EYN holds 77th Majalisa celebrating unity and progress

By Mbursa Jinatu, head of Media for EYN

The 77th Majalisa of Ekklesiyar Yan’uwa a Nigeria (EYN, the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria) has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in the church’s history. Held April 16-19 at EYN Headquarters in Kwarhi, Adamawa State, the Majalisa (or annual conference) brought together thousands of members, leaders, and guests from across Nigeria and beyond.

The theme, “Following in Jesus’ Steps” (1 Peter 2:21), resonated throughout the gathering, as participants ardently listen to the guest preacher Faman Lohkat from COCIN, an ecumenical partner of EYN.

On the agenda were elections and appointment of a new top leadership team.

EYN is a Christian denomination with a strong presence in Nigeria, known for its commitment to community service, education, and social justice. The Majalisa is its highest decision-making body, gathering once every year to discuss church matters.

Highlights of the Majalisa

— The speech by EYN president Joel S. Billi to the Majalisa on April 17. He is concluding his term of service as EYN president.

— Joyful renditions from the DCC (church district) Hildi Choir, the Joint Mararaba Youth Band, and the EYN Headquarters Church ZME (women’s fellowship).

— Presentations of awards to 13 individuals: 5 EYN ministers, 6 EYN Headquarters staff, and 2 EYN members.

— A total of 13 Local Church Branches (LCBs) were granted autonomy and raised to the status of Local Church Council (LCC or full congregation) after meeting the requirements. However, 13 LCCs were relegated back to LCB status for inability to meet the approved annual income of 2 million Naira.

— Adoption of a new scheme and conditions of service for EYN workers.

Elections and appointments

The election was held on April 19. The Electoral College secretary barrister Richard Balami made the announcement of the official results as follows:

— Daniel Y. C. Mbaya was elected as the new president of EYN. He formerly served as general secretary.

— Nuhu Mutah Abba was elected as the new vice president. He formerly served as administrative secretary.

— James K. Musa was appointed as the new general secretary.

— Luka M. Timta was appointed as the new administrative secretary.

— Bitrus Y. Duwara was appointed as the new director of Disaster Relief Management.

The newly named officials have expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to serve EYN and have pledged to work diligently for the betterment of the organization and its members. The incoming leadership team is dedicated to building on the successes of their predecessors while also forging a path toward a brighter future.

In his acceptance speech, Mbaya expressed gratitude to God with a verse quoted from Isaiah 25:1-5. He envisioned pursuing reconciliation to achieve. “We will have an EYN, a united church, deeply rooted in the word of God, spiritually, numerically, and materially. How do we achieve this? By ensuring that we are aggressive in the matter of reconciliation because a lot have misunderstood us, a lot have misquoted us, and a lot have got us wrong. We will pursue reconciliation aggressively to ensure that no member of EYN leaves if it is in the matter of leadership.” He added that many members and pastors always lament that the church has diverted from her true Brethren heritage. Therefore, he added that if God allows them to lead, his leadership will engage in rediscovering the Brethren heritage.

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