Day Three of the 2025 Ministers’ Conference, Wednesday, September 10, 2025, began with the Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso Alumni Association. After the prayer sessions of thanksgiving, welcoming and presentation of the previous minutes, the Alumni Chairman, Rev. Dr. Nkem Osuigwe specially recognised and appreciated the sacrifices of the Alumni Executive members. He further spoke about the Alumni body’s progressive efforts and commended their generous contribution to the Multipurpose Hall project.

The president noted that four officers end their tenure this year. A nominating committee was set up to select new officers and Prof. Simon Kolawole prayed for the nominating committee. Later in the day, the nominating committee report was represented and eventually, Rev. Dr. Julius Omomola was appointed as the chairman of the Alumni Association and both returning and new Alumni executive members were inducted as Prof. O. B. Oladejo prayed the prayer of dedication. The new chairman presented awards of appreciation to the outgoing executives of the Alumni Association.

In the charge to the Alumni delivered by Rev. Prof. John O. Enyinnaya, Vice President Ministerial of the Nigerian Baptist Convention; he noted that pursuing peace is as important as pursuing holiness. He emphasized four critical things to consider in the passage he chose. They are: effort, intentionality, practical relationship and all-inclusive relationship. He explained that pursuing peace includes the minister’s relationships with family, ministry partners, predecessors and successors. Finally, he emphasized the command to live a life of sacrifice because sacrifice is a command; pursuing peace requires sacrifice

The business session of the Alumni Association included receiving reports. The following reports were received: Building Committee report on the Multipurpose Hall project, Financial Report, Auditor’s Report, and the Alumni Relations Officer’s Report.

The Bachelor’s degree graduates of 1995 were present in their matching white native wears for their Thanksgiving of their 30th anniversary of graduating from NBTS.  They observed a moment of silence for the five souls who have gone to glory among them. They appreciated the Seminary President and leadership. The degree set of 1995 presented a cash gift to the Student Body and Seminary, respectively.  They were appreciated by the Student Body president, Pastor Peter Oluwafemi Abolanle and the Seminary president, Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, respectively. Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye prayed for the set. Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji said the closing prayer for the morning session.

During the afternoon session, the third day of the Ministers’ Conference continued with a Bible Study session taken by the immediate past Vice President Ministerial of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Dickson Madoghwe. His chosen title was ‘Ministering to God and People: The Dual Role of a Minister’. He explained that ministers are expected to excel in life and ministry as they minister to God and people. He emphasised the importance of being deeply rooted in Christ and committed to the study of God’s Word.  He charged ministers to be shepherds of the people of God who are peaceful ministers and learn to withdraw to the secret place when necessary.

Thereafter, the Open Forum held and the focus of the discussion was ‘Attending to Relational Challenges’. Dr. Amos Adeniji (rtd), Dr. Olawuyi James, Dr. Elizabeth Bolaji, and Rev. Abigail Dariya were the panel discussants who attended to various question s and concerns that had been submitted in the course of the Conference.

The second session of the Revival Hour was led by Rev. Bola Adeyemo. His focus was on ‘Sustaining the Divine Connection’. Rev. Adeyemo, stated that divine connection is the connection with God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit and that every pastor is expected to have this connection. He highlighted some points on how the divine connection with God can be sustained. He charged ministers to know their calling, focus on it, pursue it; to meditate on the Word of God, not to be lone rangers and to ask for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit’s grace, power, and baptism to sustain the divine connection, he explained. He warned that as ministers are connected with the Lord, they should not grieve the Holy Spirit.

The third day of the Ministers’ Conference 2025 ended with a football match between the Alumni and the NBTS Students. Students defeated the Alumni with a score of 3 to 0. It was a full day of fellowship, fruitful teachings and fun and a fruitful day in all.

Reported by:

Joseph Taiwo Amoo, Student Body PRO

for NBTS Advancement Centre