The Baptist World Alliance has disclosed plans to hold its annual gathering and international conference in Lagos and Ogun states, Nigeria by July, with participants drawn from about 130 countries.

BWA, in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday, disclosed that the gathering would also witness the 10th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education.

According to the statement, the gathering would allow participants to connect through worship, prayer, learning, relationship building, and shared ministry experience.

“The Baptist World Alliance, the global umbrella of Baptist family organisation, is set to hold its annual gathering in Nigeria for the first time.

“The annual gathering is scheduled for the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, and the Baptist International Convention Centre on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

“A major highlight of the event, which will commence on July 7, 2024, and conclude on July 12, 2024, is the 10th Baptist International Conference on Theological Education, otherwise called BICTE. The BICTE will run specifically from July 5 to July 7,” the statement read.

It quoted the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Dr Israel Akanji, as expressing optimism towards the impact of the conference in unifying members and leveraging its mission work in Nigeria.

“The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, stated that the Nigeria Baptist Family is pleased to host the global Baptist Family to further deepen fellowship and bond among the members.

“He added that hosting the global Baptist members is intended to leverage the impact of Baptist mission work in Nigeria.

“The event is expected to offer Baptists across the globe an opportunity to connect through worship prayer, learning, relationship building and shared ministry experience,” the statement concluded.