Report: 4 Conference Annual Reports for 2024

There are the report updates from conferences to the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Four reports are given here.

1. LAGOS CENTRAL BAPTIST CONFERENCE, 2024 ANNUAL REPORT BY  REVD. DR VICTOR BAMIDELE AKERELE  (Conference President)

Introduction

Glory to God for His unwavering faithfulness and abundant lovingkindness towards us. With hearts of gratitude, we reflected on 2024, a glorious year.   By His grace, we remained steadfast in our commitment to the Great Commandment (Mark 12:28-31) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), deepening our love for God and our passion for making disciples.  Also, we reflect on His marvellous works and the impact of our collective efforts in advancing His Kingdom.

1. Mission and Evangelism

The Conference, through its Missions Department, Social Evangelical Action Team (SEAT) and other mission organisations, continue to fulfil the Great Commission in an atmosphere of the Great Commandment. The following mission endeavours were carried out:

1. Social-Educational Responsibility Scheme (SERS): The Conference, through SERS, registered 60 students for JAMB across the 12 Associations. Additionally, the Association registered 35 more students, bringing the total number of registered students to 95.
2. Theological Education Grants Scheme (TEGS): The Conference remains committed to supporting the theological education of indigent students in our Theological Schools.
3. Training of Pastors: The Conference organised a training session for pastors within the Conference, trusting God for placement in churches, with 15 in attendance—the training aimed to support and equip them for the opportunities in ministry.  As part of the initiative, they received raw food and financial assistance from the Conference. Furthermore, the Conference is in discussions with some churches to engage these pastors in a ministerial opportunity offering at least a one-year partnership in which the Conference will provide stipends.
4. Ministry Opportunity Scheme (MOS): Eight (8) pastors are currently part of the Ministry Opportunity Scheme, which the Conference supports through stipend payments.
5. Mission Grants: The Conference gave Mission Grants to 11 churches.
6. Mobilisation for Missions: Young people from the Royal Ambassadors, Baptist Students Fellowship, and Youth Groups were mobilised for evangelism.
7.  Church- and Campus-Based Fellowship: The Conference continues to provide financial and human resources to support the Baptist Student Fellowship. The campuses receiving support include the Institute of Oceanography, Victoria Island; Lagos State University, Ojo; and Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin.
8. Community Social Responsibilities (CSR): The Conference, through its Health Fellowship, Social Evangelical Action Team, and other missionary organisations, continues to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in various communities where its churches are located.

2. Major Events

1. 14th Workers’ Seminar: The Annual Workers Seminar was held on January 20 and 27, 2024, at two locations: Ijero Baptist Church, Ebute Metta, and Living Souls Baptist Church, Agbara. The theme was Kingdom Priority: Making Disciples of All Nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
2. 3rd Church Growth Seminar: The 2024 Church Growth Seminar, held on March 24, 2024, was greatly successful,l with higher attendance compared to the previous year.  It was themed The Dynamics of Worship. The event took place at New Dawn Baptist Church, Victoria Island, Lagos.
3. 11th Kingdom Transformers Conference (KTC): The Kingdom Transformers Conference is an annual gathering of young people comprising Teenagers, BSF, Lydia, RA, and Youths. The 2024 edition was held on October 1 at First Baptist Church, Festac Town, with the theme Bow (Psalm 95:6).
4. 14th Kingdom People Assembly (KPA): The Annual Conference-in-Session, known as the Kingdom People Assembly, took place from October 17–19, 2024. It was preceded by the Pre-Conference Programme, which included medical outreach, revival service, and pulpit exchange. The 14th KPA was hosted by the New Creature and Abundant Grace Baptist Associations and was held at New Realm Baptist Church, Omila Onireke Street, Lagos.
5. Annual Pastors’ Retreat: The Conference demonstrates its commitment to leadership development by providing an annual subvention to the Pastors Fellowship for organising their yearly retreats. Under the review in that year, the fellowship adopted the theme” The Well-Informed Pastor (Joshua 1:8; 1 Tim. 4:13).
6. Nigerian Baptist Convention Conference Presidents’ Retreat: The NBC Conference Presidents’ Retreat, co-hosted by the three Lagos Conferences, took place from June 3–6, 2024, at Redemption Camp. The event was well attended and successfully conducted.
7. Baptist College of Theology, Lagos: The three Conferences in Lagos are currently constructing a three-bedroom flat at the Baptist College of Theology, Lagos. Additionally, they continue to provide a monthly subvention to the College. On August 1, 2024, the Conferences warmly welcomed the new Rector, Revd. Dr Ezekiel Ajibade and his family are at the institution.
8. Pastors’ Wives Fellowship: The Conference organised the annual Pastors’ Wives Retreat, which took place from August 8–10, 2024, at the WMU Camp, Ajara, Lagos.
9. Special Services: The Conference held several special services, including the ordination of 20 pastors, ordination of deacons, induction of pastors, send-forth services for some pastors, church organisation, dedication of church buildings, and retirement services.

 Conclusion

We thank God for His grace upon the Conference in 2024. Special appreciation goes to the Conference Chairman, Rev’d. Dr. Samson Adedokun, the Trustees Chairperson, Dns Adebisi Olateru-Olagbegi, the Executive Council, pastors, and church members for their unwavering support. We also appreciate the dedicated service of our Support Staff—Mrs. Taiwo Oladoye, Rev. Ayodeji Jegede, Mr. Peter Akpa, and Mr. Gbenga Ajediti. The Lagos Central Baptist Conference remains a Kingdom people, which was equipped with Kingdom principles for Kingdom projects.

2. LAGOS EAST BAPTIST CONFERENCE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT BY REV’D. DR MATTHEW AWUJOOLA (Conference President)

Introduction

This report covers some of the events of the Conference from April 2024 and February 2025.

1. Mission and Evangelism

1. Church Planting: Under review in 2024, seven churches in our conference planted seven other churches at various locations within and outside our conference geographical areas.
2. Pre-Annual Session Outreach: This soul-winning and medical outreach always precedes our annual session. It came up on the 26th to 28th of August 2024 at three major locations of our conference, these are Ikorodu, Mowe and Bariga areas.
3. Eastern Missions Outreach: Our outreach team and some volunteers reached out to the interior parts of our Conference to strengthen churches in remote areas of Lagos/Ogun State for soul-winning and support. The churches aided in this outreach are: Christlife Baptist Church, Magada, Onimale, Lagos and Christ the King Baptist Church, Likosi. We hosted the Lydia Auxiliary for their 2024 missionary trip at Epe in July 31 to August 5.
4. Church Planter and Indigent Church Support: Through this scheme, we are currently supporting 10 churches and church planters with monthly stipends and project aid to facilitate their building work or to acquire land property.
5. Go-North Project: Our outreach team visited Mangu in Jos for evangelism. Foodstuffs were distributed. Writing materials were given to students. Cash gifts were distributed to some widows of Pastors. Ten indigent students were registered for the 2024 WAEC–SSCE, and their results were very, very encouraging. We appreciated the support of the Plateau Conference President, Rev. Dr. K. K. Saleh, when our team visited.
6. Scholarship Assistance: Under review in 2024, 6 student pastors from our College of Theology, Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso and students in the tertiary institution were assisted with a financial grant. Similarly, our monthly subvention and assistance have been consistent with the Baptist Colleges of Theology, Lagos and Oyo.

 Major Events                    

1. Faith of Our Fathers Conference 2024: The theme for this year’s conference was “Socially Responsible Church in an Economically Challenged Society”. It came up between 30th and 31st May, 2024.
2. Social Concerns and Entrepreneurial Development Training: Our Social Ministry visited shut-in homes and correctional centres.  The “Aged Forum” visited the elderly. Also, we have strong support for our Youth Ministry as we educate secondary school students on the dangers of drug abuse and cultism. This was carried out through the Anti-Social Vices Campaign of our Royal Ambassadors in partnership with the career.
3. Annual Session: In conformity with the NBC theme, our focus for the three-day session was “Raising Apostolic Disciples” (Mark 3:14). It took place between August 29 and 31, 2024.
4. Pastors’ Ordination: Nineteen pastors were ordained into full gospel ministry at Yaba Baptist Church, Lagos, on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
5. Pastors’ and Wives’ Retreat: On 26th October, 2024, about two hundred pastors and their spouses participated in the ministers’ family enrichment fellowship. The theme for consideration was as follows: “Pastor’s Spouse As Ministry Companion”.
6. Workers’ Seminar: Our annual leadership training session for church workers came up in the three different zones of our Conference on 11th, 18th, and 25th January 2024. The theme for the session was as follows: “Transformational Leader: Raising Better Leaders (II Tim. 2:2).

3. LAGOS WEST BAPTIST CONFERENCE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT BY REV. DR. SAMUEL OLUGBENGA OLADIRAN (Conference President)

 Introduction

We give all glory to God for His faithfulness and guidance throughout the year under review. The Lagos West Baptist Conference has experienced tremendous growth, strengthened programs, and increased the participation of the members of the churches.   The peace of God has been reigning in our Conference, and His presence has been evident in all our activities.  We acknowledge God’s grace in every step we take, and we remain committed to fostering spiritual growth, leadership development, and community impact. This report highlights key programs, events, and accomplishments within the Conference over the years.

2025 Workers’ Summit

The Annual Workers’ Retreat for the Conference was held on Saturday, January 11th and January 18th of January, 2025, respectively. The Summit was scheduled for two days to accommodate more messengers from churches under the Conference.  The theme for the Summit was “The Life of a Church Worker”, and the text was taken from 2 Timothy 2:23-25. The guest minister was Rev. Dr Samson Adedokun of New Dawn Baptist Church, Victoria Island and Chairman of Lagos Central Baptist Conference.

Ordination Training Sessions

In line with our commitment to raising dedicated ministers, the Conference held ordination training sessions for the 2024 and 2025 ordinands from June 26–28, 2024, at Union Baptist Church, Agege. These sessions provided theological enrichment, ministerial ethics, and practical guidance to equip future pastors for effective ministry. Topics covered included doctrinal foundations, pastoral care, financial stewardship, and effective church administration. Experienced ministers facilitated discussions, sharing insights and personal experiences to guide the ordinands in their spiritual journey.

Ordination Service

On August 3^, 2024, at The New Covenant Baptist Church, Agege, twenty (20) pastors were ordained into the full gospel ministry in the Conference. Rev. Dr Mathew Ajuwoola, the Conference President of Lagos East Conference, was the guest speaker who delivered a soul-lifting charge, and he emphasised the responsibilities of ordained ministers in shepherding God’s people faithfully.   Families, friends, and church members were in attendance to celebrate this milestone and make it a joyous and spirit-filled occasion.

Letter of Call

The following pastors were called into the pastorate:

1. Pastor Damilola Esther Oladejo – Music Minister, Estate Baptist Church, Oke-Afa.
2. Pastor Adeola Samson Oluwasegun – Emmanuel Baptist Church, Oguntedo
3. Pastor Kolade Awujoola – Faith Baptist Church, Olakitan
4. Dr. Olasunkanmi Olajide – Estate Baptist Church, Abesan
5. Pastor Francis Oyetunde Mathew – Ife-Oluwa Baptist Church, Iju Ishaga
6. Akinyemi Dahunsi – Education Minister, Powerline Baptist Church, Agodo
7. Ojo Busayo Joseph – Goodwill Baptist Church, Ogba.

Kingdom Congress

The Kingdom Congress is the Conference-In-Session for the Lagos West Baptist Conference; the gathering of Churches in the Lagos West Baptist Conference. “Newness through Discipleship and Apostleship” was the theme for the Kingdom Congress, and the text was taken from Mark 3:14.

The session lasted for two days, including Bible Studies, Evening Rallies and Celebrations from September 27-29, 2024.  The venue was First Baptist Church, Ikeja. The Association that hosted the churches was the Anointed Generation Baptist Association.  The guest speakers were Rev. Bamiduro Olaniyan of Berachah Baptist Church, Ipaja and Rev. Dr. Tunji Bamgbose of Federal Estate Baptist Church, Abesan.

Adoration Service and Album Launch

The Adoration Service was held on Sunday, December 12024, at First Baptist Church, Abule Egba. The program was the Conference Christmas Carol to celebrate the birth of Christ.

Retirement

We rejoice with the First Baptist Church, Ipaja, on the retirement of the Pastor – Rev. Dr. Michael Abodunrin. We appreciate their labour of love and pray that God grants them strength and joy in their new phases of life.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the past year, we acknowledge the grace of God to sustain the Lagos West Baptist Conference. The strides made in leadership training, community outreach, evangelism, and spiritual growth testify to His unfailing presence among us. Our continued focus is on enhancing collaboration among churches, fostering youth involvement, and expanding our mission work.

Looking ahead, we aim to deepen our impact through discipleship programs, infrastructural development, and increased community engagement. We trust that the Lord will continue to strengthen our mission, unify our churches, and expand His Kingdom. To God be the glory for the great things He has done!

4. NIGER-KEBBI BAPTIST CONFERENCE 2024 ANNUAL REPORT BY REV’D PIUS MOHAMMED AGIJI (Conference President)

Introduction

All glory and honour to God Almighty, Our Refuge and Our Helper. He saw us through the challenges of 2024. Some of the challenges are as follows: bandit attacks, kidnapping, food insecurity, economic meltdown, high cost of living and so on. Despite all odds, God saw us through in carrying out our responsibilities and mandates with the support of various departments within the conference.

Abridged Statistics

1. Total Number of Churches: 606
2. Organised Churches:              422
3. Unorganised Churches                           184
4. Total Number of Pastors: 496
5. Churches with Pastors: 492
6. Churches without pastors: 114

Mission and Evangelism Programmes

1. Mission outreach in our Home Mission Fields (HMF)
2. Sharing relieved materials and financial support to the vulnerable and displaced persons, those affected by the activities of banditry and terrorism within the Conference coverage states: Niger and Kebbi.
3. Church Growth Conference
4. Mission Emphasis Sunday
5. Established Churches: 24

 Annual Conference-in-Session

The 26th Annual Conference-in-Session was held from February 15-17, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Minna. The theme of the Conference was ‘Entering into Newness through Discipleship and Apostleship’, and the text was taken from Mark 3:14. The guest minister was Rev. Dr Yunana G. Gofwan, one of the Association moderators of the Conference.

To the glory of God, there was a mass representation of the churches and Associations. Departmental meeting venues were filled with delegates from all around the Conference.

Assumption of Office/ Induction Service of the New Conference President

On August 1, 2024, the Ag. President of the Conference, late Rev.  (Dr) Philip Musa Katung, handed over the mantle of leadership of the Conference to the substantive President, Rev. Pius Agiji Mohammed, at the Conference Secretariat in Minna.

By the grace and mercies of God, the Conference President of the Niger-Kebbi Baptist Conference was inducted by the Convention President, Rev’d. Israel Adelani Akanji, PhD, FAR (Zaki) at First Baptist Church, Minna on the 22nd of November, 2024.

 Constitution Review

The Conference is working around the clock to review its Constitution and Bylaws.  The new proposed constitution has been drafted and formed part of the conference registration package in the just concluded 27th session of the annual Conference-in-Session for members to go and study, and send their observations and suggestions to them.

Women’s Missionary Union (WMU)

They were able to observe all their programmes. Focus Week, Sing Songs/Donation Service, Mother’s Day, Lydia Leadership Workshop/Camp; Girls Auxiliary Camp:  The Evangelism/Mission – Mission Trip, WMS Camp and Widows Retreat.

Men’s Missionary Union (MMU)

By God’s special grace, our Men are doing well under the leadership of Mr. Olusegun Michael Ajayi. Their Annual Congress, which took place on October 25, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Kontagora, under the Agape Baptist Association, was a huge success. Father’s Day was well observed in various churches, and the offering was remitted accordingly. Royal Ambassadors: The boys and the officers in the conference are doing well in the mission work and the ranking system. They observed their programmes for the year 2024 successfully.

Christian Education

The Niger-Kebbi Baptist Conference Christian Education Annual Leadership Retreat was held at First Baptist Church, Bosso Road, Minna, on   July 12-13, 2024, with the theme “Christian Educators: Growing into Maturity through Church Educational Ministries”, with the text taken from Ephesians 4:13-16.

The retreat was attended by Christian educators from various Associations in the Conference with Pastor Paul Adigun Joseph of University Baptist Church, Gidan Kwano, as the Guest Minister and other anointed men of God. Holiday Bible School was observed in many of our churches.

It was a wonderful experience for our children and their handlers. The Nigerian Baptist Convention’s Annual Christian Education Conference was held on   October 24-25, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Paiko. A glorious time of sharing with all Christian educators in attendance.

 Deacons’ Fellowship

The 19th Annual Deacon’s Retreat was held on October 4-5, 2024, at Kauna Baptist Church, Uphill Bosso, Minna. The Guest Speaker was Rev.  Tanimu Yari of Albarka Baptist Church, Chikodna. The theme for the retreat was “Deacons advancing through Discipleship and Apostleship”, with the text taken from Ezra 8:23. We thank God for His presence in their midst.

Youth Fellowship

To God be the glory, the youth hosted her Annual Conference on July 26-28, 2025, at First Baptist Church, Paiko. The Youth also attended the National Youth Conference in Jos, Plateau State.

Baptist Student Fellowship

The BSF held her General Conference Retreat from Thursday, 20 – Saturday, 22 June 2024; the theme was “The Spirit-Filled Life”  Also, their Leadership Training Conference was held at First Baptist Church, Bosso Road, Minna, Niger State, with the theme “Leadership and Courage.”

Pastors’ Fellowship

The Pastors’ Fellowship observed her Annual Retreat with their wives and had the central ordination program of some of the Pastors within the Conference into the full Gospel Ministry between the 8th and 10th of August, 2024, at First Baptist Church, Kontagora.

The theme for the retreat was tagged, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection”. Pastors and their spouses from various churches came to the programmes despite the challenges of the high cost of transportation.

The fellowship received and recorded 22 new pastors from various conferences during the retreat, and 29 pastors were ordained into the full gospel ministry.

 Association Multiplication

Five (5) of our associations have indicated interest in Multiplication.  These associations are Bethel Baptist Association, Kauna Baptist Association, Zuru Baptist Association, Pentecost Baptist Association and Hallelujah Baptist Association, respectively.

Change of Baton

The Conference has rotated out some of her officers who have served two tenures in the last concluded 27th session at First Baptist Church, Kontagora and brought in new officers for the running of the affairs of the conference. The new Chairman is Rev’d Dr David Bayo Okegbemi.

Demise

It is with a heavy heart and total submission to God’s will that we announce the passing away of our immediate Acting Conference President, the late Rev’d Philip Musa Katung, Pastor of Kauna Baptist Church, Uphill Bosso Minna, who slept in the Lord after a brief illness on November 20 2024, and was buried on   November 27, 2024 in Kaduna State.  Also, one of the former chairmen of the Conference between 2010 and 2012, Rev. Dr Popoola Amos Olatunji, passed unto glory. Our prayer is that the Lord comfort the family he left behind.

Conclusion

The Conference appreciated God for how far he had helped and led us and for what He is still doing in our midst. With all the societal vices confronting the conference, God has helped the church continue in her mandate of “The Great Commission”.

We pray that the work of God will grow astronomically both physically, numerically and otherwise in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen. The report continues here.