Bible Society of Nigeria want May 5 set aside as ‘National Day of the Bible’
The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has advocated that May 5 be set aside as the ‘National Day of the Bible’, in order to celebrate the efficacy of God’s word.
BSN called on churches and Christian leaders not to wait for a time when there would be degeneration and lack of value for God’s words, as seen in some developed nations, before they start drumming the importance of God’s words to the upcoming generation.
The society noted that having the word of God in the hearts of Nigerians will bring a national rebirth and liberation, viewing that, “If the word of God is entrenched in the heart, Nigeria won’t be in the mess it is.”
Rev. Dare Ajiboye, BSN General Secretary/CEO in his speech at a briefing to announce the celebration of the National Day of the Bible, stated: “It is common knowledge all over the world that some days are set aside to celebrate some events. For example, there is Workers’ Day, Independence Day, Water Day, Drummers’ Day to mention a few, but as efficacious as the word of God is , no day is set aside in Nigeria to celebrate it.
“Considering the undeniable benefits of the word of God to humanity, we thought of championing the cause of recognising the importance of God’s word and setting aside a day in Nigeria to celebrate it. We proposed to our board and got approval to set aside May 5 of every year as the day to celebrate the Bible.”
Explaining the rationale behind the advocacy, Ajboye stated: “To encourage people to reflect on and imbibe the values prescribed in the Bible. It is clear from the scripture that celebration is a spiritual discipline that God desires us to practice. It is good and proper to have special times to celebrate God’s word. To create awareness and enjoin every Nigerian to partake in this worthy event.”
Continuing, he said: “It is our opinion that if Nigerians can adopt the values prescribed in the Bible, it will help solve most if not all of the challenges the country is grappling with. I, therefore, use this medium to call on Nigerians to seek God and return to Him.
“There is too much insecurity in the land. Recently, bandits attacked and razed a police station and a correctional centre in Imo state.
“Kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other vices have become so rampant that travelling within the country is a great risk, this is coupled with the economic challenges the country is facing. Since our knowledge and expertise have failed us as a nation, it is imperative that we turn to God for help.”
On the government’s approval of the day, he stated: “We are not going to wait for legislation before we start the National Day Of Bible, if churches have accepted it, it will be for us to celebrate God’s words. If in the future there is a need for legislation we will not hesitate to do that.”
Meanwhile, the BSN 54th National Board Meeting commenced in Eket, Akwa Ibom State yesterday, April 26 and it will be rounded up on April 30.
BSN in a press release, noted that Mr. Udom Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom State Governor, declared the meeting open with a divine service to hold at All Nations Christian Ministry International, Eket on Wednesday.
The meeting, hosted by the Southern Zone of the BSN, is presided over by the President and Board Chairman of the Society, Rev. Dr. Timothy Banwo. Among other things, the meeting will discuss past and future activities of the organisation concerning Bible work and as well examine her accounts for the past year.
The General Secretary is expected to present his report for the year under review to the board at the meeting. Expected at the board meeting are Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, Patron of the BSN, national officers, delegates from across the country and some senior members of the management team of the organisation, the statement further said.
