The 44th National Congress of the Nigerian Baptist Convention Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) and 3rd Leadership Summit has commenced at the Ultra-Modern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.
The Spiritual Leader and President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and All Africa Baptist Fellowship, the Rev’d Dr Israel Adelani Akanji on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 declared the National Congress open.
The spiritual event which had the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori represented was attended by over two thousand delegates made of Baptist Men from across from the Country.
Also in attendance was the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpovwovwo, former President, Delta Baptist Conference and former Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Delta State, Rev. Gideon Oyibo as well as the immediate past Conference President, Anioma Delta Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Paul Anyasi.
In his Presidential address, the National President, Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr. Soye Peniel Asawo said the Congress affords Baptist Men the opportunity to worship and bow down to God for His steadfast love towards the Union, family members, the Churches and Nigeria as a whole.
He appreciated the three Delta State Conferences; Anioma, Ethiope and Providence Baptist Conferences and the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori for the warm reception accorded the union and for the serine environment, as well as the conducive Center provided for the Congress.
While giving his stewardship report, Dr Asawo said that for three years, the national leadership team of the Union has served diligently and honestly as a result of the grace and love of the Lord God Almighty, saying that the 44th National Congress marks the end of the leadership circle.
“It was our collective resolution to build on the solid foundation laid by our past National Leaders and this we have done with passion and unity of purpose,” he said.
On National Matters, the MMU National President, lamented the precarious situation facing Nigeria at the moment and said Nigerians are hungry and angry.
He noted the August 1 Nationwide Protest and said it was another defining historic moment in Nigeria’s democratic experience as a Nation.
“The people of this nation spoke through a peaceful protest against bad governance and the consequent hunger in the land.
“We call on the government in power to listen and act decisively to combat hunger, corruption, insecurity and the myriad of challenges plaguing the economy. Nigerians are patient but this must not be taken for weakness.
“Political Leaders at all levels must see themselves as servants to deliver good governance to Nigerians and not Lords to rip off Nigerians.
“Religious Leaders must give voice to the cry of the masses and put pressure on our political Leaders to lead with the fear of God.
“As citizens, we also have our role to play in salvaging our nation. As believers, we need to brighten the corners where we are and always act to add value to our nation by our diligent and honest service,” Dr. Asawo said.
He said the theme of the Congress, “Wonders Without Numbers,” taken from Job 9:10 was to remind and encourage Baptist Men that God has not relinquished his power to do wonders, even as he assured that God in his infinite mercy would do countless wonders amongst the men on the cause of the Congress.
Fraternal greetings were received from the Spiritual Leader and President, Nigerian Baptist Convention and All Africa Baptist Fellowship, the Rev’d Dr Israel Adelani Akanji, Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, and the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Arthur Akpovwovwo.
Global Leaders of the Baptist World Alliance, Delta Baptist Conferences Presidents, National President NBC Deacons Fellowship, and National President NBC WMU, gave their fraternal greetings at the opening ceremony of the 44th National Congress.
Former Chairman of CAN in Delta State and Former President, Delta Baptist Conference, Rev. Gideon Oyibo was presented with an Award of Father of Faith by the Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention at the National Congress.
