President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Reverend Israel Akanji, has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be wary of individuals within his administration who may be sabotaging his reform agenda under the guise of loyalty.
Reverend Akanji gave the advice during the 80th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan.
The celebration was well attended by dignitaries and guests from all works of life including the immediate past president of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev’d Olasupo Ayokunle, serving and past political office holders, captains of industries and members of the church gaily dressed in uniform fabrics.
He expressed concern that some individuals working closely with the President may have contrary intentions and could hinder the successful implementation of the “Renewed Hope” agenda, calling for proactive measures to identify and remove such elements from the system.
“Nigeria has always had people who deliberately work against government efforts. President Tinubu must realize this and take steps to prevent such acts of sabotage within his own government,” he stated.
“When Nigerians are suffering, some people are happy because that’s when they benefit, imagine when they make a rail road and some people will remove the fittings. Imagine people climbing up and disconnect cables linking two states for electricity supply and they will take it a market and sell , imagine, who is buying it?”
Reverend Akanji also appealed to Nigerians to give the President more time and show patience, expressing confidence in Tinubu’s commitment to repositioning the country for the better.
The NBC president charged Nigerians and the church to support the government with their prayers so as to achieve a more peaceful and prosperous nation.
Speaking on the 80th Anniversary of the church, Rev’d Akanji appreciated God for His blessings which have grown in leaps and bounds.
“You can imagine, this church existed fifteen years before independence of Nigeria and sixty five years going, after independence, this church is still basking in strength you can know that it’s only God that can cause an organisation to exist for 80yrs unbroken, inspite of challenges, the church is there so we must give glory to God and encourage the people to serve God the more.”
On his part, Lead Pastor of Union Baptist Church Ekotedo Ibadan, Rev’d Jonathan Babalola, who thanked God for the growth and spiritual upliftment of members, anticipating more soul winning activities and community development service.
Chairman of the anniversary committee, Deacon Taiwo Adewale, who said planning of the weeklong celebration took a year, saying that all the programmes turned out successfully
Highpoint of the celebration was the cutting of the anniversary cake and the presentation of awards to members of the church for dedicated services.
