The year
1914 is a historical one for many a Nigerian especially those of the
Seventh-day Adventist faith. That year was the year the Southern and Northern
protectorates were amalgamated to give birth to the country called Nigeria.
Same year witnessed the arrival of the Seventh-Day Adventism on Nigerian soil.
Nigeria was amalgamated by Lord Fredric Lugard while Seventh-Day Adventism was
brought to Nigeria by Evangelist Babcock.
Babcock first
arrived at Erumu in Western Nigeria where he preached the Adventist brand of Christianity
which was, at the time, strange to many Nigerians. With God on his side he got
some converts who joined him in the spread of the new found faith. Evangelist
Babcock faced much opposition, especially from fellow Christian groups who felt
Seventh-Day Adventists were misleading the people. Today, Babcock University,
one of the best Institutions of Higher Learning in Nigeria and other
institutions of health by the Church stand as a testimony to the doggedness of
Evangelist Babcock in propagating the gospel of Christ in Nigeria.
The seed
that was planted in 1914 has bore a lot of fruits and has given birth to many
branches, Conferences and Union Missions all over the country.
Speaking at
Aladja Church, Delta Conference, Elder Humphrey A. Osiobe said he is happy to
be a Seventh-Day Adventist especially at this time of its centennial
celebration which coincided with that of Nigeria. He prayed God to grant the
country peace at this time of .her history.
Eld. Osiobe
used the occasion to welcome the General Conference President of the
Seventh-Day Adventist Church worldwide, Pastor Ted N. Wilson, to Nigeria. He urged
all Seventh-Day Adventists to come out enmass to celebrate the epoch event. And
that while celebrating the event Adventists must not loss sight of the ultimate
prize which is heaven. Eld. Osiobe congratulated members of the church on the
centennial celebration.
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