First Baptist Church calls for collective action against insecurity

The First Baptist Church, Idiikan, Ibadan, Oyo State, has called for collective efforts by citizens, religious institutions and government to tackle the growing insecurity in Nigeria, saying the responsibility should not be left entirely in the hands of government.

The church’s Senior Pastor, Reverend Dr Solomon Oyelami made this call at a press conference held to commemorate the church’s 120th anniversary.

According to him, insecurity had developed gradually and had now become a challenge requiring the involvement of everyone.

He said while government had the primary responsibility of protecting lives and property, citizens must also assist security agencies by providing timely and useful information whenever they noticed suspicious activities.

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The cleric said the church’s responsibility included educating its members, particularly youths, on moral values and working with security agencies to promote a safer society.

He added that government must also be decisive in dealing with insecurity, noting that security agencies and government could not see everything happening in every community.

Speaking on measures to prevent youths from becoming involved in cultism, kidnapping and other criminal activities, the cleric said the church was committed to preaching the word of God and inculcating sound moral values in young people.

He said the objective was to raise youths who would be guided by Christian principles and would resist immoral and criminal influences in society.

The church, which was established on August 27, 1906, is marking its 120th anniversary with the theme, “Joyous Celebration,” drawn from Psalm 35:27A.

The anniversary provides an opportunity for the church to reflect on its 120 years of evangelism, education, spiritual development and service to humanity.

The church said it had also contributed to the spread of Christianity through church planting, having directly established, adopted or nurtured more than 30 Baptist churches within and outside Ibadan.

Education, healthcare projects

The church said education remained an important part of its mission, recalling that its first school was established on the day of its dedication in 1906.

It currently has First Baptist Church Private Nursery and Primary School, Idiikan, and Idiikan Baptist Comprehensive College, Fele Rab, Off Idi-Odo, Challenge, Ibadan, with an annex at Idiikan.

Looking ahead, the church said it planned to establish additional private schools to complement government efforts in education and job creation.

It also announced plans to construct the First Baptist Church, Ibadan Hospital, as part of its contribution to accessible healthcare and community development.

According to the church, the proposed hospital would not only address healthcare needs but also create employment opportunities.

The anniversary celebration, which runs from August 15 to September 6, includes seven days of fasting and prayer, the Ibadan Baptist Conference-in-Session, press conference and documentary presentation, Founders’ Day and Reunion Service, evangelism rally, Teenagers’ and Youth Night, a health programme, social visits, financial empowerment lecture, African Praise Night and the 120th Anniversary Grand Finale.

The grand finale on September 5 will feature a special fundraising for the church’s projects under the chairmanship of Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, while the anniversary programme will conclude with a White Sunday Thanksgiving Service on September 6.

The church said the anniversary was not only a celebration of its past but also a renewed commitment to evangelism, education, healthcare, youth development and service to humanity.

It reaffirmed its determination to expand its missionary activities, establish more institutions and positively impact future generations.