By DAYO ADESULU
A major collaboration is underway between Hope Channel International and Babcock University, as both institutions intensify efforts toward a global evangelism and health outreach campaign.
The partnership forms part of preparations for the upcoming “Arise in Hope” mega satellite evangelistic programme and aligns with the ambitious “Reach 1 Billion by 2030” initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
During a strategic visit to Babcock University, a delegation from Hope Channel International met with the university’s leadership to strengthen collaboration and explore new pathways for global outreach. The Vice Chancellor, Afolarin Ojewole. was represented by Senior Vice President Academics, Jonathan Nwosu , who received the team alongside other senior officials.
Speaking during the visit, Nwosu expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that it aligns with the institution’s mission of combining education, health, and spiritual development to impact lives globally.
Nigeria’s Strategic Role in Global Outreach
A key highlight of the engagement was the emphasis on Nigeria’s critical role in achieving the global evangelism target.
Vice President of Hope Channel International, Sam Neves, underscored the importance of leveraging Nigeria’s population and technological growth to reach underserved communities.
“Our goal is to reach one billion people by 2030,” Neves stated. “Nigeria’s large population makes it essential to move beyond traditional media and adopt emerging technologies capable of reaching unreached populations, including those in restricted regions.”
The visit also featured prominent church leaders and media strategists, including Ezekiel Adeleye, Pro-Chancellor of Babcock University and President of the Western Nigeria Union Mission, who led the delegation.
Other members included , Communication Director at the Church’s West-Central Africa Division; , Evangelism Coordinator of the Western Nigeria Union Conference; and U.S.-based Bible workers and . Also present was , a retired Associate Treasurer at the General Conference.
UNILAG to Host Mega Evangelism Campaign
The collaboration will culminate in a large-scale evangelistic programme scheduled to hold from April 26 to May 9, 2026, at the Indoor Sports Complex of University of Lagos.
Organisers describe the event as one of the largest outreach efforts in recent times, combining media, health education, and spiritual engagement.
Among the key speakers expected at the programme are Paul Douglas Treasurer of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church; Prof. Afolarin Ojewole; and Chidi Ngwaba, a UK-based physician known for his work in lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition.
Ngwaba, a prominent advocate for reversing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, is also the founder of a Harley Street lifestyle medicine clinic and a regular media contributor on health transformation.
Babcock Positioned as Strategic Global Hub
As the Seventh-day Adventist institution with the largest student population worldwide, Babcock University is expected to play a central role in advancing the church’s global outreach goals.
University officials noted that the partnership with Hope Channel International will not only enhance evangelism efforts but also expand the institution’s impact in digital media, health education, and international collaboration.
With preparations already in motion, stakeholders say the initiative represents a significant step toward combining faith, technology, and healthcare to reach millions across the globe.
The “Arise in Hope” campaign is expected to attract participants both physically and virtually, leveraging satellite broadcasting and digital platforms to extend its reach far beyond Nigeria.
A New Phase for Faith-Based Global Engagement
As the 2030 target draws closer, leaders within the Seventh-day Adventist Church are increasingly focusing on innovative strategies to expand their global footprint.
This partnership signals a shift toward integrating academic institutions, media platforms, and health advocacy into a unified outreach model—one designed to resonate with a rapidly changing, digitally connected world.
For observers, the collaboration between Hope Channel International and Babcock University could mark a defining moment in modern evangelism, where technology and human engagement intersect to drive global impact.
Photo Caption: Vice President of Hope Channel International Associate Communication Director at the General Conference in Silver Spring, Maryland USA, Dr. Sam Neves makes a point during the visit. Seated next to him are: Communication Director at the Church’s West-Central Africa Division in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Elder Abraham Bakri and US-based Bible worker, Joseph Somers
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