By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Country Director of the Global Peace Foundation and Chairman 19 Northern States’ Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Abuja, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, has officially assumed office as new Chairman of the National Patrons Forum of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria (RAN).
The symbolic handing over event took place yesterday, during the 112th Annual Convention-in-Session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,l in Lagos, marking a significant milestone in the history of the youth-focused missionary organization.
In an acceptance speech, Rev. Hayab called on Nigerian youth to speak well of the country and to dream about positive things for the nation, according to statement made available newsmen in kaduna Tuesday.
Rev. Hayab emphasized that members of the Royal Ambassadors 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 the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria, Coun. Bitebo Erogoba (Post Pleni), who reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the organization’s programmes.
He recalled with excitement the successful hosting of over 1,600 Ambassadors at the 8th RAN Jamboree held in Kaduna in September 2024.
Dignitaries at the event included the President of the Baptist World Alliance Men’s Department, Dr. Dawari George; the National President of the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU), Dr. Julius Ojebode; the Marshal of the Royal Ambassadors of Africa, Coun. Ayo Adekunle; and the National Youth President, Amb. Dr. Toba Bamidele.
In his message, the MMU National President praised the Royal Ambassadors 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. Dr. Adeshina Abegunde emphasized 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 organization.
A key highlight of the convention was the formal handover by the outgoing Chairman, Rev. Dr. Kehinde Olaleye, to Rev. Hayab. Seven new patrons were also inducted into the National Patrons Forum: Dn. Engr. Mfon Taiwo Enobong Essien, Mr. Victor Aduku, Dn. Hon. Samuel Ubankato Tanko, Mr. Bivan Steven Luka, Mr. Ezra Hassan Dantawaye, Engr. Dauda John Mbaya, and Dr. Thot Joseph Dogo.
Speaking on behalf of the new patrons, Hon. Ubankato pledged their commitment to advancing the mission of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria.
The Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria are scheduled to reconvene in October 2025 in Edo State for their National Leadership Training Conference.
