By Abiodun Lawal

Lufuwape (Ogun), April 27, 2025 The Nigerian Baptist Convention says individual’s closeness to God remained the greatest factor in addressing various challenges.

President of the convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, stated this at a Sunday Service held at the Baptist International Convention Centre in Lufuwape, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Baptist’s 112th Annual Convention kicked off on Saturday to end on May 1.

NAN reports that the theme of the convention is: “Entering into Newness through Fasting and Prayer”.

Akanji who took his sermon from the book of Luke 8 vs 1 to 8 , noted that prayers remained an act of faith and called on Nigerians to focus on God who solves problems rather than the problems.

He said it was important to believe in possibilities and have the conviction that only God answers prayers.

The Baptist President cited example of a widow who was not afraid, annoyed or ashamed of her challenges but kept moving until she overcame the challenges with her closeness to God.

“We should run away from factors that will make us sin against God, we should love one another. We should not allow our adversaries to make us a failure.

“We should focus on God who solves problems. Keep making attempt on your goal, don’t give up , then believe in possibilities,” he said.

Akanji emphasised that the Baptist as a movement, was entering into newness through fasting and prayer as a vehicle to be able to experience newness in their lives and the country.

The Ebonyi State Government has urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi chapter, to support and pray for the current political leadership at all levels to perform better and enhance governance.

Gov. Francis Nwifuru, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Patricia Obila, made the call on Thursday, during the official inauguration ceremony of elected state executives of CAN in Abakaliki.

The programme was organised by CAN Ebonyi chapter in collaboration with the state government.

Nwifuru described the need for intercession for leaders for better accomplishment to make progress in the current administration.

He commended the former CAN  Chairman, Rev Fr.

Abraham Nwali, for his achievements and contributions towards the previous administration.

He called on the Exco members inaugurated, to serve humanity and be ambassador of good deeds.

“The call is to serve humanity. And we want you to help preach and exhibit great deeds as an ambassador of Christ.

“We will work together to succeed,” Nwifuru said.

The newly-inaugurated State CAN Chairman, Rev Scamb Nwokolo, maintained that the only way to sustain progress and development of a country was to return to God in prayer.

Nwokolo added that dialogue and exploring peaceful avenues were options for better result in conflict resolution and development.

He assured that the organisation would be consistent and focused on development of ecumenical bodies and the state.

He stated that it would also run an inclusive administration and build on the foundation of previous leadership.

According to him, it is the responsibility of CAN to deploy approaches to ensure that the best is given to the society.

“This is the time to come together to give out our best.

“We will continue to call for prayers to accelerate development,” Nwokolo said.

The South-East CAN Chairman, Rev Fr. Abraham Nwali, said that the association led by his administration, played a significant role in the development of the state.

Nwali charged the executives on hard work to succeed and for betterment of the state.

Mr Edward Nkwegu, Chairman of the occasion who described Nwokolo as man of integrity, charged other executive members for compassion and advancement of peace in the state.

Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki

Ebonyi state government led by governor David Umahi and the Catholic Church, Diocese of Abakaliki on Monday defers over arrest, continued incarceration of a Priest, Fr. Timothy Ngwuta in the correction center Abakaliki.

The Catholic Church, Diocese of Abakaliki in a statement signed by Fr.

Matthew Uzoma Opoke Chancellor, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, said all efforts to secure the release Fr. Timothy Ngwuta on Bail have been hampered by the Executive Order preventing any Court in the State from entertaining matters relating to Effium crisis.

The statement reads in part: “The Church in the name of God, appeals to all the people of Effium and Ezza Effium involved in this inter-communal war, to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace.

Nothing justifies the senseless killing and maiming of innocent lives. Peace can never be achieved under the barrel of guns.

“Since the matter is before the courts, we will not be making any more statement on the case. We urge all to withhold judgement and let the case run its course.
“We implore all people of good will to join us in praying God to touch those responsible for the incarceration of Fr. Timothy to listen to the voice of right conscience. We commend the whole process into the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Priests and the Star of Evangelization. Pray for peace in our State and in the Country” the church stated.

In a swift reaction, Ebonyi state government through the Atterny general and commissioner for justice, Mr. Cletus Ofoke cautioned the Catholic Church to desist from saying that the priest is incarcerated in prison as a result of executive order.

Ofoke who spoke to journalists in Abakaliki said: “There is nothing like Executive Order on the Effium crisis, there is nothing to that effect. Of course, government can never issue order stopping court from doing its legitimate duty. It is aimed at tarnishing somebody’s image and maligning the government. There is nothing like that.

“Once a matter is in court, nobody talks about it other than for the legal process to take its course. This is what Ebonyi State government has done and the government has no hand in Priest case. The case of the Priest is purely a legal issue from police to court. 
“So, nothing concerns Ebonyi State government and it is not only the Priest that is being incarcerated over the matter there in Effium. People are aware that so many people have been charged to court; some of them are in prison, some of them are being tried by court. So, the Priest is also a human being” he stated.