Nigerian Baptist Convention Tell Youths What to do During the #EndSARS Protest

By Our Reporter

The Nigerian Baptist Convention, NBC, has told youths to be actively involved as concerned and affected people in the ongoing #EndSARS protest across the country.

The youths were, however, told to be involved in the protest using spiritual weapons through prayer and fasting; spiritual work exercise and press releases saying that they are to be the light and salt of the world.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Director of Youth & Students,
Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr S.A.K Olaleye urging the youths to be constructive in their comments on issues and to be sensitive to the happenings in their environment.

Olaleye reminded the youths that they are God’s children and must know that their weapons are not carnal but mighty in God to pull down demonic powers.

The Director added that “keeping silent at this period is showing apathy to a disease that has been killing your colleagues and is capable of killing you.”

In the release titled “Statement to NBCYC and BSF of Nigerian Baptist Convention, #EndSARS Season: Soldiers of Christ’s Position, Olaleye said, “I urge us not to use any worldly weapons at this time. We must show our uniqueness as children of God. We must not be involved in any destructive or negative protest that is capable of causing damages that may bring hardship to the populace.”

The statement read in part:

“To the great youths and students of NBC. This is a special season in the history of our nation. Nigeria, perhaps has never witnessed this type of season before when youths of the nation would rise up to demand for their right through spontaneous mass protest tagged #ENDSARS that is spreading daily all over the nation.

“The question is what should be our response to the prevailing situation? We can take one of these three options: Silence and be spectators; Make comments as commentators; Be actively involved as concerned and affected people.

“Brave, courageous and generation changing youths will surely take option three. Since we are affected, we must be concerned and be involved. Keeping silent at this period is showing apathy to a disease that has been killing your colleagues and is capable of killing you.

“Next question is how should we be involved?
• First, we must be conscious of who we are as children of God with the Mandate to be the Light and the Salt of the world (Matt. 5:14-15). We should therefore be involved to shed light on the matter and season the situation. We have to be well enlightened and set our mind for positive change.
• Second, let us consider our weapon:
“The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 6 And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.” (2 Cor. 10:4-6). Hence, this should be our strategy of involvement.”

While explaining how the youths should engage in the protest, he said”
“I therefore urge us to be practically involved in this protest through: Prayer and fasting (corporate and private); Prayer walk within our territories; Constructive comments and responses to issues; Press releases on the way forward where opportunities are provided; and Sensitivity to the happenings in your environment so as not to be part or victims to the destructive nature of the protest. Let us watch and pray!” He emphasised.

He stressed that “I am praying for you as you respond to the situation of the time. The Lord will give us victory and we will all live to enjoy the fruits of this land.”