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By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
National Deacons Fellowship of Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), has urged its members, Baptist members and Christians in general to join politics in order to be elected and participate in governance come 2023 general elections.
This was contained in a resolution reached at the end of its national convention held at the Baptist International Convention Center (BICC), Mowe, Lagos – ibadan Expressway last Saturday.
The Fellowship stated that, “We are all aware that 2023 general elections are by the corner. We encourage all Christians to get interested and participate fully, beginning at the grassroots and ensure that you have a permanent PVC to enable you vote the candidate of your choice” .
It also observed with dismay the frustration of students and their parents these days, conditioned with the frequent strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
The Deacons Fellowship therefore called on the Federal Government and other concerned authorities to as a matter of urgency find a lasting solution to the problem in order to return sanity to the tertiary education sector of the country.
On insecurity in Nigeria, the Deacons Fellowship observed that nothing appears to be done or “all efforts of our governments at all levels are not yielding the desired result in steming the tide of insecurity”.
The resolution issued to journalists contained that, “We resolve and be it resolved that our government should take more pragmatic steps at dealing with the issues of insecurity in our land, while the security agencies should be up and doing in curbing the menace” .
The Fellowship further stated on COVID-19 experience that, “We have observed that because of the COVID-19 experience, most of our Church members these days are finding physical fellowship uninteresting, which is gradually breaking down the bond of Fellowship.”
It however observed that Heb 10:25a, says “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”We resolve and be it resolved that Baptists should place premium on physical gathering over virtual fellowship” .
“We observe that there is always traffic problems on the entrance to the venues of the Convention due to failed portions of the road. Be it resolved that these portions be repaired before programmes to avoid unusual traffic on the main route”, the resolution further contained.
The Fellowship also observed that over the years, there has been slow attitude of the Convention to issues of infrastructural development stressing that, “While commending the Convention Leadership on the actualization of the New Hall 2, we resolve and it is hereby resolved that we take issues with the urgency that they require to avoid the resorting to the fire brigade approach” .
“We have observed in the recent times, the spread of the get-rich quick syndrome, cutting across all ages among our members. We resolve and it is hereby resolved that all Christians should dis-associate themselves from this and parents should take closer interest in what their children do”, it added.
On Convention issues, it stated that, “We have also observed the increasing rate of late or non-payment of our co-operative dues to the Association, Conference and Convention. Be it resolved and it is hereby resolved that all Churches in our Convention should have a change of attitude to this and pay their dues as and at when due”.
On the Deacons Ministry and Chieftaincy title, the Fellowship stated that, “We have observed the increasing rate of Deacons accepting chieftaincy titles from traditional rulers/stools” .
“Be it resolved and it is hereby resolved that Deacons should focus on their calling and let the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ guide us according to Matt 8:22 which says “Jesus said to him, follow me and let the dead bury their dead”.
The Fellowship then commended the President and the National Executive Committee for restoring the Fellowship meetings into the Annual Convention-in-session programmes
It also observed the commitment and determination to develop the BICC by the Convention Leadership stating, “We commend the Convention President and the National Executive committee for this great work”.
In conclusion, the Fellowship as contained in the resolution signed by Deacon Don Afam as Chairman of the Committee, commended the Oyo Conference for accepting to host this year’s Annual Convention in session in BICC.
“We also commend the Oyo Baptist Conference Deacons Fellowship for their hospitality and promptness in preparation of refreshment for the Deacons Fellowship”, it concluded.
