Activities marking the 170th anniversary of The First Baptist Church, Lagos, have begun with some events lined up, such as the family legacy celebration and the women’s choir event, already been concluded.
According to the chairperson of the anniversary planning committee, Mrs Bimpe Adejunmobi-Apatira, other events lined up include the Walk for Christ within Lagos Island, scheduled for Saturday, October 25; Revival Service, Sunday 26 to 29, while the annual thanksgiving and grand finale of the celebration is scheduled to hold on November 2.
Speaking at a press briefing held within the premises of the Church, Adejunmobi-Apatira revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected as a special guest at the event.
Other dignitaries expected to grace the event include Lagos State governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde; former LCCI President, Mr Olawale Cole; Chairman of Skymit, Mr Tayo Ayeni, among others.
Lead Pastor at the Baptist Church on Broad Street, Reverend (Dr) Julius Ayodele Oluwole, highlighted the importance of the celebration as a time to reflect on the efforts of the founding fathers of the church, assessing the impacts made in the lives of the people, which will in turn help to shape the direction for the future.
“This celebration presents us to balance the past, reflect on the efforts of the founding fathers of the church, and the impact they made, and the difference the church has made in the lives of its members and society as a whole to shape the future.”
The cleric added that the event would showcase the church’s history and encourage the current generation to engage in evangelism, particularly targeting youth to help increase membership.
“When you study history, it accords us the opportunity to learn and analyse, to avoid past mistakes, chart a better course and reposition the church to achieve its primary goal, which is soul-winning.
Dr Oluwole stated further that the church intends to give more attention to the youths through its social ministry and sporting activities, adding that they are the future of the church.
Also speaking on the growth and development in the last 20 years, Mrs Morayosola Fadipe listed the Church activities to include the establishment of twenty-three branches within and outside Nigeria; successful mission endeavours in Obitti, in Imo State, Ilero, Oyo State, the Bassa Home Mission Field in Niger, Missionary Purse Ministries, Foreign Missions, the Cross River Mission Field, and the Togo Mission Field, with a proposed mission field endeavour in Iju-Odo, Ondo State.