The 2026 NCLS was held at the Red Hall of Bowen University, Iwo, between 21 and 23 July, 2026. The summit, at the instance of the NBC, was jointly hosted by the BUI, NBTS and the Directorate of Ecumenism of the NBC. This year’s theme was Engaging for Resilience in Nation Building. Speakers included Dr Adelani Akanji, the outgoing President of the NBC; Dr Odunayo Oke; Prof Olumuyiwa Oke; Prof Ola Ayankeye; and others. Participants drawn from the Kwara, Oyo, Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos Baptist Conferences included Pastors, Academics, Traditional Rulers, opinion leaders, youths, and students of the NBC.

The highlights of the programme were paper presentations, a devotional charge, the proposition of a communique, and focused prayers. The outgoing President of the NBC, Dr Israel Akanji, was appreciated and sent forth as he prepares to rotate out of NBC leadership. Chief Sunday Dare, a passionate Baptist politician, also presented a paper in which he argued that nation-building requires developing strong institutions, such as churches and other faith-based organisations, that serve as the nation’s moral conscience. He challenged Christians to be involved in building a resilient nation. He also sensitised participants to several opportunities available for empowerment through the federal government.

The NBTS Ogbomoso was represented by 17 persons at the summit. The summit commended BUI’s leadership for providing a comfortable environment for this year’s programme. The venue and the accommodation were commendable. The NBTS Ogbomoso was specifically appreciated for her leadership role in the partnership that drives the programme.

Dr Gbenga Adebayo,

Ag PRO