Baptists Urges Focus on Poverty Alleviation

The General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance,Rev Dr Elijah Brown has emphasised the need to address poverty and hunger as the affect the generality of the people.

Brown who addressed a Media Briefing on the hosting of the Baptist World Alliance in Nigeria says tht the theme of the Conference is’ ‘To become Ambassadors of Peace.He says the denomination is set to deliberate on the issues of poverty and hunger as people should have access to livelihood.

He added that Baptists are also concerned about promoting peace and encouraging all the people to live peacefully wherever they live .

He stated further that the Baptist denomination is investing in significant humanitarian training to make everyone adhere to scriptural injunctions.

While still on the issue of hunger, Brown added that the issue of poverty and hunger has reached an alarming proportion.These need combative efforts t eradicate poverty and provide food for the people.The Baptist World Alliance according to him would focus on these issues during the conference in Nigeria.

We are concerned about peace and justice in the continent.There are several violent conflicts ad call in the various governments to address such.

Brown also underscored the need for everyone to have religious freedom as speople should not be deniedth opportunity to worship.

In his address,The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,Rev Dr Israel Adelani Akanji says with 110 yerasof Baptist work in Nigeria,the denomination has contributed immensely to the growth of the nation’s economy.

Akanji says the Baptist denomination in Nigeria is working tirelessly to promote peace and eliminate issues working against the interest of the nation.

Akanji bemoaned insecurity in the nation called for concerted efforts to address the issue.He mentioned the issue of the kidnapped students of Bethel Baptist High School,Kaduna which was a terrible experience for the Baptist denomination.

According to him, “We were at the mercy of the kidnappers and we had to all to rescue the students on our own,” he enthused.

He asserted further that the Baptist Faith in Nigeria hasalso suffered severe persecutions through burning of churches and physical attacks.

Akanji appealed to the government to proffer lasting solutions to insecurity in Nigeria .He added that State Police remains the best option to fight the insecurity in the nation..

While charging government address the issue of impunity, Akanji says it has become a huge problem in Nigeria.