Gowon, BSN woo wealthy Christians for Bible translation

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has urged wealthy Christians in Nigeria to use their wealth to help fund the translation of the Bible into other local languages yet to have translated versions.

Gowon stated this on Thursday in Lagos at the 9th Annual Luncheon and Awards of the Bible Society of Nigeria.

The retired General, who is also a Patron of the society, regretted that the wealthy in the society were not favourably disposed to the cause of the gospel.

He said, “I want to challenge and encourage wealthy Christians to sponsor the translation of the Bible in their own languages.”

Gowon, who noted with gladness the achievements of the society, added, “At present, complete Bible is available in 20 Nigerian languages, the New Testament in 60 languages and one book or another in 98 languages.”

In his remarks, President of BSN, Dr. Aaron Nuhu, urged all Christians to use their influence and wealth in making the Word of God available in other local languages yet to have it.

Nuhu, who regretted that the Bible had only been translated into only 20 out of over 500 local languages in Nigeria, said, “It costs a minimum of N30m and a minimum of 12 years to get a complete translation work done.

“It will be to the credit of this house and to the glory of God for us to raise this minimum sum at this event to complete some of the ongoing projects.”

Speaking on the theme, ‘Individual accountability in service’, the guest speaker, Gbile Akanni, noted with dismay how people in positions of authority were misleading the people in whose interest they were meant to serve.

Akanni said, “Your life is a debt; your position is a debt; your existence on earth means you are liable to someone.”


-- Punch