By Ngozi Nwankwo
Celebrating its landmark achievements and 20th years of existence, the GloryLand Baptist Church has performed its Secondary School Block Grandbreaking ceremony, dedication of church building complex.
The Grandbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction of compact solid structure that would house secondary students from JS1 to SS3.
The construction of the secondary school and dedication of the church building complex were parts the Hallmark achievements in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the church.
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Speaking during the momentous event, the Pastor of the GloryLand Baptist Church, Rev.Dr. Niyi Ogundipe said the school, afternoon commencement would be a centre of attraction and excellent.
He said, “If the multi media worked well, the video clip we displayed is a compact solid structure that will be a DISCO for secondary school, from JS1 to SS3, the other one is the primary school.
“The planning is that the JS3 and SS 3 students will be housed in it ( boarding school). We want to make it centre of excellence and we are bringing in A’ levels. It is a house that’s recreational in beauty, and learning functional in facility.”
Pastor Ogundipe who announced his retirement year will be in 2026, did not specify if the school construction will be completed before then, but he prayed that his successor will have more opportunity potentials to complete the project in a few years.
“So we are looking forward in a few years. I will be retiring in two years I ought to have retired but church wants me to continue and I said I will dedicate this church any moment I am off. So I pray whatever opportunity potentials and capacity God has given me the person that will takeover from me will have it more than 1000 times. It is a church that has potential to be a blessing to the nation until Jesus comes,” he said.
Responding on the impact the school would make in providing solution to the growing demand for education the pastor assured that the school would admit as many students as possible, saying the school is aimed at developing the future leaders, to bring out Gods-given capacity in them in in conducive learning environment.
“We are making mistakes in the years. Now, you will not see in our signpost American or UK standard, will see Nigerian standard. And from my little research, Nigerian Secondary School Scheme even to the basic education curriculum is one of the best in the world. That is why you will not see international in our billboard, you will see GloryLand Academy,Federal Housing, Lugbe, Abuja. we can be here and give the world standard that is our mission. The products here are making waves. The first set of primary school here are already coming out from the university with first class and number of children with first class we have almost lost count.
“So, we have the picture to develop the future leaders, to bring out Gods-given capacity in them in in conducive learning environment. Our mission is to teach them to be selfless, compassionate, to be hardworking, sympathetic and nationalistic and to be patriotic,” pastor Ogunpipe said.
Ogundipe expressed his gratitude to the church members for their support and encouraged their continued involvement in the project. He recognized that their participation and encouragement are crucial for the success of the administration’s initiatives.
While speaking on the role of the church for nation building, the pastor said it is the duty of the church to pray leaders and for the healing of the country.
“We had symposium here yesterday and people said we should have it in CNN- The Church In a Nation at Cross Road. Nigeria and other developing nations are confused and they don’t know what to do. There is insecurity, banditry and people are not at peace and we often blame our leaders, are we better than our leaders? Upon all the groaning appearances of Nigerians we have the right to say it is well with Nigeria. And Nigeria will be good and great and, the potentiality of this country is not found in any place and we can’t abandon our leaders, it is to pray for them, it is our duty to pray for them and intercede for them and I know in this period our leaders are picking some lessons. Little by little we get to the glory Land.”
Going down the memory lane on the history of the church, pst Ogundipe said the journey of the church was the case of falling and rise, explaining that the Church began in October 10, 2004.
“Coming to the Church’s building Complex, there are about five different stages of hall to be dedicated and these are, Basement 1 which is like a Community Centre, Basement 2A which houses Teenage Assembly, Basement 2B houses the Children’s Department of the Church where we move to the office Complex,” he said.