The Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern States and Abuja, Rev. Joseph John Hayab has assumed office as Chairman of the National Patrons Forum of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria (RAN).
The symbolic handing over took place during the 112th Annual Convention-in-Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, marking a significant milestone in the history of the youth-focused missionary organization.
In his acceptance speech, Hayab called on Nigerian youth to speak well of the country and to dream about positive things for the nation. He emphasised that RAN members must be peace builders and promoters of genuine interfaith collaboration wherever they find themselves.
He also charged the new patrons to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the organization while upholding its values and mission.
The session was presided over by the Marshal of RAN, Coun. Bitebo Erogoba (Post Pleni), who reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the organisation’s programmes. He recalled with excitement the successful hosting of over 1,600 ambassadors at the eighth RAN Jamboree, held in Kaduna last September.
Dignitaries at the event included the President of the Baptist World Alliance Men’s Department, Dr. Dawari George; National President of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU), Dr. Julius Ojebode; RAN Marshal, Coun. Ayo Adekunle; and the National Youth President, Dr. Toba Bamidele.
Ojebode praised RAN for their discipline and urged men and boys to develop a lifestyle of prayer and fasting.
Also delivering a sermon on the theme, “Entering into Newness Through Fasting and Prayer”, Rev. Adeshina Abegunde emphasised that God delights in doing new things, cautioning that the absence of newness can lead to frustration and stagnation. He invoked blessings of newness upon the lives of the Ambassadors and the organisation.
A key highlight of the convention was the formal handover by the outgoing Chairman, Rev. Kehinde Olaleye, to Hayab. Seven new patrons were also inducted into the National Patrons Forum. They are: Engr. Mfon Taiwo Enobong Essien, Mr. Victor Aduku, Hon. Samuel Ubankato Tanko, Mr. Bivan Steven Luka, Mr. Ezra Hassan Dantawaye, Engr. Dauda John Mbaya, and Dr. Thot Joseph Dogo.
On behalf of the new patrons, Ubankato pledged their commitment to advancing the mission of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria.
RAN are scheduled to reconvene in October in Edo State for their National Leadership Training Conference.
