Thursday, March 5, 2026 was another day to be remembered in the history of The Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso as the sixth inaugural lecture of the Seminary, but first in the field of Christian Ethics was delivered by Prof. Ezekiel Adekunle Adejuwon (B.A., M.Div. (PCU-UTS), M.Th. (SEAGST-PCU); MTh (PCTS South Korea), ThD (Yonsei University). The beauty of the day was evident from early in the morning, as people arrived clad in gorgeous array from various places and in different vehicles. The array of vehicles provided aesthetics outside the Multipurpose hall, complementing the beautiful decoration already done by the beautification ministry of the Seminary inside the hall, led by Dr Omolara Areo.
Before 10 am, students and guests were seated, awaiting the commencement of the 6th Inaugural Lecture. On the dot of time, the Seminary President and Faculty members processed into the hall, accompanied by members of the Council present and the spouse of the Inaugural lecturer, Dr Mrs Olukemi Adejuwon.
Representing the Council were Reverend Doctors Thomas Niyi-Ojo and Gabriel Olanrewaju, Conference Presidents of Ogbomoso and Oke Ogun Baptist Conferences respectively. Other dignitaries from within and outside the Seminary community were also present. Among them were the immediate former Seminary President and his wife – Reverend Professor & Dcns Emiola & Eunice Nihinlola.
The Registrar, Rev. Olusegun Okunlola read through the biography of the Inaugural Lecturer while the latter was asked to stand. Participants applauded the vast experience and education Prof. Adejuwon has, as the biography showed how widely exposed and read he is – an attestation to the feat he has attained. Prof. Adejuwon began his speech by expressing his immense gratitude to God for magnanimously blessing him. He gave a brief history of how he grew from grass to grace, how he fled from God’s purpose for his life, how God encountered him and he finally obeyed, and how his contributions have affected humanity. His desire to flee poverty led him to envision feeding nations; thus his initial studies in Agriculture which eventually became a blessing and foundation for his commitment to, and care of the earth, as well as the founding of Nambu-Shalom Centre, Oje-Owode.
The inaugural lecture was titled “The End of the Earth or the Earth without End: Christian Ethics and Indigenous Knowledge in the Search for Sustainability.” Prof. Adejuwon took the audience into his “world” of Christian Ethics as he posited that Christian Ethics is about abiding in the will and character of God. He also noted the relevance of books of the Bible for ethics. Furthermore, he added that Christian Ethics should be a way of life. He challenged listeners to take proper care of the earth as given by God – to harness knowledge from cultural and indigenous backgrounds, relate with the earth in a spiritual and sustainable manner and promote the use of ‘degradable items which can replenish soil nutrients.’
Prof. Adejuwon shared how, in addition to ecological concerns, he has been involved in teaching, and championing the cause in other areas such as sexuality, marriage and family, ethical management of corruption, avoidance of gender discrimination, Christian spirituality, sustainability, bi-vocational ministry and other areas. His recommendations include that each individual foster change around them, individually interprete scriptures in environmentally friendly ways; be aware and involved in awareness and promotion campaigns to sustain the earth; take regular stock of resources and so on.
Prof. Adejuwon appreciated family members, friends, well-wishers, benefactors, spiritual/religious, political and other leaders who had been a blessing to him in life and institutions he has attended from preschool to post graduate level both on and off the shores of Nigeria. He ended his presentation with a hymn of thanksgiving to God titled “My Tribute” by Andrae Crouch and the Disciples, sung as a duet by his wife, Dr Mrs Olukemi Adejuwon and Dr Walton Asomdwee, a lecturer in the Faculty of Church Music. As is done traditionally, after the lecture, Prof. Adejuwon presented a hard copy of the lecture to the Seminary President who then handed it over to the Seminary Registrar who also handed it over to the Seminary Librarian for safe keeping in the library and for accessibility to all who would like to read it.
The President of the Seminary, Rev. Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye recognised dignitaries present – both those already mentioned and others. Royalty from different parts of Yorubaland were among those who graced the occasion. Prominent among them were the king from the inaugural lecturer’s home town – Oba Rasheed Oyinloye Olagbenro, the Oloje of Oje Owode in Oke Ogun area. Oba Musliudeen Ademola Oladele, the Ajoriwin of Irawo, and Oba Jolade Idowu Job, the Iba of Agbonle were also present. Oba Gbolagunte Olaosebikan, the Onifedegbo of Fedegboland a king who has been a good neighbor of the Seminary was also present. The Onpetu of Ijeru was acknowledged in absentia, and other leaders who had been of inspiration and blessing to the inaugural lecturer. Some unforgettable people were recognized by the lecturer of the day post humously like Rev. Dr S. Ola Fadeji, as well as the parents and the parent-in-law of the inaugural lecturer.
The President did not leave out the Seminary family, guests from Oje-Owode, the celebrant’s church members from within Ogbomoso and all others who were there as individuals or groups in his recognitions. Thereafter, Dr Mrs Yeside Odiase led in the singing of the closing hymn, prayers were said and the recessional done in reverse order of precession after which photos taken and guests entertained in designated venues. Other programme personnel were the Seminary Chaplain, Rev. Dr Olaide Ajeigbe, and the Deputy President Academics, Rev. Prof. Olusayo Oladejo. Other principal officers, Faculty, staff and students were also present and recognised.
In conclusion, this lecture was an eye opener to many students to aim for the best in their areas of specializations and never look down on themselves. God expects the best from all. Potentials should be maximized and channeled to His glory. For the records, the five lecturers, dates and areas of specialization inaugural lectures held in before were: by Rev Prof. Emiola Nihinlola (Systematic Theology) on March 4, 2018; Rev. Prof. Oladele Ayankeye (Pastoral Care and Counselling) on March 3, 2022; Rev. Prof Oluchi Enyinnaya (Systematic Theology) on May 30, 2023; Rev Prof Oladejo (Biblical Studies (OT)) on March 7, 2024; and Rev Prof Kolawole (Christian Philosophy) on June 3, 2025. To God be the glory!
Olugbenga Olumide AKANJI
for NBTS Advancement Centre
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