Christian Alumni Meet to Tackle Modern Challenges

Mary Nnah

The Lagos Varsity Christian Alumni Fellowship held its 2024 Annual General Membership Meeting and Reunion Fellowship, themed “Christian’s Response to Contemporary Issues,” at the University of Lagos. The event brought together alumni from various professions and locations to address pressing issues such as LGBTQ+, war, economic crunch, and political correctness.

Renowned Pastor Yemi Osinaike of The Covenant Nation, Ikeja Campus, delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasising that Christians must respond to contemporary issues with assurance and skill, rooted in their relationship with God.

“As Christians, our response should be based on God’s standard from His word,” Pastor Osinaike stressed. “We must choose to skillfully respond to the demands of our time, recognizing that God’s expectation of us remains the same regardless of our location.”

On LGBTQ+ issues, Pastor Osinaike urged the church to respond with love and intelligent engagement. “We shouldn’t just be annoyed; we should be grieved to the point of offering prayers and showing love to those involved.”

Regarding economic stability, he cautioned against prioritizing the love of money and encouraged Christians to seek biblical financial principles, financial literacy, and wisdom from God.

Outgoing President of the Alumni body, John Oluleye, highlighted the fellowship’s 58-year history and its mission to support members’ spiritual and professional growth. “The Lagos Varsity Christian Alumni Fellowship provides a forum for members to come together, share experiences, and support one another,” Oluleye said.

Oluleye also emphasised the significance of the theme, noting that the issues discussed are not new, but rather, have been present throughout history. “These issues are not unique to our time,” Oluleye said. “As Christians, we must learn from the examples of those who have gone before us and stand firm in our faith.”

“Today’s event is crucial because it equips us to be lights and salts in our various cities and professions. If every Christian in Nigeria lives as a light and salt, the country will not remain the same.

The fellowship which has over 1000 members who are domiciled across Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Americas provides a platform for members to pray, mentor, and support one another through monthly prayer conferences, sets, and chapters. The hybrid meeting which was also saw elections conducted and the emergence of a new Executive Committee (Exco) that will run its affairs for the next two years led by Gbenga Apampa.

As the Lagos Varsity Christian Alumni Fellowship continues to inspire and empower its members, Pastor Osinaike’s words resonate: “The Nigerian church has no choice but to promote peace and reconciliation, loving and forgiving as Christ does”, Oluleye noted.