The 12th Annual Conference-in-session of the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference opened on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at the Zion Baptist Church, Umuaja, in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State.
The conference, with the theme, “Manifesting the Fruit and Gifts of the Holy Spirit,” is being hosted by the Abbi, Goodnews, and Unity Baptist Associations of the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference.
Over 5000 delegates from Baptist denominations across the Delta North Senatorial District in Delta State have gathered to participate in the transformative event.
The opening session was presided over by the Conference President and Spiritual Leader, Rev’d Dr. Dike Godspower Utih, alongside Conference Chairman, Rev’d Dr. Monday Opone, who officially declared the conference open with a powerful prophetic message from Zechariah 4:4-6.
The session was marked by fervent prayer, spiritual fervor, and prophetic declarations, setting the tone for the next few days of the conference.
The gathering witnessed a profound sense of unity and purpose, as delegates from various local Baptist Churches within the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference came together in anticipation of receiving a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
In his opening message, Rev’d Dr. Dike Utih, Conference President and Spiritual Leader of the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference, emphasized the conference theme by focusing on the topic, “It Must Happen to Us.”
Drawing from Acts 1:8, Dr. Utih shared a powerful message about the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s transformative power in the lives of believers. He began by explaining that Jesus’ promise in Acts 1:8, “But you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you”, was not a suggestion but a divine certainty. Dr. Utih stressed that the power of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective Christian living, and that it must happen to every believer, just as it happened to the early church at Pentecost.
The highly charismatic Baptist preacher, highlighted that while the early disciples had been with Jesus, seen His miracles, and heard His teachings, they still needed the promise of the Holy Spirit to fulfill their calling. He declared that the work of the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference will not be by human might or power, but by the Spirit of God. He encouraged the delegates to expect the power of the Holy Spirit to come upon them just as it came upon the early church.
Referring to the Greek word dunamis (explosive power), Dr. Utih outlined the transformative power that believers receive through the Holy Spirit. He explained that this power empowers Christians to live holy lives, witness boldly, and overcome the obstacles of sin and fear. “Christianity without power is religion; Christianity with power is transformation,” he emphasized.
The purpose of receiving power, Dr. Utih said, is to be witnesses for Christ. He explained that true evangelism happens when the Holy Spirit comes upon believers. Boldness, conviction, and transformation naturally follow. Power is not for pride, but for testimony and for seeing the manifestation of God’s glory in all aspects of life; whether in ministry, business, or family.
The Conference President
emphasizing the progression of revival or the inherent Power of God: from Jerusalem (home), to Judea (region), to Samaria (cross-cultural), and to the ends of the earth (global). Demonstration of power of God begins in the home and the heart, he said, before reaching the nations. “It must happen to you first,” he stated, urging the delegates to expect the Holy Spirit’s power to affect their families, their churches, and their communities before impacting the whole world.
Dr. Utih shared the conditions for the Power of God as outlined in Acts 1:14—l, “They all continued with one accord in prayer…” Unity, prayer, and a hunger for the Spirit were essential for the promised power of God to be fully manifested. He urged the delegates to pray with one accord, seek the Spirit of God and be united in purpose for God’s revival to take place.
In closing, Dr. Utih offered a prophetic charge, encouraging the delegates to raise their faith and declare for a fresh move of God. He assured them that the same Spirit that fell upon the early church in Jerusalem has not grown weary and will touch their lives, their families, and their ministries. “If it happened in the upper room, it can happen in our sanctuary. If it happened in the first century, it can happen in 2026,” he declared.
The opening session concluded with a powerful prayer of consecration, followed by a choir rendition by the Anioma Delta Baptist Conference Mass Choir, which filled the atmosphere with worship and praise.
Following the opening session, organizational meetings for the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU), Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), Youth Fellowship, and Baptist Students Fellowship took place, marking the beginning of a series of in-depth sessions that will take place over the duration of the conference.
As the 12th Annual Anioma Delta Baptist Conference progresses, delegates continue to anticipate further teachings, moments of spiritual renewal, and opportunities to experience the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
