The Baptist College of Theology, Obinze-Owerri, marked a historic milestone on Saturday, 31st May 2025, as it celebrated its 55th Convocation Ceremony alongside the conferment of Fellowship Awards and the official commission
ing of a state-of-the-art 5,000-seater auditorium. The triple-fold event was attended by dignitaries from across the Nigerian Baptist family and beyond, making it a momentous occasion in the history of the institution.The ceremony commenced with a quarter guard parade inspected by the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, FAR, FNACM. One of the major highlights of the day was the unveiling and dedication of the new auditorium an architectural masterpiece fully funded and donated by Pastor (Dr.) Seinye Lulu-Briggs, Chairman/CEO of Moni Pulo Limited, who, despite not being a Baptist by denomination, made this monumental contribution to the college.In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Dr. Dawari George, narrated the journey leading to the completion of the project. He emphasized the scope and scale of the construction, noting that premium materials and expert craftsmanship were employed throughout. The ultra-modern facility includes a 5,000-seater main auditorium, a gallery, a board meeting room, a conference room, a media room, the Rector’s office, and modern restrooms.In her address, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs gave all glory to God for the ability to commence and complete the project. She reiterated that the auditorium was a divine assignment and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to serve God through such a significant contribution. She officially handed over the keys of the building to Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, who then dedicated and unveiled the edifice now officially named the Seinye Lulu-Briggs Auditorium.Following the commissioning, the event transitioned into the graduation ceremony and conferment of Fellowship Awards. In his visitor’s address, Rev. Dr. Akanji charged the graduates to remain rooted in God, making Him the center of their ministry. He reminded them of the seriousness of their calling, likening ministry to a form of spiritual military engagement that demands discipline and total reliance on God.The Convocation Lecture was delivered by Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs on the topic: “Faith, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation: The Role of Theological Education for Enterprise Development in an Emerging Economy.” She called on theological institutions and the Church to integrate entrepreneurship education into their curricula. She emphasized the importance of forming formal partnerships between seminaries and business schools, urging clergy and church leaders to identify, train, and disciple entrepreneurs within their congregations. According to her, the marketplace is a platform for ministry, and enterprise should be seen as a tool for Kingdom advancement.Fellowship awards were conferred on distinguished Christian leaders, including Dr. Elijah Brown, President/CEO of the Baptist World Alliance; Rev. Elias Apktobore, General Secretary of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship; and Pastor (Mrs.) Victoria Akanji, fondly known as “Mummy Sunshine.” The institution also honored the outgoing Rector, Prof. Reuben Ishaya Chuga, and the outgoing Chairman of the Governing Council, Hon. Dr. Dawari George, for their invaluable service and leadership.The event witnessed the presence of notable Baptist leaders such as Prof. John Oluchi Enyinnaya (Vice President, Ministerial), Dn. Joseph Abiodun Oloyede (Vice President, Finance and Investment), and Rev. Clement Amadi (former Assistant General Secretary, Ministerial), among others.It was a day of celebration, reflection, and thanksgiving as the Baptist College of Theology, Obinze, took a giant leap into the future, blending academic excellence with spiritual and infrastructural growth.
