Nigerian Baptist Convention Begins 113th Annual Session, Raises Alarm Over Insecurity and Economic Challenges

By Jide Afolabi, Abuja

The Nigerian Baptist Convention has announced the commencement of its 113th Annual Session in Abuja, drawing attention to pressing national concerns, including insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its President, Israel Akanji, the Convention addressed a range of national issues. While acknowledging ongoing economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, it stressed the need for effective implementation and oversight.

He said, “We begin by thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Federal Government’s economic reform which is intended to revive our nation in such a way that every citizen will be a beneficiary.”

Despite this commendation, the cleric expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country, describing it as intolerable.

He said, “The menace of insecurity in the country, occasioned by the seemingly endless, senseless, brutal, torturous and unprovoked killings have become totally unbearable for us in Nigeria.”

Calling for urgent government intervention, Akanji urged decisive action to address the crisis.

He said, “Yet, we call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to, as a matter of urgency, confront and overcome the problem of insecurity in the nation decisively.”

The Convention also highlighted the growing challenges of unemployment and migration, warning about the increasing trend popularly referred to as the Japa syndrome. Akanji noted that many Nigerian youths continue to risk dangerous journeys across the Mediterranean Sea in search of better opportunities, with many losing their lives in the process.

On infrastructure, he advocated increased investment in critical sectors such as roads, railways, and aviation, pointing out that the high cost of air travel has become a major concern.

Akanji said, “It has been argued that the cost of travelling by air in Nigeria seems to be the highest in the world.”

He further called for immediate and comprehensive reforms in the education sector.

He said, “We call on all tiers of government to declare a state of emergency on the education sector with a view to ensuring an overhaul and restorring normalcy.”

Addressing the persistent power challenges, Akanji urged the Federal Government to convene stakeholders to develop sustainable solutions.

He added, “We still call on our President to call a National Conference of all stake holders with a view to having a permanent solution to the problem of power in Nigeria.”

Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the cleric cautioned political actors against engaging in violence or electoral malpractice.

He said, “it’s imperative to urge our politicians to play the game according to the rules; to shun all forms of violence and election malpractices.”

He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to uphold its responsibility of conducting credible elections.

He said, “we implore INEC to maintain neutrality and be determined to conduct free, fair and credible polls.”

The Convention extended its condolences to victims of violence across various states and called on the government to provide adequate support for affected communities.

The 113th Annual Session, themed Entering into Newness through the Fruit and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, is scheduled to take place from April 18 to 23, 2026, at the Baptist International Convention Centre in Abuja. The gathering is expected to focus on spiritual renewal and national transformation.

The Nigerian Baptist Convention traces its origins to 1850 through the work of American missionary Thomas Jefferson Bowen and became a formal national body in 1914. Over the decades, it has made notable contributions to Nigeria’s education and healthcare sectors, including the establishment of Baptist Academy, Bowen University, and several hospitals nationwide.