.
The provost,ECWA Theological Seminanary,Igbaja, Kwara State, Nigeria Rev.
Dr. John OluAdetoyese, has said that the Nigerian light has gone dim with the daily news of befuddling horrors across the country that can induce high blood pressure.
OluAdetoyese, who spoke at the 56th Graduation and Honorary Award Ceremony of ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, on Saturday, decried “the senseless killings in Southern Kaduna and the Northeast, banditry, kidnapping and armed robberies in most parts of the country, corruption at irredeemable proportions and insensitive government policies and government’s suspicious silence,” saying “I do not think there is anybody here who is not exasperated by the level of immorality and outright wickedness that have bedevilled the nation.”
He added: “It is in dark moments like we have in Nigeria now that we, as Christians, are to shine forth our light. Everyone who professes Christianity has a calling to express the love of Christ, even to the enemies. Every Christian is called to practise the peace of Christ which turns the other cheek.
“Every Christian is called to demonstrate the hope of Christ which rejoices in suffering and tribulations. Brethren, let us be true Christians, and not be found as instruments of darkness. On the contrary, let us be loyal to Christ and every noble cause.”
The Provost, who was represented by John Olu Adetoyese, congratulated the graduands and awardees on their feat, praying that when the roll is called up yonder for reward, their names would not be missing.
He appealed “to everyone to support us on any way you can. Our goals in office are lofty, our dreams are clear, but the resources for actualisation are very meager and more so with the Covid-19 pandemic. We will appreciate any way you can intervene in the work of God in this Seminary. I believe this is the best avenue to worship God with resources with which He has blessed us.”
Chairman of the institution’s Governing Board, Elder Ayobola Samuel, said the convocation programmes had to be staggered, spanning over a week, because of the deadly coronavirus pandemic and the need to properly observe the Covid-19 protocols.
While congratulating the graduands, he urged them to be good ambassadors of the institution by making the image and character of Christ to manifest in their lives.
The Chairman reeled out the needs of the institution which include fencing and construction of blocks of classrooms at the permanent site of the College of Education, an 18-seater bus for evangelism, take off of the institution’s FM Radio Station, official quarters and the establishment of a public Theology Research Centre, urging public spirited individuals and the awardees to come to the aid of the institution.
The theme for the 2020 Graduation is, The Place Of Christian Ministry In A Confused Generation: Nigeria A Case Study.
