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Tag: West Africa Theological Seminary

  • WATS launches renewed drive to promote holiness, National transformation

    WATS launches renewed drive to promote holiness, National transformation

    Lagos, Nigeria – In an era marked by declining spiritual values, West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS) has announced a renewed vision aimed at catalyzing spiritual awakening in Nigeria and across Africa.

    The initiative, called the “Renewed WATS,” is designed to refocus the institution on its founding mission of raising leaders committed to holy living and taking the Gospel to the unreached.

    Dr. Oluwafemi Emmanuel, Provost of WATS, revealed this in a statement issued by the Seminary’s Acting Head of Media, Israel Ade’Dunia, said the renewed focus would emphasize the original mandate of the Seminary: training spiritually grounded leaders who will, in turn, impact their communities and sectors.

    “Our core objective,” Dr. Emmanuel stated, “is to train men and women who live holy lives and carry that transformative power into every area of society, whether they are in the military, politics, academia, legal profession, or religious ministry. Until Christianity begins to truly impact society, it hasn’t really started.”

    Emmanuel emphasized that WATS aims to enroll at least 4,000 students under this revitalized plan. The recruitment focus will be on born-again believers with a calling to ministry and those in active church leadership roles. According to him, the Seminary’s theological foundation is rooted in the Wesleyan and Pietist traditions of John Wesley and August Hermann Francke, with holiness at the center.

    “It’s a misconception to relegate holiness only to church activities. Holiness is life, it’s a culture, a daily practice that should define our personal and public lives,” he noted.

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    Part of the “Renewed WATS” strategy also includes a third pillar: evangelizing the unreached. Dr. Emmanuel clarified that the term “unreached” in theological terms refers to people who have heard the Gospel but are yet to accept it. “The day they respond and embrace the Gospel, they become reached,” he said.

    Founded over 40 years ago by naturalized American missionary Rev. Professor Gary Maxey, WATS has grown into a multi-denominational, cross-cultural institution dedicated to spiritual leadership development across West Africa.

    With this renewed commitment, the Seminary hopes to not only train leaders but ignite a broader national and continental revival grounded in personal holiness and public transformation.

  • Global expert Omotosho advocates peaceful engagements, harmonious relations

    Global expert Omotosho advocates peaceful engagements, harmonious relations

    Global Peace Ambassador, Dr Bolarinwa Omotosho, has appealed to Nigerians to embrace peaceful engagements as against measures that could escalate crisis. 

    He admitted the frustrations of Nigerians, especially youths over rising inflation and economic hardship, but said peaceful resolution remains the only viable option. 

    He spoke during the  International Peace Day Summit at the West Africa Theological Seminary in Lagos, Nigeria.

    The summit attracted peace stakeholders committee to promoting global harmony. 

    The Director General of The Next-GEN Peacebuilders Mentoring Initiative (NEPEINT) 

    urged Christian and Islamic clerics to leverage their platforms to promote unity in Nigeria. 

    The humanitarian and social worker with extensive experience in youth development and over 30 publications on youth culture said the theme of the celebration “Cultivating a culture of peace” was apt and appropriate. 

    The theologian advised the religious leaders to condemn religion-based bigotry, emphasising its contradiction to the principles of their faith.

    Omotosho encouraged them to foster interfaith relationships, promoting peaceful coexistence and sustainable national development in Nigeria.”

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    The crisis management expert noted that this year’s International Peace Day theme “Cultivating a culture of peace” resonates deeply with the mission of NEPEINT. 

    He emphasised the importance of dialogue, peaceful engagement, and constructive communication in resolving grievances. 

    “I understand the frustrations and concerns of our youth, but violence is not the solution. Let’s embrace dialogue and work together to build a better Nigeria,” he appealed.  

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    He said by choosing dialogue over violence, youths can create a brighter future for themselves and the country. 

    He urged L the Inspector General of Police to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians in a critical time like this. 

    According to him: “The police must protect lives and properties, and ensure that peace is maintained across the country.”

    He also called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the current hardship situation, emphasising the need for prompt action to address the current challenges.

    He emphasised the need for effective leadership and service delivery to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

     “You have a responsibility to walk the talk and deliver on your promises. The citizens have entrusted you with their trust, do not disappoint them,” he appealed to public officials. 

    He urged politicians to be proactive, innovative, and transparent in their service, saying, “This is not a time for business as usual. You must justify the President’s confidence in you and make a positive impact in the lives of Nigerians.” 

    The summit culminated in the nomination of new National Executive members for NEPEINT.

    The new national executive members include: 

    Dr. Mrs. Priscilla Omotosho -Matron; Mrs.  Olawunmi Fakoya – Programme Manager;

    Pastor Ajao Jefferson -Training Manager;

    Evangelist Oderinde Olaoluwa – Media Manager;

    Sister Azogu Christ-silvia – Assistant Media Manager; Sister Blessing Adesiyan- Youth Engagement Officer; Sister  Adio Olubunmi – Welfare Officer; Dr. Mrs. Peace U. Bassey- Ex-Officio; Pastor Abraham Aderoku -Ex-Officio and Ven. Olanrewaju Julius – Ex-Officio  

    Omotosho urged the newly nominated executives to prioritise the girl-child education initiative, creating peace advocacy among communities to help the less privileged and orphans face poverty’s challenges.