78th MAJALISA: EYN President Delivers Visionary Address At 78th Annual Majalisa, Reaffirms Unity, Growth, And Advocacy Amidst National Challenges

The EYN President, Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, has delivered a stirring and visionary address to delegates, clergy, and church leaders during the 78th Majalisa held at the EYN Headquarters in Kwarhi, from April 8–11, 2025.

Quoting Isaiah 61:3, the President’s speech set a hopeful tone centered on restoration, healing, and spiritual resilience. Welcoming delegates and dignitaries from across the church and beyond, including international partners, Rev. Mbaya reiterated the spiritual and administrative significance of the Majalisa as the Church’s highest decision-making body.

Rev. Daniel Y. C. Mbaya, Ph.D

Church Unity and Vision

Reaffirming the administration’s vision, Rev. Mbaya emphasized a collective goal for EYN to become “A United Living Church, Deeply Rooted in the Word of God, Spiritually, Numerically and Materially Prosperous.”

He added that the vision must become a collective aspiration embraced by all pastors and members of the Church

In addition, he described the efforts made toward reconciliation and restoration among aggrieved congregations and noted successful engagements aimed at resolving internal disputes as a resounding achievement of his administration.

Notable Developments and Initiatives

The President highlighted several key undertakings:

EYN Chalawa Kano Land Acquisition: EYN is working toward purchasing three plots of land at ₦15 million per plot after years of worship in a temporary open space. The President called on all to support this critical move.
Moduganari Church Land Issue: Discussions with Borno State officials over contested church land showed progress, and the President urged rapid action before the rainy season damages unroofed structures.
University Project: The Brethren University Establishment Committee is working earnestly toward founding a university, with support from scholars and professionals, including non-EYN members committed to the vision.
Youth Engagement: A Zoom forum with EYN youth revealed vibrant enthusiasm for ministry. Plans are underway for a national Youth Convention and expanded digital platforms to engage more participants.
Educational Reforms: The Education Board and Comprehensive Secondary School (CSS) Board have been revamped. Over ₦20 million has been invested in CSS renovations, with a focus on affordability and quality.
New Vocational Centers: Workshops in carpentry, metal works, electrical, and mechanical trades are being developed at EYN Headquarters to create jobs and promote self-reliance.
Sports Ministry: Plans are in motion to establish the EYN (Yan’uwa) Football Club as a tool for evangelism and youth development.

Addressing National Issues and Church Challenges

Rev. Mbaya did not shy away from addressing national concerns. He spoke candidly about:

Renewed Boko Haram Attacks: He described the recent upsurge in attacks on Christian communities as a form of ethnic cleansing and called on authorities to take urgent action. He praised the resilience of affected congregations.
Flood Disaster Response: The Church extended support to victims of floods caused in part by the collapse of the Alau Dam and urged government accountability in disaster management.
Economic Hardship: While noting Nigeria’s worsening economic state, the President encouraged prayer over cursing and urged members to exercise financial wisdom. He appealed to the federal government to adopt people-focused policies and shun executive recklessness.
Political Participation and Responsibility: Members were encouraged to be active in political life. However, serving pastors were reminded to refrain from partisan politics.

National Leadership and Governance

The President urged His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to formulate pro-people economic policies and uphold the rule of law. On a different mode, he praised Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for developmental strides and the creation of new Emirates and Chiefdoms in Adamawa State, urging all appointees to uphold their civic responsibility to their subjects with fairness and equity, as that is their primary call (to serve).

Internal Church Progress

Rev. Mbaya announced the finalization of the long-awaited Revised Conditions & Scheme of Service (January 2025) and commended improvements in church remittances, which enabled the employment of nearly 100 graduates.

The President also reported on significant staff transfers aimed at optimal service delivery, while urging members to embrace such decisions in good faith.

He appreciated the efforts of all EYN pastors and member towards the successfully retirement service in honour of the former President Rev. Joel S. Billi and Vice President Rev. Anthony Ndamsai, who were celebrated with honor, reflecting the Church’s culture of gratitude to her workers.

Toward a Spirit-Led Future

Looking forward, the Church plans to launch the Prayer and Revival Unit, develop a new Children’s Sunday School Curriculum, and establish the Brethren Care Center for counseling and emotional support.

He also stressed responsible pulpit use, warned against deceptive theologies, and advocated for environmental stewardship through tree planting campaigns. New administrative tools, including registers and a Code of Conduct Policy, are expected to be rolled out mid-year.

Upcoming Church Projects

Establishment of a Prayer and Revival Unit
Revamped Children’s Sunday School Department
Launch of a Brethren Care Center for counseling
Introduction of new Registers and Working Documents (Marriage, New Converts, Child Naming)
Development of technical workshops in carpentry, electricals, metal works, and mechanics
Plans to launch the EYN Football Club as part of evangelism through sports

The President ended his address with a heartfelt call for love, peace, and spiritual awakening across EYN. He urged members to maintain their prophetic voice, support one another, and live worthy of their divine calling.

“While we are encouraged to maintain our prophetic voice to the world, let love be genuine. May we have a peaceful conference. Peace.”

Key Highlights from the President’s Address:

1. Reconciliation and Restoration Efforts

In a move to promote healing within the church, the leadership embarked on visits to aggrieved congregations, successfully resolving long-standing disputes. These efforts aim to restore unity across EYN communities.

2. Infrastructure and Land Development

Progress on the LCB Moduganari land issue in Borno State was reported following a meeting with the Deputy Governor and BOGIS officials. The church is seeking urgent support to complete roofing before the rainy season.

Similarly, the EYN Chalawa Kano congregation seeks support to purchase land from the Nigeria Police Force, having worshipped for years in open spaces.

3. Launch of the Brethren University Establishment Committee

EYN has revived its long-standing ambition to establish a Brethren University, with a dedicated committee comprising professors, vice-chancellors, and Christian professionals. This initiative reflects the church’s commitment to quality Christian education.

4. Youth Empowerment and Engagement

A Zoom engagement with EYN youths was conducted, with plans to host a National Youth Convention. The church emphasized the need to harness the energy of youth for spiritual growth and national development.

5. Educational Reforms and Institutional Overhaul

The EYN Education Board has been reconstituted with experts to modernize the Church’s educational systems.
A new board for Comprehensive Secondary School (CSS) was also established, with over ₦20 million invested in renovations, feeding, and staff welfare.

6. Employment and Remittances

The President commended improvements in 30% church remittances, enabling the employment of 96 graduates. He encouraged continued commitment despite economic challenges.

Security and National Issues

8. Renewed Boko Haram Attacks

The President condemned recent Boko Haram attacks on EYN communities, particularly in Tarfa, Madlau, and Debiro. He called for urgent government intervention, labelling the attacks as ethnic cleansing under the guise of terrorism.

9. Flood Disasters and Climate Resilience

Rev. Mbaya called for government accountability in managing flood disaster funds, particularly after the Alau Dam collapse, which affected many church members.