By Damiete Braide
The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) held its 16th Founder’s Day, Annual Lecture, and Awards Ceremony at Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos, recently.
The event, themed “Diversification and Production: Panacea to Nigeria’s Economic Quagmire,” brought together religious leaders, policymakers, and economic experts to discuss Nigeria’s pressing challenges and recognize individuals making significant contributions to faith, governance, and national development.
The highlight of the event was the recognition of distinguished personalities for their unwavering commitment to service. Among the awardees were Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion); Pastor Samuel Oladele, president of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas; Prof. Jerry Gana, former Minister of Information and National Orientation; Pastor Dele Adejugbe, CEO of Tudel Global Investment Limited; and Dr. Ike Neliaku, president and chairman of council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).
In his goodwill message, former Head of State and BSN Patron, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), urged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite economic hardships. Represented by Bishop Timothy Banwo, president of BSN, Gowon emphasized that righteousness and integrity remain critical for national progress.
“A nation cannot prosper without moral and spiritual integrity,” he stated, calling on leaders to uphold justice, fairness and love.
The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Olufemi Awoyemi, chairman of Proshare LLC, addressed Nigeria’s economic challenges, criticizing the country’s over-reliance on oil. He pointed out that while oil contributes only 5% to GDP, it still accounts for over 72% of export earnings, making the economy vulnerable.
He stressed the need for a diversified economy, highlighting agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, and real estate as promising sectors.
Tope Smart, chairman of NEM Insurance Plc and the event’s chairman, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the urgency of economic diversification. He reminded attendees that Malaysia, now one of the world’s largest palm oil exporters, once sourced its palm seedlings from Nigeria in the 1970s.
“If we had harnessed our potential, we would have been leading in global agricultural exports,” he noted.
Awoyemi further called for a “whole-of-government approach” to economic policy, arguing that fragmented decision-making among ministries and agencies has hindered progress. He urged the government to prioritize infrastructure, including better transportation networks and improved internet connectivity, to facilitate economic growth.
Recognizing the impact of faith-based leadership, BSN general secretary, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, expressed gratitude for the organization’s progress and reaffirmed its commitment to national transformation through spiritual and moral guidance.
Pastor Samuel O. Oladele said the award was an appreciation of support to the Bible Society of Nigeria. “We do all we can to support their work.
“The church has a duty to open the eyes of the people. Sometimes, people just criticise the government without knowing what they are going through.
“Governance in this country is very complex and complicated, so many people will blame the government for not doing this or that but we have a duty to enlighten our audience.
“We know that Nigeria’s economy is so much dependent on oil, but we are blessed with so many other resources. We need to key into other sectors to see that Nigeria prospers.
“My advice to people that look on us as their mentors is that they should keep on imitating us as we imitate Jesus Christ. We pray that for any reason we do not mislead them. I believe that this award will spur me to do more work for the society.”
As the ceremony concluded, attendees reflected on the significance of faith-driven leadership and economic innovation. The honorees were celebrated not only for their contributions to the church and governance but also for their roles in shaping a better Nigeria.
Their recognition underscored the importance of ethical leadership, national service and the relentless pursuit of progress, reinforcing the message that righteousness and innovation must go hand in hand for true development.