The Bible Society of Nigeria was founded on 8th February, 1966 through the pioneering efforts of the late Dr. Francis Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam, the first indigenous Governor of the defunct Eastern Region. Earlier in February, 1965 Dr. Ibiam had initiated a consultation with representatives of most of the Churches [Church organizations] in Nigeria on the need to form a national Bible Society in Nigeria. It was the unanimous decision of that meeting that The Bible Society of Nigeria be formed which consequently led to its formation and inauguration on February 8, 1966.Before 1966, The Society was under the supervision of the British and Foreign Bible Society [BFBS] which had operated in Nigeria as far back as 1807. Then the Bible House, Apapa was serving as a distribution centre to other neighbouring West African countries.
Ross J. Manning, who was the representative of the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) in West Africa during the independent era, became the first General Secretary of The Bible Society of Nigeria. The significant role Manning played towards the formation of BSN was his ability to ensure the unification of the East and West Blocks.The BSN owes her existence first and foremost to Ross J. Manning, and then to late Elder Dr. Francis Akanu Ibiam, who worked closely with the United Bible Societies [UBS] and with a lot of pressure presenting the issue of BSN to the parent body of Christian Council of Nigeria.
His immense contribution is commendable but it took the dedication and extra selfless service of Manning to put Bible Society of Nigeria on a solid footing in translation, production and distribution of Scriptures in Nigeria.
Expatriate General Secretaries
• Rev William J. Wood
• Mr. Ross J. Manning
• Rev Leslie James Taylor
INDIGENOUS GENERAL SECRETARIES | INDIGENOUS NATIONAL PRESIDENTS |
Rev. Dr. Fred B. Odutola [7th] | Overseer Rev. Solomon O. Abe [7th] |
Rev. Gaius Musa [6th] | Overseer David O. Bolade[6th] |
Mr. E. O. Adebakin [5th] | Rev Dr. Moses M. Itiveh [5th] |
Rev. Daniel Bitrus [4th] | Very Rev. Moses O. Oyinlade [4th] |
Rev. Oladipo A Rogers [3rd] | Chief R.M. Aitalegbe [3rd] |
Col. Andrew P. Sawa [2nd] | Ven. Arch. S.A. Banjo [2nd] |
The Most Rev Dr. Joseph Soromekun [1st] | Ezeogo Elder Dr. Akanu Ibiam [1st] |
The Patron of BSN
Gen. Dr. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR
Trustees
• Most Rev Felix Alaba Job
• Justice James O. Ogebe
• Overseer Dr. Solomon O. Abe
• Archbishop Maxwell S. C. Anikwenwa
• Mr. Jon B. Majiyagbe [SAN]
• Elder Andrew T. Njayo [JP]
• Major Gen. Godwin Abbe, [CFR]
