By FABIAN EKERUCHE

The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has launched the 2025 edition of its annual Marathon Bible Reading at City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the opening ceremony was hosted by the church under the leadership of the Presbyter, Very Rev. Ayokunle Oyadotun.

The event marked the start of a weeklong, non-competitive Bible reading initiative spanning multiple states.

Speaking at the ceremony, BSN General Secretary/CEO, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, reaffirmed the Society?s mission to make God?s Word available and affordable to transform lives.

Sanusi explained that BSN had translated the Bible into 27 Nigerian languages, while 10 ongoing projects ? each costing at least N150 million ? are currently underway.

?One way we encourage Nigerians to engage with Scripture is through the Marathon Bible Reading.

?It is an annual event where participants read the Bible aloud in various Nigerian languages for five consecutive days,? he said.

Sanusi noted that this year?s theme, Perseverance During Trials (II Corinthians 11:23?26), resonates as the nation contends with economic hardship, insecurity, and moral decline.

The 2025 edition runs from Monday, Aug. 25, to Friday, Aug. 29, across 343 reading centres in 17 states, including Lagos.

Participants from diverse denominations, professions, age groups, and backgrounds will gather daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to read Scripture publicly in their chosen languages.

Citing Nehemiah 8:1?3 and 1 Timothy 4:13, Sanusi stressed that public Bible reading carries spiritual and moral blessings, with past editions yielding testimonies of healing and transformation.

He urged Nigerians to embrace daily Bible reading, uphold biblical virtues, and support translation and outreach projects through membership, donations, and sponsorships.

?If Nigerians make Bible reading and practice a daily habit, God will be pleased with our country and heal our land,? Sanusi stated.

He added that admission to the Marathon Bible Reading programme is free, noting that in many centres the entire Bible had been completed within the five-day duration.

Also speaking, Very Rev. Oyadotun described the initiative as ?a divine vision to revive the fading culture of public Bible reading in churches and homes.?

He emphasised Its far-reaching impact, saying public Bible reading not only establishes God?s presence but also provides young people with a moral compass in a society battling corruption. (NAN)

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