The 44th National Congress of the Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention has ended on a glorious note in Asaba, the Delta State Capital.
The event, hosted by the Delta Baptist Conferences, comprising Anioma Baptist Conference, Ethiope Baptist Conference, and Providence Baptist Conference, had over three thousand delegates from the 36 States and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in attendance.
It was highlighted by business sessions where various reports were presented as well as the celebration and worship segment where Rev. Dr. Chika Ossai-Ugbah led other Men of God to administer Holy Communion and prophetic blessings upon the delegates.
The closing ceremony also witnessed the decoration of newly elected MMU Conference Chairmen and appreciation of the outgoing officers of the various conferences.
Briefing Journalists during a Press Conference at CAN Ultra-Modern Christian Centre, Asaba venue of the Congress, the outgoing National President of the MMU, Dr Soye Peniel Asawo said part of the approved Congress communiqué, was the commendation of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the steps taken towards the autonomy of the Local Government.
“We commend the Federal Government’s steps because it is in tandem with the grundnorm of the nation and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said, noting that there has not been that Political will to implement that aspect of the Constitution, over the years.
“We hope that by the Supreme Court Judgment, it will give impetus to our leaders to actually implement it, so that those at the grassroots can take their destinies in their hands in terms of providing infrastructure for the public good.
“We expect the Judgment to be implemented. Let it not be another approval that is just there on the shelf and not being implemented.”
Dr Asawo said the 44th MMU National Congress, also lamented the precarious state of the economy and said the economy of the Nation has gotten to its lowest ebb whereas Nigerians are suffering.
“Congress therefore called on the Government to do something quickly about the situation of the economy, particularly the value of the Naira.
“Congress is saying to the Government that they must work to fight the devil of Corruption. It is the devil, because it has bedeviled us as a Nation.
The outgoing National President of the MMU explained that the cost of governance in Nigeria was second to none, globally and warned that, except those in power begin to trim down and make the sacrifices they expect the common Nigerians to make; the Country would not make headway.
“We are calling on the Government at all levels to fight corruption and to be seen to be fighting corruption. That is the only way we can restore confidence back to the system, with a view to ensuring that we move forward as a Nation,” he stated.
He further said the Congress took note of the twin problem of insecurity whereby it has remained a great challenge and call on the authorities to take urgent measures to combat it.
“Farmers in many places cannot go to their farms. That has resulted in food scarcity and all the challenges with traveling,” he explained and said the Congress expects the Government to fight all of these issues headlong.
He said this year’s Congress theme, ‘Wonders Without Numbers,’ taken from Job Chapter 9:10 was chosen with a view to emphasizing and introducing the Wonder working Power of God to the Baptist Men and to the entire People of Delta State, even as he affirmed that testimonies of the wonders of Goe abounds since their arrival Asaba.
While commending the Delta Baptist Conferences and the Delta State Government for providing an enabling environment for the successful Congress, Dr Asawo gave reasons for their choice of Asaba, the Delta State Capital.
He said, “This year, we selected the city of Asaba for several reasons.
“We found the City Conducive for hosting large meetings like this. The infrastructure is conducive; the Christian Association of Nigeria, Christian Centre, here in Asaba is second to none; it serves the purpose of our gathering.
“The transportation network within the city and connecting to the city is also adequate for travellers both by air and by road.
“With the peaceful nature of the city, it is also an attraction and for these reasons, we gave the hosting right to the three Baptist Conferences in Delta State.”
He said the 44th MMU National Congress in Asaba, afforded the over 30 Baptist Conferences across the 36 States of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, the conducive atmosphere for the purpose of worship, fellowship and carrying out of kingdom business.
He noted that, apart from those physically present at the Congress, over Ten Thousand Baptist Men joined online from across the country.
