Rev. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, has hailed the dedication of the new auditorium at Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowonjo, as a significant achievement for the Convention.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, themed “A Glorious Rehoboth,” Akanji emphasized the importance of church dedication, noting how every new church strengthens the larger body of Christ.
He said: “This is a milestone for the Nigerian Baptist Convention. A church of this size helps spread the message of Jesus Christ within the community, like lighting candles of joy in different places.”
He stressed the role of the church in evangelism, providing a space where lives can be transformed through the Word of God.
Akanji highlighted the need for a worship space that is both dignified and conducive to worship. “The Bible says, ‘Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
A church should provide an environment where people can focus on God without distractions,” he noted.
He also described the new auditorium as a growing seed within the body of Christ, symbolizing a source of strength for the Convention’s ongoing work.
Rev. Akanji also commented on the state of Nigeria’s refineries, expressing hope for their revival. “I believe it’s possible to repair Nigeria’s refineries, but there are deeper issues at play,” he said.
Encouraging the leadership of Triumphant Baptist Church, Akanji urged them to view this dedication as the start of a new chapter in their ministry.
He said: “This milestone is just the beginning. God has even greater things in store for the church. We must look ahead and embrace those future blessings.”
Aside from celebrating the church’s dedication, Rev. Akanji also addressed the ongoing fuel crisis in Nigeria, highlighting its severe impact on households, transportation, and healthcare.
He called on the government to take immediate action, acknowledging the challenges faced by the administration but urging for policies that would ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
“Fuel prices affect every aspect of life, and the government must do more to reduce costs for the common people,” he said.
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Commenting on the state of Nigeria’s refineries, Akanji expressed optimism about their revival but acknowledged deeper systemic issues.
He cautioned against the greed of a few who may be profiting from the country’s difficulties, warning that the pursuit of wealth at the expense of the public could lead to destruction, drawing from biblical principles to underscore his point.
He warned against the greed of a few who may be benefiting from the nation’s misfortunes. Drawing on biblical references, he cautioned that the pursuit of wealth at the expense of the public would ultimately lead to ruin.
“Do the best for all people while you are in power. If you are merciless now, even your children may not benefit from the wealth you accumulate,” he warned.
He urged the nation’s leaders to invest in industries that create jobs, pointing out that relying solely on government employment is not sustainable.
Rev. Akanji called for a change of heart in the nation’s leadership. “We must put our trust in God and seek to uplift everyone,” he said. By promoting fairness and providing opportunities for the nation’s youth, he believes Nigeria can move toward a brighter future.
Earlier in his opening address, the Church Pastor of Triumphant Baptist Church, Rev Sunday Oladejo said that the new facility provides a modern space s of worship, and also enhances our capacity to serve the community through expanded ministry and administration capabilities.
He said: “There is no doubt that the successful completion of the new auditorium is a testament to the abiding grace of God and the church’s resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment of its members”.
