Published 2007-02-10

The 2006 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association for Biblical Studies (NABIS) was hosted by the Department of Religious and Cultural Management, Edo State University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria from the 11^th to the 15^th July, 2006. The conference themes was ‘Biblical Studies and Corruption in Africa’, and the conference was well attended.

I believe that the 2006 conference is a unique one, as we had five academic colleagues from South Africa (two from the University of South Africa, two from North West University and one from the Stellenbosch University) attending the conference and presenting papers. As far as I know this is the first annual conference to be attended by such a number of international colleagues since the establishment of NABIS back in the mid-1980s. We appreciate the cooperation with our colleagues from South Africa, and we hope we shall see more international colleagues from all over the world to attend the 2007 conference.

The following is a list of the major papers that were presented at the conference:

• Priestcraft in Ancient Israel and Contemporary Nigerian Soceity: The Sons of Eli and Samuel as Exampler. By Adekunle O Dada, University of Ibadan.
• Amos and the Miscarriage of Justice in Israel with Reference to Nigeria. By Dr. Adokiye Oforibka, College of Education, Port Harcourt.
• Employer and Employee Relationship and Corruption in Nigeria in the Context of Genesis 29-31. By Taiwo B Solomon, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
• Prophet Ezekiel on False Prophets in the Context of Nigeria. By C.O Ogunkunle, University of Ilorin.
• Jesus’ Pronouncement on Wealth in the Context of Health and Wealth Gospel in Nigeria. By Samuel Oyin Abogunrin, University of Ibadan.
• We Need Eschatology to fight Corruption: The Relevancy of 2 Peter’s Message on Corruption for Christians in Africa Today. By T.C. Rabal, North West University, South Africa.
• “Ye Shall not covet …” Interpreting the Tenth Commandment in view of Corruption in Africa. By Henrik Bosman, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
• Exploration of the Mosaic Law in Penteteuch Vis-a vis Corruption in Nigeria. By M.O. Gbadero, TAC Theological Seminary, Ilesha.
• Corruption in High Places: Where are our Wise Men? Or. Biblical Wisdom as Advice to Rulers. By Wendy E. Helleman, Department of Religious Studies, University of Jos.
• A Comparative Study of Corruption Tendencies in the Bible and in African Religion (Afrel). By Wellington O Wotogbe-Weneka, University of Port Harcourt.
• A Focus on Recrimination and Judgment of Israel in the Days of Amos. By Rebekah C. Iwuchukwu, Imo State University, Owerri.
• John the Baptist’s Attack on Corruption: An Appraisal of Luke 3:10-14. By D.B. Usman, Federal College of Education, Okene.
• Jesus’s Denunciation of Corruption in Luke 22: 25 with particular Reference to Governance and Economy of Nigeria. By Ayodele A. Atowoju, Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan, Nigeria.
• Ten New Biblical Commandments for Fighting Corruption in Africa. By Adrian A Helleman, University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria.
• Simon the Sorcerer and the Emloyment of Magical Powers by Pastors and Evangelist for Miracles and Church Growth in Africa. By Raphael Onovughe Olori, St Peter’s Anglican Church, Warri.
• Lawsuits in the Church at Corinth in the Context of the Various Church Disputes in the Nigerian Court of Justice. By Hope Amolo, Imo State University, Owerri.
• Righteousness and Justice in Saint Matthew’s Gospel in the Nigerian Context. By Jide Ademola, Christ International Divinity College, Erimo-Ijesa, Nigeria.
• Womanhood in a Perverted Setting: The Lessons from Luke 21:1-4 and Matthew 27:19 Respectively and the Need for Women’s Empowerment. By Taiye Aluko, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
• The Ministry of Amos in Israel and Its Socio-Religious Implication for Nigerian Nation. By Timothy Agboluaje, UMCA Theological College, Ilorin, Nigeria.
• Koinonia and Corruption in the Early Church: Its Lessons on the Nigerian Society. By Rotimi Omotoye, University of Ilorin, Ilorin.
• John the Baptist on Corruption: Drawing Lessons for the Nigerian Context by J.D. Gwamna, University of Jos, Jos.
• Absalom’s Coup in Israel and Military Coups in Nigeria: A Biblico-Philosophical Analysis. By John Onimhawo and Peter Ottuh, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
• Promoting Corruption Through Favouritism James 2:1-5 and Its Implications for the Contemporary Church. By Olatundun Abosede Oderinde, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.
• The Deuteronomist’s Perspective of the Effects of Corruption of Worship on the Israelite Society- A Lesson for the Contemporary Nigerian Society. By O.O Berekiah, Methodist Theological Institute, Sagamu.
• Gehazism: An Ethical Appraisal of Corruption in Religious and Political Situations in Nigeria. By Igboin Benso Ohihon, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba- Akoko.
• The Prophecy of Jeremiah in Jer. 38:1-13: Implications for Modern Prophets in a Corrupt Nigeria. By Tunde Oladimeji, Life Line Assembly, Owerri.
• Leadership of Paul: A Model for Contemporary Church Leaders. By John Onimhawo, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.
• “What is in it for you”: corruption in the Bible and in Africa – an Old Testament perspective. By Hans van Deventer, North West University, South Africa.
• Barbara Shaw and Lilian Krawitz also read a paper jointly on Corruption in Africa

The 2007 meeting will take place at the University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria, on the 10-13 July, 2007. The Conference theme is"The Bible and Leadership in Africa". For further information, check the website of NABIS: www.nabis.8m.com We expect that more international colleagues will honour our invitation to attend the 2007 conference.

Rev. Prof. David Tuesday Adamo, Department of Religious Studies, Delta State University, Abraka , Nigeria, tel: 234-8061225544, adamodt@yahoo.com