Abuja: The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Rev. Olusola Idowu, has urged leaders to make personal sacrifices and embrace selfless service for the nation in the discharge of their duties. Idowu made the call during the 65th birthday and retirement service of his predecessor, Rev. Israel Akanji, held at the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Idowu noted that Akanji’s 42 years of active ministry out of his 65 years of life serve as a testament to God’s Grace and a model for both the Church and leaders. “Leaders can learn sacrificial giving, selflessness, courage, and total devotion to God and humanity from his life,” Idowu stated. He emphasized that God elevated Akanji from obscurity to prominence, and his service remains an encouragement to those in leadership today.
Idowu also urged young people to dedicate themselves to service, emphasizing that “today belongs to them, not tomorrow, and they must step up to take charge of their responsibilities.” Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Bishop Stephen Adegbite, praised Akanji as a prudent manager whose kindness impacted both Christians and non-Christians, and suggested an upward review of the retirement age for Baptist ministers beyond 65 years.
In his remarks, the Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, commended Akanji’s contributions to ecumenism and interfaith relations. Onaiyekan called for sustained dialogue between Christian denominations and advised Akanji to utilize his retirement to deepen initiatives under the Interfaith Initiative for Peace to strengthen Christian-Muslim coexistence in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA), Bishop Daniel John-Praie, lauded Akanji’s multifaceted impact across the broader body of Christ, describing his ministry as one defined by tangible influence. Similarly, Rev. Simon Dolly, a Federal Commissioner at the NCPC, described Akanji as a compassionate leader and suggested that his peacebuilding expertise would make him a suitable Special Adviser to the President on Christian Religious Affairs.
Mr. Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, recalled his 30-year acquaintance with Akanji and praised his intellectual depth and inspiring sermons. Representing the local assembly, Mrs. Adenike Takpatore highlighted Akanji’s 22-year tenure as senior pastor at the parish and his mentorship’s indelible impact on families and church leaders.
Parishioner Mr. Jacob Oyekale recounted how Akanji assisted him following a road accident in 1992, describing him as an administrator who consistently practiced his teachings. The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, represented by the Vice-President, Rev. Baba Panya, commended the retired cleric for his selfless contributions to Christianity in Nigeria.
Responding, Akanji expressed gratitude to God for preserving him through 42 years of pastoral ministry. Reflecting on his new book, titled “Newness,” Akanji offered a message of hope for the nation, urging citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of national development, stating, “God is a God of newness who turns despair into praise. Nigeria will experience newness and enter a new realm.”
Akanji was born on Aug. 16, 1961, in Barkin Ladi, Plateau, and holds multiple theological degrees, including a PhD in Practical Theology from the University of Edinburgh. He served in various pastoral and ecumenical positions, and his service was attended by key ecumenical figures and representatives of religious organizations.