BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has congratulated the outgoing President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, on the successful completion of his five-year tenure, describing his leadership as one that promoted unity, strengthened the convention and raised its profile across Africa.
Hayab, who is also the Senior Pastor of Amazing Grace Baptist Church, Gonin Gora, Kaduna, said this in a statement issued on Friday.
He said Akanji’s tenure would be remembered for providing stable and Christ-centred leadership at a time when many institutions were grappling with internal divisions.
According to him, Akanji, who succeeded Rev. Dr. Samson Ayokunle in 2021, led the convention with wisdom, humility and commitment to the Great Commission, ensuring that the Baptist family remained united and focused on evangelism, discipleship and missions.
“On behalf of my family, the Northern Christian Association and Amazing Grace Baptist Church, I congratulate our father in the faith, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, on the successful completion of a remarkable tenure as President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention.
“Your administration will be remembered as a period of unity, stability and purposeful leadership. You kept the Baptist family together, strengthened the mission of the church and remained a courageous voice for righteousness and national development.
“Akanji’s service on the African stage enhanced the influence of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and promoted stronger cooperation among Baptist churches across the continent,” Hayab said.
He prayed that God would grant the outgoing convention president good health, renewed strength and greater opportunities for continued service in God’s vineyard.
Hayab also congratulated the incoming President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. David Olusola Idowu, and urged Baptists across the country to support the new leadership with prayers and commitment to preserving the unity and vision that characterised Akanji’s administration.
