As part of activities marking its 40th anniversary, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Ita-Iyalode, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, has unveiled a series of community-focused outreach programmes aimed at deepening its social impact and reinforcing its commitment to evangelism and humanitarian service.
The church announced the programmes during a press briefing on Monday, where the Senior Pastor, Reverend Williams Ojo, explained that the anniversary celebrations were intentionally designed to give back to society while celebrating four decades of God’s faithfulness.
According to Reverend Ojo, the church’s 40-year journey has been firmly rooted in spiritual growth, community development, and service to humanity, noting that the anniversary activities reflect these enduring values.
“This celebration is not just about our church; it is about touching lives, meeting needs, and reinforcing our calling to serve the community,” he said.
He disclosed that Emmanuel Baptist Church has consistently embraced outreach as a core aspect of its ministry since its founding on December 15, 1985. He described the anniversary as an opportunity to reaffirm the church’s mission in discipleship, youth and family development, mission work, and social responsibility, stressing that faith must translate into tangible, positive impact on society.
The Senior Pastor also acknowledged the family of the late Baba Ayorinde for donating the land on which the church’s permanent site stands, describing the gesture as pivotal to the church’s growth and its capacity to serve the community effectively.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, Elder Tunji Akoni, said the theme of the celebration, “Celebrating God’s Continual Presence with His People” (Joshua 1:1–9), underscores the church’s long-standing commitment to thanksgiving, evangelism, and community outreach.
He recalled the church’s humble beginnings and noted that Emmanuel Baptist Church has since planted several daughter churches within Abeokuta and beyond, including in the Republic of Benin, in fulfillment of its evangelistic mandate.
Akoni explained that activities lined up for the anniversary combine spiritual renewal with social engagement. These include a mission outreach to Imala Odo, tract evangelism, health talks, a Jesus Market, novelty matches, revival meetings, and other programmes designed to positively impact both church members and residents of the host community.
According to him, the celebration will also feature an anniversary service, Christmas carol, visits to traditional institutions, and a grand finale thanksgiving service, expected to attract church leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, and members of the public.
He further disclosed that the anniversary will witness the launch of a ₦100 million Church Growth Fund to support mission work, infrastructure development, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing the church’s capacity to serve society.
“The essence of this celebration is service—service to God and service to humanity,” Akoni said, inviting the public to participate in the various outreach activities marking the milestone.
The week-long celebration is scheduled to hold from Friday, December 12, to Sunday, December 21, 2025.
