God, The Caller, through the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary (NBTS), Ogbomoso; called His called ones together for retreat, rejuvenation, refreshing and renewal as the annual Ministers’ Conference of NBTS held in the institution’s Multipurpose Hall from September 9 to 12, 2024.

The Ministers’ Conference Planning Committee began her planning for the 2024 Conference (in principle), immediately after the 2023 edition of the Conference ended. At the time, the Chairman of the Committee was Rev. Prof. Simon A. Ishola, whose tenure as Chairman, Ministers Conference Committee ended with his tenure as Deputy President Academics of NBTS on June 30, 2024.

From July 1, 2024 onwards, Rev. Prof. Olusayo Oladejo, the current Deputy President Academics, picked up the mantle as Chairman of Ministers’ Conference Committee. Meetings held at intervals and then, later held weekly as the event drew nearer. As pre-Conference activities, officiating ministers were contacted; fliers were prepared, bill board adverts made, interviews granted and connections with relevant assistants which included security operatives, media equipment providers, and sellers solidified, to mention some.

Press Conference

Exactly a week to the official commencement of the Conference, on Monday, September 2, 2024; a Press Conference was held in the Council room of the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary. The Seminary Public Relations Officer, Rev. Kola Alade, assisted by the Advancement Officer, Rev. Seyi Ojelade and others did the spade work. To God’s glory, the highest number of Pressmen and woman for such Press Conferences was recorded this year. There were a total of thirty three (33) people present in the hybrid Press Conference. This number consisted of seven Principal officers of NBTS, five NBTS staff, ten Pressmen/woman and associates; five online participants and four observers. Representatives of Press people included journalists from Inspiration, Lagos, Tribune, Ibadan, News Agency of Nigeria, Daily Trust Oyo, FRCN Oko, Brave FM, Parrot FM Ogbomoso, Ajilete FM, Gambari, Insight News Ogbomoso, and Kings TV Ogbomoso, among others.

During the Press Conference, the President of NBTS, Prof. S. Ola Ayankeye gave his speech in which he traced the history of the Seminary which was established on May 3, 1898, by the Southern Baptist Convention through the work of Rev. Charles Edwin Smith. Beyond the beginnings, the institution has grown to be a blessing and ‘a top evangelical brand in Africa, Asia and Latin America’, President Ayankeye noted. He also stated that the first Ministers’ Conference held in 1960, thus making that of 2024 the sixty fourth edition of its kind. He briefly gave the interpretation of the theme “The Gospel Minister and His Call” with the text taken from John 15:16. Gentlemen of the Press asked their questions which were responded to by the President, the Chairman of Ministers Conference  Committee (Rev. Prof. Olusayo Oladejo) and other Principal Officers present as deemed fit. The group prayed together and took a group photograph before dispersing as all look forward to a pleasant week to come.

Meeting of Affiliated Institutions

On Sunday, 8^th September, the annual meeting of Affiliated Institutions held in the Conference Centre of NBTS. It was the first official meeting of the new Partnership Officer with the leaders of institutions affiliated to and in partnership with NBTS. Rev. Dr Ben Akano took over from Rev. Dr Ezekiel Ajibade as Partnership Officer on July 1, 2024.  Institutions represented at the meeting were Baptist College of Theology (BCT), Benin City, BCT Igede-Ekiti, BCT Lagos, and BCT Obinze. Matters related to affiliation such as moderation of examinations and degree essays, monetary commitments and mutual expectations for spiritual, academic and ministerial development of students were discussed. Emphasis was laid on appreciation for the work done by Rev. Dr Ajibade and on the need to understand artificial intelligence (AI) enough to guide students. There were opportunities for questions and responses and there was warm fellowship shared between leaders of affiliated institutions and the members of Faculty from NBTS who were present.  With this meeting, the Ministers’ Conference for 2024 had officially begun for heads of affiliated institutions and institutions partnering with NBTS Ogbomoso.

By Prof Olusola Ayo-Obiremi

Deputy President Advancement