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By Vera Wisdom- Bassey
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, Pastor Pelu Oyemade and Pastor Samuel Sanusi, were among the dignitaries that joined the Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) as it marked its 60th anniversary, celebrating six decades of impactful Bible translation, distribution and contributions to Nigeria’s moral and spiritual development.
Speaking at the anniversary celebration, Jonathan, who served as Chairman of the occasion and represented by the former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Lt. Col. Paul Edor Obi (retd), noted that for decades, the BSN has played a vital spiritual role in shaping the moral fabric of the nation.
According to him, through the promotion of literacy and values, such as integrity, compassion, justice and service to humanity, BSN has touched countless lives across Nigeria. He added that although the impact of the Society may not always be visible, its influence is deeply felt in homes and communities, where it strengthens families, builds communities and reinforces the values that hold society together.
He observed that as Nigeria faces multiple challenges today, institutions that promote strong moral values are more important than ever. Nation-building, he said, goes beyond infrastructure and policies; it is about character, value, and respect for human dignity.
He emphasised that by nurturing values such as honesty, service and love for one another, the BSN contributes significantly to national development, fostering a more peaceful, resilient and hopeful society. He stressed that hope is essential to human progress and that building a legacy of hope is an investment in people, one that endures beyond generations.
Drawing from his experience in public office, Jonathan noted that true leadership is about service and that legacy is measured not by titles or positions but by the positive impact made in the lives of others. He described the award ceremony as significant for recognising individuals and organisations that exemplify service and integrity, while promoting excellence and selfless contribution, especially among young people. He called on Nigerians to make positive impacts wherever they are called to serve and to build hope in others.
General Gowon, who is also the Patron of BSN, described its 60-year journey as “God’s faithfulness in action.” He said the Bible is not merely a book but a light in darkness, hope in despair and truth in times of confusion.
He noted that in an era marked by moral decline, conflict, misinformation and loss of values, the relevance of scripture has never been greater. According to him, BSN has consistently reminded Nigerians that national renewal begins with moral renewal and moral renewal begins with lives transformed by the Word of God.
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Gowon commended BSN for its tireless work in translating the Bible into indigenous languages, distributing scriptures to homes, running literacy programmes and engaging schools, security agencies and displaced persons. He stated that these efforts go beyond religious work and contribute directly to nation-building.
He also praised the Founders’ Day Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony for sustaining intellectual and spiritual reflections on hope, leadership and societal transformation. Emphasising that “ideas shape values, values shape actions, and actions shape the future,” he prayed that BSN’s spiritual engagements would continue to shape the hearts, ideas and actions of Nigerians towards building a united, prosperous nation.
In his address, Pastor Oyemade noted that history has shown that whenever scripture becomes accessible in the language of the people, societies often experience moral renewal. He emphasised that a nation’s strength is not measured only by its economy or infrastructure, but by the moral consciousness of its people and what they consistently read and believe.
Sharing experiences from a country many Nigerians migrate to, he cautioned parents against sacrificing moral values for material comfort, stressing that losing children morally renders material success meaningless. He added that the scripture serves as a restraining force in society, shaping conscience and preserving moral order.
He highlighted that behind every sermon, preacher or believer, lies the often unseen labour of translators, preservers and institutions, like BSN. He described the BSN as a faithful but largely uncelebrated steward, ensuring that God’s word remains accessible and empowering churches across Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, General Secretary and CEO of the BSN, described the anniversary as a celebration of life through the word of God. He acknowledged the challenges faced over the years but affirmed that BSN had remained committed to contributing to a better Nigeria.
He described the event as a celebration of partners, impact and legacy, noting that legacy is not built in a day. He reaffirmed BSN’s commitment to continued growth and generational impact, expressing hope for a lasting positive influence on the nation.
He called on Nigerians to recognise that legacy requires courage and courageous leadership and that everyone present was part of the unfolding story.
The Founders’ Day Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony attracted dignitaries from Nigeria, across Africa and beyond. Beyond Bible distribution, the BSN continues to impact the nation through various programmes, including end-to-end Bible projects, outreach to Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, school engagements and other community-based initiatives.
