The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has officially flagged off the 2025 edition of its annual Marathon Bible Reading at the City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.
The opening ceremony is hosted by the church under the leadership of the Presbyter/Minister in Charge, Very Rev. Ayokunle Oyadotun.
It marked the beginning of a weeklong, non-competitive Bible reading initiative across multiple states.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary/CEO of BSN, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, reaffirmed the Society’s mission of making the Word of God available and affordable to transform lives.
Sanusi that that BSN had translated the Bible into 27 Nigerian languages and is currently working on 10 ongoing translation and revision projects—each costing a minimum of ₦150 million and spanning an average of eight years.
“One of the ways we encourage Nigerians to engage with the Scriptures is through the Marathon Bible Reading.
“It is an annual event where participants read the Bible aloud in different Nigerian languages for five consecutive days.
“This year’s theme, Perseverance During Trials (II Corinthians 11:23–26), is especially relevant as our country continues to grapple with economic hardship, insecurity, and moral decline,” Sanusi said.
He noted that the programme, which runs from Monday, August 25 to Friday, August 29, 2025, would take place in 343 reading centres across 17 states, including Lagos.
He explained that participants from diverse denominations, professions, age groups, and backgrounds would gather daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. to read Scripture publicly in their preferred languages.
Citing Nehemiah 8:1–3 and 1 Timothy 4:13, Pastor Sanusi emphasised that public reading of Scripture carries both spiritual and moral blessings, adding that past editions have recorded testimonies of healing and transformation.
He called on Nigerians to embrace daily Bible reading, uphold biblical virtues, and support its translation and outreach projects through individual and corporate 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 added.
The CEO said that admission into the Marathon Bible Reading programme is free, and in several centres, adding that the entire Bible had been successfully read within the five-day duration in past years.
Also speaking, Very Rev. Ayokunle Oyadotun, host of the opening ceremony, described the initiative as “a divine vision to revive the fading culture of public Bible reading in churches and homes.”
Oyadotun noted its far-reaching spiritual impact, saying:
“Public Bible reading establishes God’s presence among His people.
“Beyond spiritual blessings, it also serves as a moral compass for young people, reminding them of the need to live righteously in a society battling corruption and moral decline.”
