MEMBERS of the Nigerian Baptists Convention will host dignitaries from all walks of life and others at the Baptist International Convention Centre at the Lagos/Ibadan expressway between April 20 and 25 for its 111th edition convention.
The church will also hold the 110th anniversary in a grand style as part of the activities lined up for the convention this year.
The Nigerian Baptist Convention began in Nigeria on March 11, 1914, when members came together as a national body in a meeting at the First Baptist Church, Idikan Street, Ibadan.
This was after Baptist work had been ongoing in the country for 64 years through the pioneering work of Rev Thomas Jefferson Bowen, in 1850, by a Missionary of the Southern Baptist Convention who hailed from the State of Georgia, United States of America.
Speaking during a press conference at the convention ground, Lufuwape, the Lagos/Ibadan expressway, the president of the convention, Reverend (Dr) Israel Akanji, said the convention has a synergy with Nigeria because they both have an important history tied to 1914.
He said, “For us as the Nigerian Baptist Convention, we see a synergy between us and the nation of Nigeria because the country Nigeria itself came to be so known in February 1914. As mentioned already, our Convention began in March 1914, therefore Nigeria, as so geographically carved out, is also in a Super Centenary year.
“Although our independence came in 1960, the country Nigeria had been amalgamated as one since 1914. For this reason, issues of national concern have always been in our thoughts, prayers, and actions, where possible. I wish to mention a few,” he added.
Akanji said this year’s gathering will allow members to celebrate and also carry out the goodwill of the gospel.
“The theme of this our 111th Annual Session is “Entering into Newness through Discipleship and Apostleship” and our text is Mark 3:14 (and15). The vision we have received from the Lord is that of NEWNESS for the entire Nigerian Baptist Convention which will affect our lives and our nation positively.
“This year, entering into newness for us is through Discipleship and Apostleship. This is because apostleship flows out of discipleship. It is only by spending time getting to know and follow Jesus that we can call others to know and follow Him.
“Our Annual Session this year will hold at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC) at Lufuwape village, Kilometre 54, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, in Ogun State from Saturday, April 20 -25, 2024.
“…as we celebrate 110 years, our Super Centenary, we give all the glory to God for everything He has made us to be through the years of our establishment in Nigeria.
“We are using this medium to thank the Almighty God for helping us so much in our efforts to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ and to carry out the Good Deeds He has commanded us to perform. Time and space will fail me to mention our influence in several parts of Africa, especially the coastal countries of West Africa”, Aakanji said.
He added that it would be “a time to worship, pray for our country, give reports, give appraisals, and plan for the coming of our denomination.”
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