…To mark Centenary Celebrations.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
OYO STATE: Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria Baptist Convention has unveiled the “Rev. Joseph J. Hayab Hostel” in Oyo Town, Oyo State, as part of activities marking its centenary celebration across the country, a statement shared in Kaduna on Sunday has disclosed.
The hostel, commissioned on Saturday, was named in recognition of Hayab’s contributions to youth development, Christian discipleship and leadership within the Baptist family, the Nigerian church and the global Christian community.
Speaking at the commissioning and dedication ceremony, President of the Oyo Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Ben Tella, challenged members of the Royal Ambassadors to remain committed to God’s purpose for their lives and strive to leave enduring legacies wherever they find themselves.
Represented by Chairman of the Oyo Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Kehinde, the conference President encouraged young participants to maximize the opportunities available through the Royal Ambassadors, noting that many respected church leaders, ministers and professionals once belonged to the organisation before distinguishing themselves in various fields of endeavour.
Drawing inspiration from the life of the biblical King David, in Acts 13:36, the cleric said every generation is presented with opportunities to serve God and humanity, stressing that true fulfillment comes from faithfully carrying out God’s purpose before one’s time on earth comes to an end.
He averred that, despite the many options available to King David, he chose to serve God faithfully in his generation and, therefore, urged the Royal Ambassadors to emulate that example, saying, “because they belong to God.”
Rev. Tella added that no one occupies a position forever and, therefore, charged the youths to live lives of obedience, discipline and integrity so that, like David and other biblical heroes such as Joseph and Daniel, they would also be remembered for serving God faithfully in their generation.
Responding to the honour, Rev Hayab, who is chair to the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria Patrons Forum and doubles as Chairman of the Northern Christian Association (NCA), described the gesture as “deeply humbling,” saying he accepted it not as a personal achievement but as recognition of the collective vision of the Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria.
“I stand before you, today, with a profound sense of gratitude to God and to all of you. To see the RAN Centenary Hostel bear the name “Rev. Joseph John Hayab” is deeply humbling.
“I accept this honour not for myself, but as a tribute to the collective vision of RAN, a vision of raising godly, disciplined and purpose-driven young men to become trustworthy parents, mentors and leaders in society,” he said.
Hayab described the hostel as more than a physical structure, saying it should serve as “a home for destiny” where young people would be nurtured to become responsible leaders.
He exclaimed, thus: “RAN Centenary Hostel is not just bricks and mortar; it is a home for destiny. Let it stand as a symbol of service and a reminder that true greatness is found in serving God and humanity.
“May every young Nigerian – whether they are Christians or people of other faiths, who sleep within these walls – be transformed and go on to transform our nation.”
Hayab thanked the Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention for approving the naming of the hostel after him, and appreciated the National President of the Union for accepting to commission the project.
He also commended the leadership of the Royal Ambassadors, members of the Patrons Forum, Marshals and the Boys of the organisation for their commitment to advancing the vision of the Baptist Church in Nigeria.
The Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria, the boys’ missionary and leadership arm of the Men’s Missionary Union of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, is celebrating 100 years of nurturing boys and young men in Christian character, discipline and leadership, with the unveiling of the Rev. J.J. Hayab Hostel standing as one of the enduring legacies of the centenary celebration.