine through ethical living and service, the darkness of the nation’s current challenges would inevitably dissipate,” he said.
Enyinnaya expressed optimism that a commitment to spiritual fruitfulness would empower citizens to make a significant impact on the nation and restore hope to the country.
Also speaking, Pastor Tom Tampatore, Senior Pastor of the church, called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, asserting that the nation remains a priority in God’s divine agenda.
Tampatore said that the annual gathering returning to the FCT after five years in the South-West, served as a critical period for spiritual reflection and national intercession.
”This is our annual gathering as Baptists. For the past five years, it has been held at Luku, Ogbomoso; this is the first time it is coming to Abuja since then.
”For us, it is a time to seek the face of God, re-evaluate, plan for the future, and trust the Lord to lead us.
“As a nation, we should be hopeful because God has great things for us,” Tampatore said.
He expressed confidence that delegates would return to their destinations across the country empowered with a renewed sense of purpose.
Pastor Mrs Ronke Kendi, President of the FCT Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), expressed optimism that the convention would bring spiritual renewal to homes and the nation.
Kendi encouraged families struggling with various challenges not to lose hope, describing mothers as strategic gatekeepers in nation-building.
”To all mothers, you are nation builders. Stand in the gap for your children, your husbands, the church, and the nation. Do not be found wanting, and God will strengthen you,” she said.
Mrs Adenike Tampatore, wife of the pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, said that the season was significant for women to reflect on their strategic placement in society.
She said that by manifesting the “fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and temperance, women could make a positive impact in their homes and workplaces to move the nation forward. (NAN)
Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
