The Bible Society of Nigeria (BSN) has flagged off the 2025 edition of its annual Marathon Bible Reading at City Mission Methodist Church, Surulere, Lagos.
The opening ceremony, hosted by the church under the leadership of the Presbyter and Minister in Charge, Very Rev. Ayokunle Oyadotun, marks the beginning of a weeklong, non-competitive Bible reading initiative across multiple states.
Speaking at the event, BSN General Secretary/CEO, Pastor Samuel Sanusi, reaffirmed the Society’s mission to make the Word of God accessible and affordable for all Nigerians. He revealed that BSN has translated the Bible into 27 Nigerian languages and is currently working on 10 ongoing translation and revision projects, each costing no less than ₦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,” Sanusi said. “This annual programme brings together participants to read the Bible aloud in various Nigerian languages for five consecutive days. This year’s theme, Perseverance During Trials (II Corinthians 11:23–26), is particularly relevant as the nation faces economic hardship, insecurity, and moral decline.”
The programme, running from Monday, August 25 to Friday, August 29, 2025, will hold in 343 reading centres across 17 states, including Lagos. Participants from diverse denominations, professions, and age groups will gather daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to read Scripture publicly in their preferred languages.
Citing Nehemiah 8:1–3 and 1 Timothy 4:13, Pastor Sanusi stressed that public reading of Scripture brings both spiritual and moral blessings, adding that past editions have recorded testimonies of healing and transformation. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace daily Bible reading, uphold biblical virtues, and support ongoing translation and outreach projects through donations, sponsorships, and memberships.
“If Nigerians make Bible reading and practice a daily habit, God will be pleased with our country and heal our land,” Sanusi said.
Also speaking at the event, Very Rev. Ayokunle Oyadotun described the initiative as “a divine vision to revive the fading culture of public Bible reading in churches and homes,” emphasizing its spiritual and moral significance.
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“Public Bible reading establishes God’s presence among His people,” Oyadotun said. “Beyond spiritual blessings, it also serves as a moral compass for young people, reminding them to live righteously in a society battling corruption and moral decline.”
Admission to the Marathon Bible Reading programme remains free, with past editions successfully completing the entire Bible within five days.
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