Inside Nigeria
How Dr. Ade Akanji Emerged President, Nigerian Baptist Convention
...Makinde Celebrates Him As Great Ambassador of Oyo State; Charges Him To Keep The Flag Flying
Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, has described the newly elected President of the Nigrian Baptist Convention, NBC, Revd. Dr. Israel Ade Akanji, as a great ambassador of the state, who is flying the state’s flag very high in God’s vineyard.
This was the kernel of the congratulatory message that the governor sent to the Baptist cleric on his election.
Born in Sepeteri, Oyo State, Revd. Dr. Israel Ade Akanji, was elected by the Executive Committee of the Convention on Saturday following the report of the Search Committee. The Executive Committee is like an which is like the Electoral College.
He assumes office on June 1, 2021, after his election must have been ratified by the Nigerian Baptist Convention-in-session in Lagos in April.
Dr. Akanji, 59, is the current Pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja. He is also the Chairman of the North Central Zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, and a member of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.
While congratulating Akanji on his elevation, Governor Makinde lauded the immediate past president of the organisation, Revd. Dr. Supo Ayokunle, for the giant strides made under his leadership even as he advised his successor, Dr. Akanji, to take the NBC to greater heights.
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The Governor’s message was revealed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, who said his boss expressed confidence in the president-elect that the NBC will make greater exploits under his leadership.
“I congratulate the entire Baptist Family across Oyo State and Nigeria on the recent appointment of Dr. Israel Ade Akanji as the new president of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,” the statement read.
“I, particularly, congratulate my brother, Revd. Dr. Akanji, who has always been a great ambassador of Oyo State in God’s vineyard.
“This appointment is a testimony to the goodness of God in his life and how far he has come. I have no doubt that he will take NBC to greater heights, building on the great progress achieved by our father, the CAN president and immediate past NBC president, His Eminence, Revd. Dr. Supo Ayokunle.
“I would like to encourage the duo of Revd. Dr. Ayokunle and Revd. Dr. Akanji with the words of Bart Millard’s hymn “Stand up for Jesus,” that they should continue to lift up Christ’s royal banner.
“It is my prayer that God will continue to uphold the NBC and strengthen it to continue to push the frontiers of the gospel of Christ.”
