Apart from the game of football that has become the rallying point of Nigerians irrespective of tribal or ethnic differences, the Follow the Bible program of the church between February 14 and Februar
by Prof. Dayo Alao
When the idea of Follow the Bible program was first muted at by the church leaders in Nigeria, no one thought that the program initiated by the General Conference of the church in Silver Springs, Maryland, USA, would be to the admiration of Christians and non Christians in Nigeria. Apart from the game of football that has become the rallying point of Nigerians irrespective of tribal or ethnic differences, the Follow the Bible program of the church between February 14 and February 28, 2009, would for long remain evergreen in the memory of millions of Nigerians.
Weeks before the program, church leaders, pastors, elders and members have embarked on campaign drive calling the attention of Christians and non Christians alike to the wonderful Bible that contains 66 languages including Arabic and Pigean English popularly known as Broken English in Nigeria. The awareness created was sustained by a world press conference, media interviews of church leaders, newspapers and electronic advertisements, car stickers and distribution of tracts and Bible reading guide.
Also, the Adventist Women Ministry (AWM), Adventist Men Organization (AMO) and the Adventist Youth (AY), were made to organize programs to attract members of their community and neighborhood.
When finally the Special Bible arrived Seme boarder on February 14, it was a unique celebration as the President of the Sahel Union, Juy Roger, accompanied by his wife in a solemn but heart moving ceremony, handed over the Bible to Pastor/Dr. Joseph Ola, who told the audience that the arrival of the Bible on Nigeria soil was a sign of lasting peace, unity and progress.
Pastor Ola reminded the over 2,500 listeners that the aim of the program was to call the attention of the people in Nigeria to the importance and centrality of the word of God in the society where God's word has been virtually neglected, downplayed, or pushed to the brim. He said that it is only the word of God that can provide illumination to our world covered with the darkness of sin, violence, war, and disaster. It is only God's word that can provide compass to the world that is almost directionless. "God's word is the only solution to the world's social, economic, political, and religious crisis. Therefore, the Bible is highly recommended to be read and assimilated daily through the power and infilling of the Holy Spirit, great and positive changes will become apparent in one's life."
From Seme boarder, the Bible travelled to Oba of Badagry's palace, where the band boys made up of Adventist Youths performed and the women choir rendered soul lifting songs. Oba Akran in his remark considered it a special privilege to host the Bible in his palace. He praised the church for initiating the program that will turn the hearts of people to God and promised to share the over 100 copies of Bible and books donated by the church to members of his cabinet. Later in the day the Bible was presented to his Excellency, Babatunde Raji Fasola, the Executive Governor of Lagos State at Radio Lagos Main hall. He was ably represented by two of his commissioners. Other dignitaries included heads of religious bodies, community leaders, representatives of Christian Association of Nigeria, senior members of the Nigeria Bible Society and members of the Muslim community.
On February 15, 2010, Babcock University, the Seventh-day Adventist institution of higher learning played host to this unique Bible in a colorful celebration at both the main campus and the Iperu campus. The University Pastor, Tunde Ojewole introduced a slogan, which had since been a remembrance to students to always follow the Bible before taking any decision in life.
The Bible was received by the President of the Senate, Dr. David Mark for and on behalf of His Excellency, the Acting President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja. At the memorable occasion at the senate chambers, the Senate President commended the Seventh-day Adventist church for her contribution to Christian education in Nigeria, adding that the Adventists are peace loving people and should champion the advocacy for peace and unity in the country.
The Bible also travelled round major cities in North Nigeria in the midst of the political and religious crisis and at every stop, top government officials and members of the public found time to attend the ceremonies that were mostly organized in the city stadiums or cultural centers. The visit of the Bible to Akure in South West Nigeria Conference and Benin in Edo/Delta Conference of the Union will for long be remembered for the leadership drive in attracting thousands of friends and lovers of the church to the meetings.
The Bible was finally handed over to the President of the Eastern Nigerian Union Pastor Gideon Nwogugwu, at Owerri for a tour of the East Nigeria Union before it was taken to Cameroon. Members at the North Western Nigeria Union observed that the Follow the Bible program has not only served as a gate opener to public and personal evangelism, but would go a long way in popularizing the church in Nigeria.