AKINWALE ABOLUWADE, IBADAN
The Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference has condemned the spate of insecurity in the land noting that the menace has led to economic hardship, famine and job losses.
The Conference with the theme, ‘Taking over territories,’ taken from the Holy Bible book of Joshua 1: 1 to 8, prayed for the release of all victims of kidnappings, including the remaining students of Bethel Baptist Secondary School, held hostage.
The youth spoke in a communique jointly signed and made available to journalists by its National President, Pastor Onajite Enunuaye, and General Secretary, Job Emmanuel, at the end of its 49th annual conference held at the Foursquare Gospel Church Campground between Tuesday, August 3 and Saturday, August 7.
The communique urged the Federal Government to restructure the security system in the country through the use of technology for efficiency.
It stated 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 government should protect it.”
It prayed for the peace and progress of Nigeria, Africa and the world at large and mandated the Baptist youths to take over the religious, economic and political spaces in their constituencies through the word of God, prayers and active involvement at decision making in line with the Great Commission.
Among others, it congratulated the new President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji; and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev Supo Ayokunle; and honoured past leaders of NBCYC while acknowledging the achievements of its current leadership.
Speakers at the five-day Conference hosted by the Lagos East, West and Central Baptist Conferences are Rev. Jim Gotom, (Guest Speaker); Rev. S.A.K Olaleye, Rev. Adelokoji Ijaola, Rev. Israeli Kristilere, Rev. J.S IbukunOluwa, Rev. Bunmi Ayodele, and Rev. Mike Babatunde, among others.
The 50th National Annual Conference, tagged ‘Eket 2022,’ is billed to hold in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, next year.
