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Anglican Communion

  • Church of Nigeria commences handover activities ahead of presentation of new Primate

    Church of Nigeria commences handover activities ahead of presentation of new Primate

    The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion has commenced handover activities ahead of the presentation of The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Bishop of Gombe Anglican Diocese and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Jos as the new Primate and Metropolitan of the church.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the presentation of Archbishop Ndukuba, who has since arrived in Abuja, has been scheduled to take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja.

    Ndukuba was greeted at the Episcopal House upon his arrival to Abuja by the Primate of all Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh and wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh, the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Venerable Dr. Paul Dajur, Directors of the Church of Nigeria, Priests of the Diocese of Abuja and the staff of the Episcopal House, Abuja.

    Meanwhile, a new Bishop has been elected for the Diocese of Gombe, he is the Rev. Canon Cletus Ajigben Tambari, Vicar of St. Joseph’s Church, Kaltungo, Gombe, Gombe State.

    Ndukuba, the Primate elect was born on the 18th July 1961 to Mr. and Mrs. Silas Ndukuba of Ogberuru in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

    He attended Bishop Shanahan College, Orlub, and had his WASC in 1978. While in secondary school he gave his life to Christ as a teenager in 1977 and this meant a very new beginning for him.

    He worked in Kano State Library, Ministry of Education from 1979 to 1980. He received the call into the ministry of the gospel in Kano and was subsequently sent to the Theological College of Northern Nigeria (TCNN), Bukuru from 1980 to 1984 and obtained B.D Degree in 1984.

    He did his NYSC in Kano State from 1984 to 1985, was ordained into the Holy Order Diaconate in 1984, and priesthood in 1985.

    Ndukuba served in St Georges Anglican Church Borupai Kano till he was sent to teach in St. Francis of Assisi Theological College, Wusasa Zaria in 1985. He served in many capacities and headed the college as the Acting Dean.

    In July 1996, he was moved back to be the Archdeacon of Kano and helped stabilize the Diocese of Kano after some turbulent period.

    His zeal for the Lord and love for mission was evident. In July 1999 he was requested to return as Dean of St. Francis college Wusasa but by September 1999 he was elected the Bishop of Gombe.

    Nineteen years after, he was elected Archbishop of Jos Ecclesiastical Province, and was presented on January 12, 2018, and he was on 24th September 2019 elected by the Episcopal Synod as Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican communion.

    Ndukuba obtained M.A in Systematic Theology, Durham University, England in 1990 and M.A in Christian Education, Princeton Theological Seminary, New Jersey, USA in 1996.

    He distinguished himself as a scholar by winning the 1996 John Havran’s Princeton prize for Christian Education.

    The Primate elect is a servant of God and God’s people. He loves God and has received the grace to teach, preach and stand out as an evangelist and missioner. His Episcopacy has been a blessing to the church of God.

    He is the Chairman of the liturgy and spirituality committee of the Church of Nigeria whose responsibility is to produce the Annual Bible Study Manual and Daily Fountain Devotional for the Church of Nigeria, Sunday School manual and Youth Devotional.

    His committee has produced the New Book of Common Prayer and Hymnal for the Church of Nigeria.

    He also serves as the Chairman of the Church of Nigeria Historical Records and Artifacts Committee, charged with the responsibility of recording and preserving the historical records and artifacts of the Church and set up an Archives for the Church.

    As the Bishop of Gombe, the Anglican church has grown from 18 congregation to over 150 churches. God has blessed the Diocese through the humble service of faith of this servant of God and the pastors. Church planting and evangelism, raising of lay and pastoral leadership and discipleship remain the core of his ministry.

    He works with communities and leaders of Gombe state to see to peaceful coexistence and community development. In order to sustain the ministry of the gospel in Gombe state, Ndukuba has worked with Luke partnership, Nigeria Bible Translation Trust and Seed company to produce literary materials and translate the Bible and Jesus film into 10 of the 17 tribal languages in the state.

    He is the BOT Chairman of LIST the registered body working on translation of Bible, Jesus Film and literary materials in Nigeria languages especially minority languages in Nigeria.

    Furthermore, Ndukuba is a sound Biblical Scholar, Teacher, Master liturgist, Pastor and an accomplished Evangelist. He loves the Lord Jesus Christ and has a great heart for the Word of God and also a prolific writer.

    He is married to Mrs. Angela Ndukuba (Nee Okoro), an accomplished servant of God, an educationist, and mother in God’s church. They are blessed with six children, a grandson and two granddaughters.

  • Outgoing Anglican Primate charges Buhari to tackle security challenges

    Outgoing Anglican Primate charges Buhari to tackle security challenges

    The outgoing Primate and Metropolitan of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd Nicholas Okoh has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Okoh, who the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has been elected to replace, made the call on Wednesday in Asaba at the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Asaba.

    In his message, the outgoing Primate of Anglican Communion thanked Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his support to the Church and called on the Federal Government to tackle the challenges of insecurity in the country.

    Speaking on “Fight The Good Fight Of Faith,” the Primate urged Christians not to be deterred in their efforts to win souls for Christ, urging them to shun greed, selfishness, ambition, division, sin, heretic doctrines, and the like.

    Governor Okowa, who was present at the event, urged Nigerians to shun negative attitudes towards the country, but project it in positive light.

    He cautioned that citizens must resist the temptation, no matter how strong, to join those in the habit of continually condemning and speaking evil of the country and its leaders.

    He said “it is impossible for us to pray right and then speak wrong, because what happens after prayer is as important, if not more important, than the actual prayer.

    “Our words as Christians are powerful; negative words carry the power to invalidate our prayers and derail our expectations.

    “So, let us all take heed and begin today to speak healing, peace, prosperity, progress and accelerated development to Nigeria.

    “My faith is that in no distant time, Nigeria will become one of the most sought-after countries in the world; it shall be well with us as we continue to stand in faith for Nigeria.

    “We need to also teach the flock to release their faith for the purpose of national development and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

    “We are not often as determined and steadfast in exercising faith for a transformed Nigeria as we are when it comes to our personal needs.”

    He reaffirmed that Delta had been dedicated to God, saying “our trust is in Him and, therefore, we cannot be put to shame”.

    Okowa commended the Anglican Communion for its steadfastness in preaching the word of God, noting that all over the world, the pulpit was under severe pressure.

    According to him, congregants, having itchy ears, are hardening their ears to the truth and looking for preachers who will tell them what they want to hear.

    Meanwhile, President Buhari has congratulated Archbishop Ndukuba on his election as the Primate-elect of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) by the Episcopal Synod of the Church.

    TNG reports the Most Rev. Ndukuba, who is Archbishop of Jos Province and Bishop of Gombe Diocese was elected as the new Metropolitan/Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion on Tuesday, rising from the episcopal synod of the Church held on Tuesday 24th September 2019 at the Cathedral Church of St Peter’s Asaba, Delta State.

    Born in 1959 from Anambra State of Nigeria, the Metropolitan/Primate elect was consecrated the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gombe, with seven other Bishops on 21 September 1999.

    On 25 November 1999, the new diocese was inaugurated as the 71st diocese of the Church of Nigeria and he has the first bishop.

    At the General Synod Meeting which was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Port Harcourt in Rivers State on 22 September 2017, the House of Bishops elected Henry Ndukuba, Bishop of Gombe, as the new Archbishop of Jos. He succeeds Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos.

    Ndukuba, who was Chairman of the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee of the Church of Nigeria, will succeed the Most Rev Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh, who would be proceeding to retirement.

    Nduku, married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ndukuba, is noted for a sacrosanct spirituality devoid of ambiguity, and known for his unassuming gentle personality, however, rugged in evangelism.

    President Buhari’s congratulatory message was conveyed via a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The President also felicitated with members of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria on the successful election of a new spiritual leader, who will by the grace of God direct the affairs of the church in the next ten years.

    President Buhari appreciated the role of the Anglican Church in promoting interfaith dialogue, peace, stability, education and social welfare in the country.

    The president said he counted on the Primate-elect, ”to continue in propagating the qualities that epitomises the ministry of Jesus Christ, who taught his followers love, compassion and humility.”

    He also commended the outgoing Primate of the Church, His Grace, the Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, for his dedication, service and leadership, recounting the invaluable support this administration has received from the Church.

    The President wished Ndukuba, who is at present the Bishop of Gombe Diocese and Archbishop of Jo’s Province of Anglican Communion, a successful tenure as he begins a new phase of ministry as the fifth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

  • Buhari congratulates Anglican Primate-elect, Archbishop Ndukuba

    Buhari congratulates Anglican Primate-elect, Archbishop Ndukuba

    President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba on his election as the Primate-elect of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) by the Episcopal Synod of the Church.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports the Most Rev. Ndukuba, who is Archbishop of Jos Province and Bishop of Gombe Diocese was elected as the new Metropolitan/Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion on Tuesday, rising from the episcopal synod of the Church held on Tuesday 24th September 2019 at the Cathedral Church of St Peter’s Asaba, Delta State.

    Born in 1959 from Anambra State of Nigeria, the Metropolitan/Primate elect was consecrated the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gombe, with seven other Bishops on 21 September 1999.

    On 25 November 1999, the new diocese was inaugurated as the 71st diocese of the Church of Nigeria and he has the first bishop.

    At the General Synod Meeting which was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Port Harcourt in Rivers State on 22 September 2017, the House of Bishops elected Henry Ndukuba, Bishop of Gombe, as the new Archbishop of Jos. He succeeds Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos.

    Ndukuba, who was Chairman of the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee of the Church of Nigeria, will succeed the Most Rev Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh, who would be proceeding to retirement.

    Nduku, married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ndukuba, is noted for a sacrosanct spirituality devoid of ambiguity, and known for his unassuming gentle personality, however, rugged in evangelism.

    President Buhari’s congratulatory message is conveyed via a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The President also felicitated with members of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria on the successful election of a new spiritual leader, who will by the grace of God direct the affairs of the church in the next ten years.

    President Buhari appreciated the role of the Anglican Church in promoting interfaith dialogue, peace, stability, education and social welfare in the country.

    The president said he counted on the Primate-elect, ”to continue in propagating the qualities that epitomises the ministry of Jesus Christ, who taught his followers love, compassion and humility.”

    He also commended the outgoing Primate of the Church, His Grace, the Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, for his dedication, service and leadership, recounting the invaluable support this administration has received from the Church.

    The President wished Ndukuba, who is at present the Bishop of Gombe Diocese and Archbishop of Jo’s Province of Anglican Communion, a successful tenure as he begins a new phase of ministry as the fifth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

  • BREAKING: Archbishop Henry Ndukuba elected new Primate of Church of Nigeria

    BREAKING: Archbishop Henry Ndukuba elected new Primate of Church of Nigeria

    The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop of Jos Province and Bishop of Gombe Diocese has been elected as the new Metropolitan/Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Archbishop Ndukuba was elected rising from the episcopal synod of the Church held on Tuesday 24th September 2019 at the Cathedral Church of St Peter’s Asaba, Delta State.

    Born in 1959 from Anambra State of Nigeria, the Metropolitan/Primate elect was consecrated the first Bishop of the Diocese of Gombe, with seven other Bishops on 21 September 1999.

    On 25 November 1999, the new diocese was inaugurated as the 71st diocese of the Church of Nigeria and he has the first bishop.

    At the General Synod Meeting which was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in Port Harcourt in Rivers State on 22 September 2017, the House of Bishops elected Henry Ndukuba, Bishop of Gombe, as the new Archbishop of Jos. He succeeds Benjamin Kwashi, Bishop of Jos.

    Ndukuba, who was Chairman of the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee of the Church of Nigeria, will succeed the Most Rev Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh, who would be proceeding to retirement.

    Nduku, married to Mrs. Elizabeth Ndukuba, is noted for a sacrosanct spirituality devoid of ambiguity, and known for his unassuming gentle personality, however, rugged in evangelism.

  • Anglican Primate charges govt. on protection of citizens

    The Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has called on the Federal Government to shield its citizenry from all forms of attacks.

    Okoh made the call on Friday in Abuja during the consecration of three new Bishops and presentation of Archbishops at the Anglican Cathedral Church of St. Bartholomew, Kubwa Abuja.

    The primate noted that the reality on ground indicated that government still needed to do more to instill confidence on the citizens.

    “Nigerians should insist that the government fulfills its social contract with the people to protect their lives and properties.

    “It is the responsibility of the people in power to protect its citizens; if there is a breach of security, we cry to government.

    “If is not done, it is the fault of government, if it’s done the people will rejoice,” he said.

    He charged the newly-consecrated bishops to live up to expectation and advised them to be wary of both politicians and their followers.

    He urged them to concentrate more on their spiritual lives for the maximum spiritual benefit of the people.

    The cleric advised the newly-consecrated bishops not to be carried away by material wealth but to keep fighting the good fight of faith.

    He, however, urged them to always speak for the voiceless, the oppressed and downtrodden without minding the cost.

    Okoh urged the bishops to become vessels for the development of the body and soul of Anglican faithful.

    He advised them to build on existing partnership between the church and the government to ensure societal development.

    The primate also enjoined them to be Apostles to proclaim Christ’s resurrection and interpret the gospel, and testify to Christ’s sovereignty as Lord of lords and King and kings.

    “You are called to be the guard of the faith, unity and the discipline of the church, to celebrate and to provide for the administration of the Sacraments of the new covenant, to ordain Priests and Deacons.’’

    The primate, who prayed for the new Bishops, asked God to “fill them with the grace and power which you gave to your apostles that they may lead those committed to their charge in proclaiming the gospel of salvation.

    “Through them increase your church, renew its ministry, and unite its members in a holy fellowship of truth and love.

    “Enable them as true shepherd to feed and govern your flock, make them wise teachers and steadfast as guardians of its faith and Sacraments”.

    The newly-consecrated bishops are Bishop Geoffrey Ekpenisi, Bishop of Ika Diocese in Delta; Bishop Chukwuma Oparah, Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Imo and Bishop Jezreel Vandeh, Bishop of Zaki Biam Diocese, Benue.

     

  • Anglican Communion holds yearly DIVCCON in Abuja

    Anglican Communion holds yearly DIVCCON in Abuja

    Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), says the 8th edition of the Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) provides Christian faithful the opportunity to invest in Jesus and seek the Lord’s face as 2019 election approaches.

    Okoh made this known through the Director of Communication, Ven. Foluso Taiwo, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.

    He said that the theme for the 2018 conference is “I will restore”, adding that the inspiration to institute DIVCCON was the product of meditation.

    “We discovered that most of our meetings, though avenues for prayers and worship, they were essentially administrative in nature.

    “So, I felt under God’s guidance that we should just gather for the purpose of spirituality and do nothing else; speak to edify people, ministrations, prayers and fellowship.

    “It is a platform for people who are not necessarily Anglicans to come and join in worshipping and praising the Almighty God.”

    According to him, the conference will feature exposition on various sub-themes and seminars in the mornings, with the evenings devoted to revival services.

    He said that Anglican faithful in Nigeria and from the Diaspora, among others, were expected to participate in the conference holding at the National Christian Centre, Abuja from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16, 2018.

    The Church of Nigeria has a population of about 18 million and is divided into 14 provinces.

     

  • The Rt Revd John Akao dies days to Synod, Diocese thrown into mourning

    The Rt Revd John Akao dies days to Synod, Diocese thrown into mourning

    The Anglican Diocese of Sabongidda-Ora has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Diocesan, Rt Revd John Akao (Professor).

    Prof. Akao+ died on Monday night — two months to his 70th birthday — after a brief illness.

    Consecrated Bishop of Sabongidda-Ora Diocese in 2006 following the death of the then Bishop, Most Rev. A. A. Agbaje who died in 2005, Prof. Akao+ was due for retirement as the Bishop of the Diocese July this year.

    He was said to have gone into a comma last Friday evening, two days to his last synod which was supposed to have commenced Sunday 28th May 2017.

    Meanwhile, a new Bishop of the Diocese has already been consecrated waiting the retirement of Prof. Akao+ who eventually has died before his retirement.

    The entire Sabongidda-Ora Diocese comprising of Anglican churches in the two Owan local government areas is now thrown into mourning following the death of their Bishop.

    However the Diocese is yet to make an official statement on the death of the Esan born Bishop and university don.

    Prof. Akao+ until his enthronement as Bishop of Sabongidda-Ora Diocese was a lecturer at the University of Ibadan.

  • Gov Okowa allays fear of Deltans on Grazing Bill

    Gov Okowa allays fear of Deltans on Grazing Bill

    As the nation continue to grapple with ways to proffer solution to the menace of Fulani herdsmen, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has allayed the fear of Deltans that there will be grazing reserve in the state.

    Speaking at the weekend at the 2nd session of the seventh synod of Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Communion held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ekete, Udu local government area of Delta State, Governor Okowa asserted, “we are not supporting any grazing reserve”.

    The Governor stated that legislators cannot pass a bill that is unacceptable to the people, disclosing that Deltans have made it clear that they were not in support of grazing reserve.

    While disclosing that his administration has done a lot to ensure that clashes between herdsmen and Deltans are reduced to the barest minimum, he observed, “possibly, there would have been much more killings if not for our consultations; we are also aware that most of the kidnapping in the state are being done by the Hausa/Fulanis in connivance with some of our people”.

    “There are special courts for the speedy trial of kidnappers and anyone who is caught assisting them is liable to life imprisonment,” he continued while commending security agencies, especially, the Police for controlling crime in the state.

    Governor Okowa also urged the Church to relentlessly pray for the state and the nation, assuring that revenue to the state would increase within the next couple of months as Shell was working to fix the Forcados Trunkline which will boost oil export from the state.

    The Governor stated that increase in revenue generated will lead to the construction of more roads and the provision of infrastructure in different parts of the state.

    Earlier in a sermon, Bishop Marcus Ibrahim of Yola Diocese of the Anglican Communion, commended Governor Okowa for the effective management of resources in the state despite the recession affecting economic activities in the country.

    The Bishop who spoke on the theme: “Watching and praying: the escape route from the dangers of our time,” decried greed in the church and also, urged Christians to pray harder to check the activities of Boko Haram, kidnappers and armed robbers, reiterating: “the time that we are in, is evil time”.