HISTORY OF ZION BAPTIST CHURCH

Benin City Road, Adewole Housing Estate, Ilorin
P. O. Box 2480

Founded: 21 May 1972
Organised: 6 June 1981

1. Introduction

Zion Baptist Church, Ilorin, was founded on 21 May 1972 and formally organised on 6 June 1981. The church emerged in response to the need for an English-speaking Baptist congregation following the creation of states in Nigeria in 1967, which led to an influx of Christians from diverse ethnic backgrounds into Ilorin.

From a modest beginning as an English Sunday School class in the First Baptist Church, Ilorin, Zion Baptist Church has grown into a fully established and mission-oriented congregation within the Nigerian Baptist Convention.

2. Origin and Formation (1972–1981)

The church began on 21 May 1972 as an English Sunday School class within the First Baptist Church, Ilorin. The class later developed into the English Section of the church.

The pioneering leadership at inception was provided by:

Mr. (now Deacon Dr. Chief) Stephen S. Ayanda (May 21, 1972 – 1973)

He was succeeded by:

Late Deacon S. A. Adewole (1973 – 1978)
Deacon J. N. Thomas (1979 – 1981)

During this formative period, the English Section steadily grew in membership and structure, culminating in its formal organisation as Zion Baptist Church on 6 June 1981.

3. Pastoral and Administrative Leadership (Chronological Order)

Early Pastoral Leadership and Transition (1981–1990)

Pastor David Ejenebor
January 1981 – October 1986
Served as part-time pastor during the formative years and provided pastoral structure as the church transitioned into independence.
Deacon Prof. A. F. Ogunsola
1986 – April 1987
Interim Pastor: Rev. Dr. S. O. Fadeji
May 3, 1987 – July 1987
Deacon Prof. A. F. Ogunsola
August 1987 – April 1988
Deacon Dr. Chief S. S. Ayanda
May 1988 – June 1990

Era of Full-Time Pastoral Administration (1990–2009)

Rev. E. O. Adeloye
July 1, 1990 – December 26, 1993
Became the first full-time pastor of the church, marking a significant turning point in its institutional development.
Deacon J. S. Opadokun
December 27, 1993 – July 1995
Rev. J. O. Taiwo
August 1995 – July 25, 2009
His tenure brought prolonged stability and expansion of ministries.

Contemporary Leadership (2009–Present)

Deacon Arch. S. A. Adetoro
July 25, 2009 – February 28, 2010
Late Rev. Tunde Taiwo
March 1, 2010 – February 22, 2015
Deacon Dr. S. E. Akinola
February 22, 2015 – February 28, 2016
Rev. Dr. J. O. Majolagbe
March 1, 2016 – October 31, 2021
Deacon Dr. J. B. Ige
November 1, 2021 – April 14, 2023
Rev. Dr. Festus Olu Ade Alade
April 15, 2023 – Present

He currently serves as the Church Pastor, continuing the legacy of faithful spiritual leadership.

4. Acquisition of Land and Church Building

Through the efforts of Deacon Chief S. A. Sayomi, Late Mrs. A. E. Folayan, and Mr. S. A. Adetoro, land was acquired at Adewole Housing Estate.

Key milestones include:

Foundation Stone Laid: 27 March 1982
First Service in the Church Building: 24 December 1984

These milestones marked the physical establishment of the church as a distinct Baptist congregation.

5. Development of the Diaconate

The first set of deacons was ordained on 7 June 1986:

Deacon B. B. Odewale
Late Deacon Dr. T. O. Abimbola
Deacon Arch. S. A. Adetoro
Deacon C. W. Ayanda

The church operates a rotational diaconate system, ensuring shared leadership and congregational participation in accordance with Baptist polity.

6. Evangelism and Missionary Expansion

Zion Baptist Church has demonstrated strong commitment to evangelism and church planting. It has:

Established Bethel Baptist Church, Tanke
Established Faith Baptist Church, Irewolede
Opened preaching stations at Aiyekale, Alagogo, Abeemi, Alapete, and Maigida
Assisted in building Zion Baptist Church, Guffanti

These missionary activities underscore the church’s dedication to the Great Commission.

7. Educational Contributions

The church has contributed significantly to educational development through the establishment of:

Zion Baptist Nursery/Primary School – 23 September 2002
Zion Baptist Secondary School – September 2011

Both schools are government-approved, and the secondary school is accredited for WAEC and NECO SSCE examinations.

8. Organisational Structure and Auxiliary Ministries

Zion Baptist Church operates within the framework of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. Its organisations and fellowships include:

Men Missionary Union (MMU)
Women Missionary Union (WMU)
Youth Fellowship
Royal Ambassadors
Lydia Auxiliary
Girls’ Auxiliary
Sunbeam Band

Additional ministries include:

Baptist Students Fellowship
Teenagers Ministry
Singles Fellowship
Young Couples Fellowship
House Fellowship Centres

The church remains committed to cooperative programmes and covenant responsibilities within the Baptist Association, Conference, and Convention.

9. Specialised and Associate Pastoral Ministries

The church has also benefited from specialised pastoral ministries:

Bro. (now Rev. Dr.) Alaba Ricketts – Music Director (served until 31 December 2013)
Rev. S. O. Alamu – Mission Pastor (April 1, 2010 – Present)
Rev. J. O. Aderinto – Mission Pastor (2010 – Present)
Rev. Tunde Ajala – Music Pastor (from 1 January 2014)
Rev. O. A. Adesoye – Youth Pastor (2019 – October 2021)

10. Conclusion

From its humble beginning as an English Sunday School class in 1972, Zion Baptist Church has grown into a structured, mission-driven, and community-impacting congregation.

Its orderly leadership transitions, strong evangelistic commitment, educational investment, and denominational loyalty have sustained its growth for over five decades.

Today, under the leadership of Rev. Festus Olu Ade Alade, D.Min., PhD., the church continues to advance spiritually and institutionally, remaining steadfast in its divine mandate and confident that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

To God be the glory.