The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba has urged Christians and the newly consecrated Archbishops, Bishops and the new Dean to stand firm in their faith.
Dr. Ndukuba gave the charge on Sunday during the consecration of two Archbishop, four Bishops and the Dean of the communion at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Lagos.
Those consecrated were the Venerable Collins Babalola for Ajayi Crowther Diocese; the Venerable Festus Nwafili for Ndokwa Diocese; The Venerable Ifedola Okupevi for Lagos Diocese and The Venerable Ebenezer Saiki for Akoko-Edo Diocese; Dean-Elect, The Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing Enyindah, the two Archbishop-Elects; the Most Rev’d Dr. Michael Fape of Remo Diocese for Lagos Province and The Rt. Rev’d Timothy Yahaya of Kaduna Diocese for Kaduna Province.
“We thank God for the gift of the ministry of the church of God. The ministry of the church is for all believers, mission of the church is for all believers but God usually calls people out of the believers to be servants, leaders, teachers and people who will represent him in nurturing the people so that everybody will do effectively what God has called us to do.
“Because of that, we believe that God has raised these ministers of God called to be Bishops who we have consecrated today and we thank God for their lives. We are encouraging them to stand firm in their faith, hold onto their faith and word of God and continually nurture themselves and all God’s people with the truth of the word of God and the Sacraments of our new covenant in Christ Jesus,” Ndukuba said.
The event which attracted dignitaries including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke; Primate of West Africa Anglican, Ghana Rev. Cyril Benson; Primate of African Church Julius Appeh and others.
Former Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, The Most Rev’d Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa expressed trust in God that the new Bishops will lead the people in the fear of God with knowledge and understanding.
Dr. Akinfenwa also charged the new bishops to be merciful to all and defend those who have no helpers, saying the new Bishops should see their new roles as an additional responsibility in the Lord’s vineyard and not as a promotion.
He charged all of them to be truthful and sincere in all their dealings and be steadfast in the propagation of the gospel.
Sanwo-Olu noted that it was the first time an Egun man was taking the mantle of Archbishopship in the church.
She, therefore, called on the newly consecrated servants of God to know that a “consecrated person is a life totally sold out to God, and to serve the Lord’s interest on earth, as well as full commitment to God and His church”.
Sanwo-Olu urged them to uphold the vision, mission of our Lord Jesus, and be shining light to the communities and dioceses where they find themselves and finish their quota well.
After a successful Episcopal Synod at the Basilica of Grace Anglican Church, Abuja on Tuesday 6th June 2023, Primate Ndukuba had announced the election of four new bishops to fill vacant seats. They are two newly elected Archbishops for Lagos and Kaduna Provinces and the Dean-elect of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.
