The Ministers’ Conference is a holistic provision for Ministers, their spouses, wards who are with them and even their drivers are catered for! The Drivers’ Forum is coordinated by the Director of Student Affairs, Dr Mrs Esther Viyon Odunlami and her team. The forum held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 and was well attended. There were resource persons from the Road Safety Corps, the health sector and the Baptist Ministry as well. Drivers and the transport unit were drilled generally on acceptable attitudes and manners expected of them on the highway. They were advised not to rely on the uniqueness of their places of employment to misbehave, but rather to be disciplined and law-abiding citizens.

One of the key questions raised was the issue of incessant checking of the driver’s license by policemen and Road Safety personnel. The questioning driver’s displeasure was leveraged on the ground that these personnel ought to recognise them as working with law-abiding institutions. The Road Safety officer clarified that being seminary, church and mission drivers does not exempt them from presenting the required documents if asked to do so at any checkpoint. Drivers were cautioned to avoid unnecessary resistance that would dent the image of the Church, Seminary and what these institutions represent.

Another question that emanated from the drivers’ forum was the issuance of a fake driver’s license. One of the drivers expressed his anger as he narrated an incidence where a Road Safety Officer who demanded his driver’s permit accused him of using a fake driver’s license. The resource personnel gave reasons why drivers should stop consulting third-party agents, who in many instances issue a fake driver’s license to unsuspecting victims. She advised further that when processing a new license or renewing an expired driver’s license, it is safer for a driver to approach the Road Safety production unit directly to obtain a genuine license because some third-party agents could cut corners. Drivers were advised to avoid carrying flammable substances in vehicles, which, according to the resource person, have caused serious explosions and several deaths on Nigerian highways.

The second resource personnel, Dr Olayemi Akande’s presentation was titled “Managing Sedentary Lifestyle as a Driver for Healthy Living.” Drivers were encouraged to be disciplined in what they eat and how they eat. Dr Akande emphasised that the nature of their job affects their sight and muscles, and as a result, avoiding junk food is key to a healthy lifestyle. He further advised them to stay away from taking hard drugs, alcohol and sugary beverages. Driving under the influence of these can lead to poor judgment on the highway and ultimately lead to a fatal accident, he cautioned. He also explained that too much sugar can cause a range of illnesses, but was emphatic about diabetes, which, according to him, is a hindrance to one’s effectiveness in discharging their domestic and official duties.

Finally, he stressed that sourcing sexual and emotional satisfaction outside one’s spouse should be totally avoided. The reason he gave was that aside from sinning against God, one can contact a deadly disease, which may put the home in disarray. Sticking to one’s spouse for sexual and emotional satisfaction, he emphasised, should be one of the ways to live a sane, peaceful, pure and fulfilled life in Christ.

The meeting was not void of spiritual food, as drivers were admonished by Dr Raphael Oparinde to be close to God and avoid characters that will bring shame to their family, the institutions they serve in and reproach to the body of Christ. The meeting did not end without a sumptuous refreshment. Two drivers were interviewed to evaluate how the meeting had impacted them.* As expected, they expressed their satisfaction, and a hope to be refreshed again next year.

It was a privilege for me to have a first-time experience with the driver’s forum. The session was well-attended, and the resource persons were up to the task. It was a fulfilling engagement, and I personally look forward to next year’s forum.

Report by

Pastor Samson Ojakovo Oborakpororo, MDiv 1

for NBTS Advancement Centre