By Philomina Attah
The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Olusola Idowu, has urged leaders to make personal sacrifices and embrace selfless service for the nation in the discharge of their duties.
Idowu made the call during the 65th birthday and retirement service of his predecessor, Rev. Israel Akanji, held at the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja.
He noted that Akanji’s 42 years of active ministry out of his 65 years of life, serves as a testament to God’s Grace and a model for both the Church and leaders.
”Leaders can learn sacrificial giving, selflessness, courage, and total devotion to God and humanity from his life.
”God raised him from obscurity to the limelight, and his service remains an encouragement to those of us in leadership today,” Idowu said.
He also urged young people to dedicate themselves to service, emphasising that “today belongs to them, not tomorrow, and they must step up to take charge of their responsibilities.”
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, praised Akanji as a prudent manager of resources whose kindness impacted both Christians and non-Christians.
Adegbite called for an upward review of the retirement age for Baptist ministers beyond 65 years to allow the denomination to benefit longer from the wealth of experience of seasoned leaders.
In his remarks, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, commended Akanji’s contributions to ecumenism and interfaith relations.
Onaiyekan called for sustained dialogue between Christian denominations and advised Akanji to utilise his retirement to deepen initiatives under the Interfaith Initiative for Peace to strengthen Christian-Muslim coexistence in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), Bishop Daniel John-Praie, lauded Akanji’s multifaceted impact across the broader body of Christ.
He described his ministry as one defined by tangible influence rather than mere oratory.
Similarly, the Federal Commissioner representing the North Central at the NCPC, Rev. Simon Dolly, described Akanji as a compassionate leader and mentor, suggesting that his peacebuilding expertise would make him a suitable Special Adviser to the President on Christian Religious Affairs.
The Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Mr Sunday Dare, recalled his 30-year acquaintance with Akanji from their days at the Baptist High School, Jos.
Dare, a former Minister of Sports, praised Akanji’s intellectual depth and inspiring sermons, noting that his contributions would remain vital to the Christian community nationwide.
Representing the local assembly, Mrs Adenike Takpatore, wife of the Pastor-in-Charge at First Baptist Church in Garki, highlighted Akanji’s 22-year tenure as senior pastor at the parish, noting that his mentorship left an indelible mark on numerous families and church leaders.
A parishioner, Mr Jacob Oyekale, recounted how Akanji assisted him following a road accident in 1992 before later becoming his pastor, describing him as an administrator who consistently practiced his teachings.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who was represented by the Vice-President, Rev. Baba Panya, commended the retired cleric for his selfless contributions to Christianity in Nigeria.
Responding, Akanji expressed gratitude to God for preserving him through 42 years of pastoral ministry, which began in 1984.
Reflecting on his new book, titled Newness, Akanji offered a message of hope for the nation, urging citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of national development.
”God is a God of newness who turns despair into praise. Nigeria will experience newness and enter a new realm.
”Let us love our nation, pray for our leaders, and work together as one, and God will transform our country,” he said.
Akanji was born on Aug. 16, 1961 in Barkin Ladi, Plateau, and attended St. Mark’s Primary School, Barkin Ladi; Baptist Day School; and Baptist High School, Jos, between 1973 and 1978.
He holds a Diploma in Theology (1987), Bachelor of Theology (1993), and Master of Theology (1995) from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso.
He also holds a PhD in Practical Theology from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland (2000).
He served 12 years at Christ Baptist Church, Badagry, Lagos, from 1987 to 1999, and 22 years as Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja.
Akanji has served as Chairman, CAN North-Central Zone; Chairman, CAN FCT Chapter; and in several other national and ecumenical positions.
He is a Fellow of the African Society for the Study of Religion and a recipient of the Nelson Mandela Peace and Development Award.
The service was attended by key ecumenical figures, representatives of religious organisations, and past and present leaders of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza