To the glory of God Almighty, the Whirley Block in the Frances Jones Guest House of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso, was renovated. The rededication of the Block took place at 8.30am inside the Guest House premises on 16th July, 2026. The Whirley Block is named after Rev. Carl F. Whirley (July 28, 1914 – Jan. 8, 2000) who served in Nigeria and in the Seminary as a missionary from the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr Carl F. Whirley was Principal (now called President) of the Seminary from 1970 to 1979.

The programme began with a praise medley taken by the Dean of the Faculty of Church Music, Rev. Dr Samuel Auda, while the chaplain, Rev. Dr Olaide Ajeigbe, said the opening prayer. The Director of Commercial Services, Rev. Dr Soji Ojo, gave brief remarks about the renovation process.

The President, Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, gave the charge with the text from 2 Chronicles 29:27-31. He gave thanks to God for the renovation process and the provision to carry out the project. Thereafter, the president noted that the occasion is not only to rededicate a building, but also an occasion for the workers to rededicate their lives and services to God, so that their work will exemplify Christ, and the guests who come to the Guest House will see Christ through them; just as the people in the text also rededicated themselves to God at the dedication of the temple of worship. After the charge, the president rededicated the renovated building and cut the ribbon.

Thereafter, the Bursar of the seminary, Dn Olutunde Fasipe, said the prayer of dedication. Then, the Deputy President Administration, Rev. Dr Gabriel Oyeniyi, gave the vote of thanks. He started by expressing appreciation to the Seminary President for his support and for releasing the funds needed to execute the project. Then, he appreciated the principal officers who were present: the Dean, Faculty of Church Music, the Chaplain, Director of Development, Acting Physical Planning Officer (PPO), the principal of Smith International Baptist Academy, the Accounts Officer of the Commercial Services, the Seminary Auditor, Business Manager, House Officer, Maintenance Officer, the artisans and other staff of the guest house.  He expressed appreciation to all the people present, including all and sundry.

After the vote of thanks, the Deputy President Academics, Prof. Olusayo Oladejo, said the closing prayer, while the President, Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye, said the benediction. Thereafter, the Director of Commercial Service led the inspection of the rooms in the Block. A group photograph was taken after the programme. While the entire Guest House had been dedicated to God all along, the rededication was important after the renovation and facelift. We thank God for the success of the programme and trust that by His grace, guests will enjoy their stay in Whirley Block more than before.

Joseph Taiwo Amoo

for NBTS Advancement Centre