By Seyi Odewale
The Nigerian Baptist Convention has urged Nigerians not to lose hope amid mounting national challenges, stressing that faith remains critical to stability and future progress.
The call came as Triumphant Baptist Church, Akowonjo, Lagos, marked its 30th Anniversary Reunion and Celebration Worship, drawing clerics and worshippers to reflect on faith, leadership and institutional resilience.
President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr Israel Akanji, ably represented by the Vice President (Ministerial), Rev. Prof. John Enyinnaya, said hope is essential for human survival and national development.
“In the present situation we find ourselves in Nigeria, we must continue to keep our eyes on God and hold on to faith and hope. When anybody loses hope, everything is finished,” Enyinnaya said, urging prayers for leaders.
Founded on March 24, 1996, by Rev. Dr Julius Adeniji, the church has grown steadily despite challenges, including a prolonged legal dispute over ownership of its worship site.
Interim Pastor of the church, Rev. Dr Olajide Oke, said the matter was resolved through compliance with court rulings and repurchase of the land, describing the outcome as evidence of unity, institutional discipline and divine vindication.
Oke said the anniversary marks a transition into a new phase of spiritual responsibility, deeper commitment, and expanded mission impact, anchored in unity and fruitfulness.
Pioneer Pastor, Rev. Dr Julius Adeniji, said the church at 30 represents a message of tolerance, forgiveness and reliance on divine grace, noting that obedience to God remains key to personal transformation and leadership development.
“At 30, Triumphant Baptist Church is preaching a message of tolerance, forgiveness and reliance on the grace of God,” Adeniji said, expressing confidence that the church will raise leaders who will shape both religious and secular spheres in the coming decades.
The anniversary theme, Celebrating Divine Victory and Fruitfulness, highlighted renewed emphasis on spiritual growth, leadership development, and broader mission impact as the church enters a new phase of its history.
Dignitaries at the service included Vice President, Finance and Investments of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Dr Biodun Oloyede; President, Lagos West Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr Samuel Oladiran; Conference Chairman, Rev. Dr Sunday Okanlawon; former Pastor of the church, Rev. Dr Sunday Oladejo; and Moderator, The Good News Baptist Association, Rev. Stephen Akinniji, among others.
