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  • Anglican Church set to create new dioceses

    Anglican Church set to create new dioceses

    Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has disclosed that the Church has concluded arrangements for the creation of new dioceses across the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Primate Ndukuba made the disclosure at the 14th edition of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion’s Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers Conference in Abuja.

    Ndukuba announced that the first phase of the creation of full-fledged and missionary Dioceses in the Church of Nigeria is over, adding that no new applications will be attended to for now.

    The Primate stated that the decision comes after some new applications started coming in after the closure of the timeline set by the Church for the processes.

    He noted that a comprehensive effort to survey, inspect, and validate potential new dioceses across the country has also been completed by various teams set up to do so.

    Recall that the moratorium on the creation of Dioceses was lifted during the 14th General Synod at Nnewi and clear guidelines and conditions were laid out as a guide for the Creation of a New Diocese.

    “The three Committees of the Supra Regions in the Church of Nigeria, Supra West, Supra North and the Joint Council of Eastern Provinces were mandated under the leadership of Archbishop Joseph Akinfenwa, Archbishop Daniel Yisa and Archbishop David Onuoha respectively to receive applications, review, inspect.

    “These committees have submitted their reports and the National Validation Team headed by Archbishop Timothy Yahaya, have also submitted their reports and findings,” a statement by Korede Akintunde, Communication Officer, Church of Nigeria noted on Thursday.

    The Primate disclosed that the committees presented their findings at the standing committee meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State early this year.

    “Following the presentation, a central validation team was formed to review and verify the initial reports.

    “The validation team’s final report was submitted on July 3rd to the Primate of All Nigeria, who convened a meeting with legal officers and the leaders of the initial committees to discuss the findings,” the statement added.

    The Primate described the submission of the final report as the conclusion of “Phase One” of the creation of new dioceses, a process that began last year.

    He appealed for the support of the church’s members to ensure the successful implementation of the new dioceses when created.

    “Further details on the specific dioceses to be created are expected to be announced at the appropriate time,” the statement concluded.

  • Anglican Church reiterates stance on LGBTQ

    Anglican Church reiterates stance on LGBTQ

    The Anglican Communion in Nigeria has reiterated its stance against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) orientation.

    Rev. Nneoyi Egbe, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, made the remark during a press conference to mark the second session of the 12th Synod of the Diocese in Calabar on Monday.

    The theme of the synod, ‘’Image which Thou has Set Up,’’ is drawn from the book of Daniel, chapter 3 verse 18.

    Egbe said that the synod would commence on Wednesday, July 16 to end on Sunday, July 20.

    He explained that the stance of the church in Nigeria and many other provinces world wide that had coalesced  into the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) did not welcome same-sex issues.

    He stated, “God nor the Bible has not changed, so we are not changing on this matter of LGBTQ.’’

    According to him, we do not condemn them, in fact, we welcome them but we tell them clearly what the Bible said.

    “If they are willing to receive it and repent, that is ok, we love them. But our position as a church is that we don’t condone or tolerate LGBTQ in any way; marriage, according to God’s plan, is between a man and a woman, nothing else,” Egbe said.

    Speaking further, the bishop stated that the church was investing in its schools and their target was bringing up children who were completely balanced intellectually and in character.

    This, he said, was to create a better future for the society, explaining that moral decadence in schools started when the government took over schools from the churches.

    “Today, the churches have to reinvent their relevance by reopening church schools to bring back morals in our education,’’ Egbe said.

  • After Wike’s “outburst”, Anglican Church bars politicians from mounting pulpit during visits

    After Wike’s “outburst”, Anglican Church bars politicians from mounting pulpit during visits

    Following the recent “shameful and sacrilegious outburst” by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike during a church service at St. James, Asokoro in Abuja, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has now barred politicians from using the pulpit to speak during visits.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a statement issued by the Church, signed by the Primate, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, and released on Friday.

    This is coming a week after Wike caused controversy during a thanksgiving service at St James’ Anglican Church in Asokoro. The FCT Minister was at the church for thanksgiving after inaugurating projects to mark the second year of Bola Tinubu in office as president.

    Mounting the pulpit, Wike made politically charged remarks. He criticised the Church for nearly making a ‘costly mistake’ in the 2023 elections, attacked Labour Party candidate Peter Obi, saying he would ‘never be president,’ and made pointed comments about Nigeria’s state before Tinubu took office.

    Lawyer and Human Rights activist, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Esq, who is a Knight in the Anglican Church,  described the comments made by the FCT Minister as “shameful and sacrilegious outburst”.

    In what seems as a direct intervention, the Anglican Church issued guidelines for receiving politicians and government officials, barring them from speaking during church services and programmes.

    The Church also warned Clerics against publicly praising such government figures.

    The decision was taken during the recent Episcopal Consultation held in the Diocese of Nike, Enugu State.

    It is aimed at curbing the increasing use of religious platforms for political messaging and to protect the integrity of Christian worship.

    The new guideline is to ensure that the Church of Nigeria remains a place of worship, unity, and spiritual guidance, free from the distractions and divisions of partisan politics.

    A notable protocol is the restriction on the use of the Church’s lectern consecration for the reading of God’s Word by visiting dignitaries, reinforcing the sacredness of church spaces.

    The Church acknowledged growing concerns about the increasing use of church gatherings as platforms for political messaging, which, according to the Primate, threatens to compromise the Church’s neutrality and core values.

    The memo, distributed to all parishes, emphasises the importance of welcoming all individuals, including public officials, while firmly maintaining the Church’s non-partisan stance.

    According to the guidelines, any guest expected to address the congregation must first have a discussion with church leadership to ensure appropriate conduct.

    Politicians and government officials are to be clearly informed that church platforms are not to be used for partisan speeches or political propaganda.

    Church leaders are also instructed to avoid any statements or actions that could be interpreted as politically biased.

    Furthermore, officials are cautioned against eulogising guests in a manner that might compromise the Church’s reputation or integrity.

    Ndukuba reiterated the Church’s commitment in the memo to inclusivity, stating that all individuals were welcome at services and events.

    “However, it draws a clear line against any form of partisanship or conduct that could sow division among congregants.

    “While affirming its role as a moral compass in society and its responsibility to engage with government authorities on issues affecting the faithful, the Church insists that its primary mandate remains spiritual,” he said.

    Ndukuba further explained that the Church’s mission is to be “the light of the world and the salt of the earth,” upholding the nation in prayer and offering guidance to those in positions of authority.

  • Anglican Primate calls for collective action against economic challenges

    Anglican Primate calls for collective action against economic challenges

    The Primate, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has called for collective action against insecurity and economic challenges in Nigeria.

    Ndukuba made the call in his address at the Third Session of the Twelfth Synod of the Diocese of Abuja Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St. Phillips Church on Saturday in Abuja.

    He congratulated President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office and commended his administration’s efforts in economic reforms and infrastructure.

    He also commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for his performance in Abuja.

    He however, said in spite of progress made, poverty, hunger, insecurity, poor healthcare, and endemic corruption persisted.

    Speaking on the state of the nation, the Primate said insecurity has unfortunately become a challenge nationwide requiring synergy to address.

    “The insurgency in the Northeast and banditry in other parts of the country have continued to disrupt economic activities, particularly in the agricultural and mining sectors resulting in decreased productivity, loss of revenue, and increased poverty.

    “We call on the respective stakeholders to address inflation, strengthen the Naira, improve fiscal performance, arrest insecurity and save Nigerians from its chocking economic quagmire.”

    Ndukuba called for the need to equip armed forces and improve policing, exposé sponsors of insecurity, reform the legal system for accountability and promote justice and peace.

    This, he said was because improved security would guarantee economic revival and national growth.

    “The unity and peace of Nigeria is for the good of all citizens and peoples. The effective Policing and protection of lives and property in our communities must be prioritised.

    “Improvement in Security will guarantee economic revival and growth.

    “Therefore, religious and non-governmental organisations must collaborate with Government to tackle these socio-economic problems. The greatest solution will be in gainful employment in Agriculture and Industry,”he said.

    Speaking on the economy, Ndukuba said the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 24.23 per cent in March 2025, from 23.18 per cent recorded in February 2025.

    According to him, it is obvious that the persistent high inflationary trend is driven by various factors, including insecurity in food-producing areas, energy costs and currency fluctuations.

    He said  while the relative stability in the exchange rate is commendable, the monetary and fiscal authorities is urged to continue to apply the necessary interventions to strengthen the value of the Naira.

    He explained that the current exchange rate of N1600 per dollar was unfavorable for growth and impoverishes Nigerians.

    He urged the federal government to ensure that Nigeria’s trade policies are reviewed in line with the current global trade realities engaging with countries whose trade policies are favorable to Nigeria.

    The primate said the global fall in oil price was of great concern given Nigeria’s mono product economy and heavy reliance on oil exports.

    He said the current price of $60 per barrel would certainly distort the budgetary plan where the revenue projection was based on oil price of $75 per barrel and the effect will reduce government revenue affecting funding of development projects.”

    Ndukuba said there is urgent need to fast track Nigeria’s efforts to diversify the economy, invest in non-oil sectors, and implement policies to promote economic growth and stability.

    He called for resilience in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing struggles and urged Nigerians to put away their idols and serve God wholeheartedly adding that serving God is not optional.

    “It is necessary to know that we are saved in order that we may serve God and bear witness to Christ by what we say ,do and think, as we present ourselves as living sacrifices to God and express the same in our service to God and those around us.

    “Faith and commitment to God must be intentional, Joshua 24:14-16 says fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and truth :and put away the gods which your fathers served,” he said.

  • Anglican Archbishop Akinde loses wife

    Anglican Archbishop Akinde loses wife

    Dr Bassey Akinde, wife of the Most Rev. Adebayo Akinde, pioneer Anglican Bishop of Lagos Mainland and retired Archbishop of Lagos Province, is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Akinde died at the weekend in a Lagos hospital at the age of 77.

    The Lagos Mainland Anglican Communion Synod Secretary, Rev. Canon Adesanya Asaolu, confirmed the death in an interview.

    The deceased,  a retired academic, obtained Bachelor of Pharmacy  from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun, and  Master of Philosophy from Sussex University, United Kingdom.

    She was a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Pharmacy, OAU. She is survived by her husband, three sons and several grandchildren.

    The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, and former Primate Peter Akinola, along with other church leaders have sent condolence messages to her family.

    They  described her as a virteous woman who would greatly be missed.

  • Christians tasked on generosity at Christmas

    Christians tasked on generosity at Christmas

    The Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Nike in Enugu, Rt. Rev. Christian Onyia, has admonished Christians to exhibit generosity to others and faithfulness to God, while celebrating Christmas.

    Onyia, who gave the admonition in a Christmas message in Enugu on Saturday, said that it was easy for one to get carried away by the festivities and display of materialism during the season.

    “We must remind ourselves of the deeper meaning behind our blessings and the need to be faithful stewards,” he said.

    The cleric also said that the Christmas remained a great and timely opportunity for leaders to reflect, repent and recommit to the path of faithful stewardship.

    “As the world celebrates the joy and hope that Christmas brings, it is crucial for political, religious, business, traditional and community leaders to pause and reflect on the responsibility entrusted to them as stewards of their positions and resources.

    “In a world dominated by consumerism, individualism and self-gratification; stewardship stands as a profound reminder of our interconnectedness and responsibility toward God and our fellow beings.

    “The role of a steward goes beyond mere servant-hood; it entails being trustworthy, faithful, obedient, loyal and respectful to the master, who has entrusted much to our care.

    “This responsibility is not to be taken lightly, for during God’s Great Judgment Day, our faithfulness as stewards will be of utmost importance,” he said.

    The bishop emphasised that faithfulness, obedience, loyalty and respect were the cornerstone of stewardship.

    He said that the virtues were not just arbitrary standards set by society but deeply rooted in the belief that Christians were ultimately accountable to God for how they managed what they were given.

    He said: “For Christians, the ultimate test of stewardship lies in our faithfulness to God.

    “As stewards of His blessings, we are called to use our resources not solely for personal gain but for the betterment of others and advancement of His kingdom.

    “As the renowned philosopher, Mahatma Gandhi, once said, ‘The world has enough for everyone’s needs, but not everyone’s greed’.

    “This quote encapsulates the essence of stewardship – using resources wisely and sharing them generously with others”.

  • Jonathan calls for church-led health revolution in Nigeria

    Jonathan calls for church-led health revolution in Nigeria

    Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Church to take the lead in the  crucial role of advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

    Jonathan said this in his keynote address at the maiden edition of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Health Summit in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The former President, who was represented by the former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, highlighted the Church’s historical contributions to health and education sectors.

    While reflecting on the 2014 Ebola crisis, Jonathan acknowledged the bravery of healthcare workers, like doctor Stella Adadevoh, who lost their lives in the line of duty.

    He also acknowledged the passage of the National Health Act signed into law during his administration, which he said had significantly improved healthcare access for millions Nigerians.

    “The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights.

    “Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes,” he said.

    Accordimg to him, despite the progress, gaps remain,  and  I call on the Anglican Church to spearhead health insurance enrollment and bridge disparities in healthcare access.

    He urged faith-based organisations to leverage their community influence to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and foster partnerships with both the government and private sector.

    “The Church must harness its platforms and resources to lead a transformative health initiative that ensures that no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for quality, affordable healthcare,” he said.

    The Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, outlined a visionary framework for integrating holistic health into the Church’s mission.

    Ndukuba emphasised the Church’s historical role in pioneering healthcare in Nigeria, and recalled foundational efforts in establishing clinics and hospitals since the 19th century.

    He called for a renewed commitment to comprehensive healthcare, blending physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in alignment with Biblical teachings and modern health standards.

    According to him,  there is  the urgent need for the Church to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, exacerbated by corruption and inadequate government response.

    The Primate proposed a series of strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission to streamline and standardise healthcare services.

    He also called for the establishment of a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) to cater to the healthcare needs of Nigerians.

    He advocated for the development of pharmaceutical production and a fellowship for healthcare professionals to bolster the Church’s medical outreach.

    Highlighting the Church’s potential to lead in healthcare and transform community well-being, Ndukuba urged Christian healthcare professionals to seize this “Kairos moment” for impactful service.

    His address set the stage for  the summit’s mission to develop a comprehensive health policy and blueprint for advancing the Church’s role in holistic health ministry.

    On his part, Mr Peter Nmadu, Chairman of the National Steering Committee, emphasised the importance of healthcare in the church’s mission.

    Nmadu acknowledged the challenges faced, including recent health crises and the need for a coordinated response.

    He expressed gratitude to the church leadership and participants, urging collective effort towards a healthier future for the church and society.

    The summit aims to assess the church’s historical contributions to healthcare, develop strategies for improvement, and establish a comprehensive health policy.

  • JUST IN: Church of Nigeria elects 7 Bishops, 4 Archbishops

    JUST IN: Church of Nigeria elects 7 Bishops, 4 Archbishops

    The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has elected Bishops to fill the vacant Episcopal Sees in seven of its dioceses and four internal Ecclesiastical Provinces.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Bishops and Archbishops were elected during the Episcopal Synod of the Anglican Church held on Monday at St Matthew’s Church, Maitama in Abuja.

    The 7 Bishops that were elected are Ven. Ephraim Gongdem for Jos Diocese, Ven Dr John Obinali for Okigwe Diocese and Ven. Prof Sam Ike for Enugu Diocese.

    Others are Ven. Dr. Godwin Odubena for Ijebu North Diocese, Ven. Bernard Hanson for Ahoada Diocese, Ven Titus Alkali for Wusasa Diocese and Ven Samuel O. Ifeyemi for Osun North Diocese.

    Meanwhile, the newly elected Archbishops are Rt. Rev’d Sosthenes Eze, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese for Enugu Province; and Most Rev’d Israel Afolabi Amao, Bishop of New Bussa Diocese for Kwara Province.

    Others are Rt Rev’d Dr Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe, Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese for Ibadan Province, and Most Rev’d Daniel Yisa, Bishop of Minna Diocese for Lokoja Province.

    TNG reports the newly elected Bishops and Archbishops were announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba at the end of the Episcopal Synod.

    According to a statement by Korede Akintunde, the Church of Nigeria Communication Officer, Primate Ndukuba called on the newly elected Bishops and Archbishops to pray and seek God’s face for the power of God in their new roles.

    The statement reads: “The Primate who congratulated the newly elected Bishops and Archbishops, prayed that God will grant them wisdom, strength and good health, to pilot the affairs of the people of God in their respective Dioceses and Provinces.

    “He, however, called on all members of the Church to pray and support the newly elected Bishops and their families, as they go into their new places of assignments after the due processes, training and consecration.

    “The Primate added that the Consecration of the Bishops-elect and the presentation Archbishops-elect will hold on Wednesday 18th of September 2024 during the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church being hosted by Nike Diocese in Enugu State”.

  • Onitsha Building collapse probe: Anglican Church asks Soludo to remove 2 members over alleged prejudice

    Onitsha Building collapse probe: Anglican Church asks Soludo to remove 2 members over alleged prejudice

     

    The Niger Diocese of the Anglican Church, owners of the collapsed Centenary Building at the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha which collapsed in the early hours of June 12,2024 has called on Gov Chukwuma Soludo to drop two prominent professionals from the panel he set up to investigate the reason why the building crashed.

    The two members, Prof Akaolisa Ezeagu who chairs the Panel and Engr. Victor Meju, a key member of the panel were reported to have made prejudiced comments publicly and publications following the collapse of the building.

    This was contained in a press statement from the Church late last night, the Governor on behalf of the DMGS Old Boys Association and the Diocese, a team of legal practitioners led by Barrister Nnamdi Ibegbu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN, who is their legal advisers expressed open worry that the public and the Diocese may not get a fair hearing with these persons who have clearly demonstrated manifest bias and unprofessionalism on the matter being members of the Panel.

    The Legal Team cited the Sun Newspaper publication of June 16, 2024, under the column, Voice of the Nation- with heading “No Approval Given For The Collapsed Onitsha School Building-NBRRI” where Prof Akaolisa Ezeagu made comments and came to the conclusion publicly that there was no authorization from any quarters before the gigantic structure was erected.

    Akaolisa, according to them had also in the same publication even before the commencement of investigations attributed the collapse of the building to a poor foundation, which he claimed was as a result of disconnect between the building team and the Technical Engineer.

    Prof Akaolisa also in the same publication stated that “preliminary investigation points to foundation problem”.

    The Legal Team further cited the Punch Newspaper of 14th June 2024 with headline ” Three More Victims Rescued from Anambra Collapsed Building As Probe Begins” Engr. Sir Victor Meju, a Mechanical Engineer, and Chairman Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria(COREN), Anambra State Chapter, in the Newspaper stated that “the collapse could be traced to a faulty Foundation and substandard materials used for construction.” He went further to state that the approval was given for a two- storey building, but that the builders decided to add more floors to it.

    The Legal Team therefore pointed out to the Governor that Prof Akaolisa and Engr. Meju having acted unprofessionally it was doubtful that they will give unbiased decision in the panel’s work.

    Consequently, the Legal Team pleaded with the Governor to most respectfully withdraw the two persons from the panel or in the alternative the two persons be allowed to honorable recuse themselves from the panel, so that Natural Justice, Equity, Good Conscience and Fairness shall prevail in the deliberation and report of the panel.

    They however commended the Governor for setting up the Panel of Enquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of building collapses in parts of the state.

    The Diocese, according to the legal team believes that this laudable initiative by the Governor will help ensure utmost professionalism in the construction sector in the state.

  • What we must do to turn things around in Nigeria – Archbishop

    What we must do to turn things around in Nigeria – Archbishop

    Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has called on Nigerians, including leaders, to make sacrifices in order to build a better nation.

    Ndukuba made the call in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said Nigerians must also address the menace of corruption to free resources for the development of the country.

    According to him, Nigerians should support the leaders to deal with corruption holistically for national growth.

    “If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us.

    “We must deal with selfishness in leadership because whenever you give people the opportunity to serve, they will begin to think of what they will gain and not what they can offer,” he said.

    Ndukuba said that the Easter celebration was to commemorate the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

    “It is a new dawn in the fact that God has done what He alone can do, He is the only one that can turn things around.

    “In the midst of this economic hardship, it’s require that we should be faithful and turn away from our wickedness,” he added.

    The Archbishop who expressed hope for Nigeria’s future, drew parallel between Jesus’ resurrection and the potential for transformation of the country.

    While admonishing Nigerians not to give up, he assured them that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”.

    “We do not give up because it’s night or people are suffering, no, as Jesus rose from the dead, God will turn things around for our nation.”