Amos Kadanga Becomes 16th National President of Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference

The Nigerian Baptist Convention Youth Conference (NBCYC) on Friday officially inaugurated Ambassador Amos Barnabas Kadanga as its 16th National President during the ongoing Arise Congress 2.0 at the Baptist International Convention Centre (BICC), Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Kadanga, in his acceptance speech, described his emergence as “a rare privilege” and pledged to build on the rich heritage and long history of the NBCYC while deepening youth engagement across the Convention.

“My hope is solidified in the assurance that He who has begun this work with us as an organisation shall continue to keep us unto a perfect end,” he said, dedicating his leadership to God and the collective commitment of NBC youths.

The new president paid glowing tributes to his predecessor, Dr. Toba Emmanuel Bamidele, and his team for their service over the past three years, affirming that leadership in the Youth Conference is a continuum. He promised to work closely with past leaders to consolidate on their achievements.

Kadanga, who addressed thousands of youths gathered for the Arise Congress, assured members that his leadership will pursue a people-centered agenda with a strong focus on inclusiveness. He disclosed that in the coming months, he will embark on extensive consultations with youths across the Convention to harmonize expectations and ideas.

Top among his immediate priorities, he said, is to galvanize support for the completion of the NBCYC Youth Resource Centre at the BICC. He also stressed the urgency of restoring the production and supply of the official youth Ankara uniform, which has been unavailable for over a year.

“A situation where our number one uniform being not in stock for over a year is not acceptable and must therefore be reversed,” he declared.

Kadanga called for unity, urging those who were not nominated into the office not to feel sidelined. “This is the Lord’s work, and there’s no victor, no vanquished amongst us,” he said, appealing for cooperation from all members.

He expressed gratitude to the NBCYC leadership, the Nomination Committee, and the Central Planning Committee of the Arise Congress for their roles in the process. He also thanked the Director of Youth and Students Ministries of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. S. Olawuyi James, and the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and All Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF), Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, for their unflinching support for the youth ministry.

In his closing charge, Kadanga rallied NBC youths to rise to their calling, declaring, “the nations are waiting for our emergence. Together, let’s arise as a force marching with the banner of Jesus. Let’s work together to keep the faith and preserve our heritage.”

He concluded with prayers for the NBCYC, the Nigerian Baptist Convention, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.