‘Soldier go, soldier come … Barracks stay’ is an expression that can have both negative and positive connotations. This time around, it is positive. To the glory of God, a number of God’s soldiers – NBTS students – have served meritoriously as ‘Advancement Volunteers’ over the years, helping to write news items, take photographs and videos and to report same on the various media platforms of the Seminary. The ‘Advancement Volunteers’ began in response to the need to improve on the social media presence of NBTS in September 2022. Two sets of Advancement Volunteers have graduated. In 2023, Pastors Gamaliel Akinsola and Adebayo Obe graduated and were sent forth in a very modest way via message, prayers and counsel, having served consistently and sacrificially as the pioneer Volunteers.

In June 2024, three of the Volunteers: Pastors Adeitan Adeyemi, Ayomide Mayekogbon, and ’Debo Odunlami graduated. Prior to their graduation, they witnessed the addition of about five volunteers.

They had all contributed immensely to the public relations of NBTS through praying, writing, taking photos and videos which were posted on the NBTS website especially. A more befitting sendforth was held for them in SRQ 7 of NBTS on June 3, 2025, with the assistance of Dr IfeKristi and Master MoyinKristi Olufemi. In addition to a charge given by the DP Advancement, Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi, that they should be lights (Mathew 5:14 & John 8:12); there were ‘gists’, games, graduands’ ‘prayer showers’, gifts and goodies in form of food, drink and fellowship. They were also admonished to disciple ‘successors’ and to ‘pray in’ successors.

God heard and answered those prayers! To the glory of God, about fifteen people joined the Advancement Volunteers from among new and returning students during this year’s Orientation week of August 11 – 15, 2025 . . . and the door is still open! There was a welcome and familiarization programme on Friday, August 15, 2025 and there were thirteen people in attendance. This consisted of six new Volunteers, three returning Volunteers, the Student Body Public Relations Officer (PRO) (Pastor Taiwo Amoo), the Web and Portal Officer (Mrs Oludayo Ipadeola), the Advancement Officer (Rev. Seyi Ojelade),  and the Deputy President Advancement (Prof. Olusola Ayo-Obiremi). It was a time of sharing from the Word of God (Mark 3: 13 – 19), challenging one another, looking forward to the new session, planning for the Ministers’ Conference, fellowship, familiarization, and of welcoming new students, new members and fresh ideas.

If you have the gift, calling or expertise of any area of media ministry, you are still welcome to join. Do not linger any longer. Come and join us! Some soldiers have gone to the wider battle field of ministry, others have come . . . and your space is still there! Soldier go, soldier come, NBTS barracks stay!

Olusola Ayo-Obiremi,

DP Advancement for Advancement Unit.