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Jide Afolabi, Lagos
Youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, has said that they were ready to take over territories which the Lord has given them in Nigeria and beyond.
The youths said that they have been equipped to take over religious, economic and political territories in their various constituencies through the word of God, prayers and active involvement at decision making levels.
This was contained in a communiqué of the 49th Annual Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference, NBCYC, held between Tuesday, August 3 and Saturday, August 7, 2021 at the Foursquare Gospel Church Campground, Ajebo, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway signed by the President and General Secretary, Pastor Onajite Enunuaye and Bro Job Emmanuel respectively.
The theme for the conference was “Taking Over Territories” (Joshua 1:1-8) and Rev Dr Jim Gotom was the Guest Speaker. Other speakers were the Convention President, Rev Dr Israel Akanji, Rev Dr S.A.K Olaleye, Rev Dr Adelokoji Ijaola, Rev Dr Israeli Kristilere, Rev J.S IbukunOluwa, Rev Bunmi Ayodele, Rev Mike Babatunde, Pastor Gosdpower Okitikpi, NBCYC President, Pastor Onajite Enunuaye and other anointed men of God.
They said that the Lord has given youths especially of Baptist extraction territories to take over for God’s glory but that this cannot happen unless and until youths acknowledge Jesus as their Lord and savior.
The youths condemned the state of insecurity in Nigeria stressing that it has led to ‘economic hardship, famine, and loss of jobs in the country.’ They prayed for the release of the Bethel Baptist Secondary School students in Kaduna state and all other victims of kidnappers being held hostage while calling on the government to restructure the security system and make it technology driven to be effective and efficient.
Baptist youths said that freedom of religion is a fundamental right as recognised by various international, regional and national laws including the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and called on the government to protect this fundamental right.
They congratulated the new President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Israel Akanji and appreciated him for his presence at the Conference saying that they look forward to work with him while appreciating his predecessor who is currently the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle wishing him success in his future endeavours.
According to the communiqué, one of the major highlights of the conference included honouring of past leaders of NBCYC and individuals that have supported youths of the Nigerian Baptist Convention over the years and launching of a project titled “NBCYC Hall of Fame”. All awardees were enlisted in the NBCYC Hall of Fame. The youths also appreciated the outgoing Director, Students’ and Youths Ministries, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr S.A.K Olaleye for his meritorious service to Baptist youths in the last decade.
The conference acknowledged modest achievements of the current leadership of the NBCYC especially in the “areas of mission, networking, and open leadership, deliberate efforts geared towards investment and equipping the Secretariat among others.”
The communiqué noted that the conference was impactful as seminars and workshops were organized on different thematic areas on spiritual growth, evangelism, leadership, health, business, relationship, education, conflict management, and empowerment among others with a view to equip Baptist youths towards 21st century challenges.
The youths were admonished to be relevant and actively be engaged in their local Churches, Associations, Conferences and ecumenical bodies.
The conference prayed for the peace and progress of Nigeria, Africa and the world at large while disclosing that the 50th National Annual Conference will hold in Eket, Akwa Ibom State in 2022.