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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 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.

  • Why there is poverty in Nigeria – Anglican Primate

    Why there is poverty in Nigeria – Anglican Primate

    The Primate Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba has said not until greed is killed, no matter religiosity, Nigeria will remain a country that is almost being vandalised.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ndukuba made the assertion at a news conference on the state of the nation on Monday in Abuja.

    He stressed that the poverty in the country was not because “Nigeria is poor” but a demonstration of greed manifesting in corruption.

    “Unless we kill it, no matter our religiosity, Nigeria will remain a country that is almost being vandalised. But we are trusting God that there will be a turnaround and a change of heart,” Ndukuba said.

    Speaking on expectations for the New Year, the Anglican Primate said 2025 will be a better year for Nigerians. He said that though 2024 was a challenging year for Nigerians, the country would reap many benefits from its present situation in the year 2025.

    He said that the removal of fuel subsidy, increase in oil prices, hyperinflation in food prices, and the financial difficulties, no doubt made 2024 more challenging than 2023.

    He, however, likened the challenges to the pain of childbearing that comes with much joy at the end of the day.

    Ndukuba commended the country’s fiscal and economic managers, especially the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for striving to ensure stability in the country’s economy.

    He also commended Nigerians’ resilience, hope, prayers, endurance, and perseverance, even under the weight of economic hardship and insecurity.

    “If you will ask me about 2024, I will say that 2025 will be better and greater than 2024. What we have experienced and seen this year is part of the process of bringing us to where we are going.

    “That will not mean that in 2025, there will be no challenges. The challenges will still be there. But, what we trust God is that the solution will begin to play out.

    “We will begin to reap much more of what has been sown this year, and there will be better stability.

    “Not only in the terms of our value for our naira, but also in fuel pump prices and also some of the micro and macroeconomic policies that are already being put in place will begin to play out,’’ he said.

    Ndukuba, however, urged the country to tackle the issues of greed and corruption if the country must enjoy the good tiding of 2025.

    On the Christmas celebration, Ndukuba advised Nigerian Christians to celebrate with moderation in line with the economic reality.

    According to him, Christian faithful should avoid squandering all they gathered throughout the year in the name of celebrating Christmas.

    He rather stressed on the need to celebrate the season with Christ in their heart by supporting, and sharing with one another with the love of God, especially the less privileged in the society.

    “In whatever we do, whether we eat or we drink, it must be done in moderation. Let us not indulge in things that will dishonour God or dishonour our dignity as human beings.

    “We know that the situation in Nigeria today is so dire and challenging that some families may not even have the usual rice and the food and meat to celebrate. So whatever we have, let’s share with others,’’ he said.

    Ndukuba also urged Nigerians to use the season of Christmas to foster reconnection between the leaders and the followers.

    “There is so much for us to learn from the lessons of Christmas, both the followers and leaders.

    “The leaders must learn to love and appreciate the citizens as well cherish the fact that the opportunity given to them is for a purpose.

    “It is for the good of the common man and not an opportunity for them to amass as much as they could,’’ he said.

  • Why Nigeria is underdeveloped – Primate Ndukuba

    Why Nigeria is underdeveloped – Primate Ndukuba

    Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba says Nigeria is blessed with everything it needs to develop but  corruption, bad leadership remain a clog in her wheel of progress.

    Ndukuba stated this in Abuja at an event to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Abuja Diocese of the Church of Nigeria.

    “Nigeria has the potential, not only in transforming our nation, but to be also instrumental in transforming our continent.

    “It also has the potential of impacting the world, be it socially, in terms of economy, abundant mineral resources and the wealth that God has given us.

    “There is so much in Nigeria, but we must shun corruption and our leaders must lead with dignity and in the right direction to attain our potentials and take our rightful position, in comity of nations” he said

    The Archbishop stressed the need to take proactive measures to address corruption and leverage the nation’s resources to uplift the nation and z continent.

    He envisioned a Nigeria transformed by industrialisation and good governance, emphasising dignity and self-reliance.

    Archbishop Ndukuba also called for renewed hope and determination, urging Nigerians to overcome challenges through faith and leadership.

    According to him, Nigeria must focus on industrialisation to create jobs for its teeming youth population..

    Speaking on the celebration, the Archbishop said the 35th anniversary of the Diocese’s existence is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the dedication of its leaders and members.

    “Celebrating 35 years of the Abuja Diocese is a milestone of faith and dedication.

    “We give gratitude to God for the lessons learnt, sustainability and the community’s commitment,” he said.

    The celebration themed, “Renewed to Soar Higher,” features activities such as performances, music, and awards, highlighting achievements in service to the Church.

  • Why Nigeria is due for new Constitution – Anglican Primate

    Why Nigeria is due for new Constitution – Anglican Primate

    Archbishop Henry Ndakuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has said Nigeria is due for a new Constitution, which he stressed should be made by the sovereign assembly of the people of the nation to replace the current 1999 Constitution as amended.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Archbishop Ndakuba, who said this on Thursday, while inaugurating a standing committee meeting of the Church, stressed the new Constitution, he urged should be people-oriented, is required to address the nagging issues bedevilling the country.

    Ndakuba said the National Assembly (NASS) had done well with the several constitutional amendments, saying that Nigeria was due for a new Constitution, which will take into consideration the concerns already expressed in the Sovereign National Conferences.

    The cleric said that the various calls for the restructuring of Nigeria should be considered as well, as shying away from doing it was not helping the nation.

    No government can stop people who are hungry from protesting – Ndukuba

    Speaking further, Archbishop Ndakuba said the recent #EndBadGovernance protest was a clear indication that the people were tired of failed promises by government to stem the rising cost of living, which had imposed severe hardship on most households in the country.

    Ndakuba said that the protest was a clarion call to governments at all levels, especially at the Federal Government, to heed the cry of the people.  According to him, government should not victimise anyone, as no government can legislate or stop people who are hungry from protesting.

    He said that the epileptic power supply, in spite of the privatisation of the power sector and tariff reviews, the astronomical rise in the cost of petroleum products had made life much more difficult.

    Primate seeks state of emergency on social welfare

    Archbishop Ndakuba also on Thursday called for a state of emergency on social welfare in the country while urging the National Assembly to criminalise delay in pension payment. He said that there was urgent need for special programmes for the most vulnerable segments of the society, particularly, the unemployed and the aged.

    The cleric decried the continuous verification of pensioners and the none observance of the provision of the Constitution that mandated review of pension, every five years.  He commended President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerian workers on the signing into law of the N70,000 new minimum wage.

    Ndakuba, however, called on the government to extend the scheme to cover pensioners, many of whom are living on starvation wages.

    “We urge the National Assembly to criminalise the non-payment of pensions to entitled persons as and when due. Attention should also be paid to the most vulnerable segments of the society, particularly, the unemployed, the aged, young unemployed or skilled male and female adults.

    “The latter is the engine room of every society. There is therefore, an urgent need for an articulation of appropriate policy and programmes to cater for this often-forgotten segment of the population or imperil the future of the country.

    “When you see the numbers on our streets, you will agree that the need is urgent. A declaration of emergency in social welfare in Nigeria may not be out of place,” he said.

    The cleric urged the Federal Government to prioritise the interest of Nigerians in the ongoing engagements between Dangote Refinery and NNPCL.

    Ndakuba commended the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on Local Government Autonomy, saying that there would be a multiplier effect in education, health, and food security across the all LGAs of the nation.

    He said that it should also be able to arrest the rural-urban migration, calling for a whole-society approach in monitoring its implementation, as the project should not be left in the hands of politicians alone.

  • Nigeria will rise again – Anglican Primate

    Nigeria will rise again – Anglican Primate

    Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has said Nigeria will rise again to take its place in the comity of nations in spite of the current challenges.

    The Primate stated this while speaking with newsmen at the Thanksgiving Service to mark an end to the 2024 second session of the 12th Synod with the theme: “By This Time Tomorrow: Breaking the Siege upon the Nation in Abuja.

    He said Nigeria was going through a siege, which required God’s intervention.

    “We are being occupied or surrounded by an army that is greater than us. Wickedness is an army, corruption is an army, and nepotism is an army.

    “We can not break this yoke by ourselves. It will take the intervention of God for us to succeed. And our prayer is that God will intervene in the situation of our country.

    “There is the possibility that Nigeria will rise again and will take her place in the committee of nations,” he said.

    The Primate called on Nigerians to genuinely forsake their evil ways and return to God for repentance if the country must truly overcome its challenges.

    “Let us return to God in repentance. And as we turn to God in repentance as leaders, God will show us mercy, and he will heal and forgive our sins,’’ he said.

    Ndukuba also called on the citizens irrespective of their faith to forsake their evil ways and do the right things at all times.

    “If we shall be true to the tenets of our faiths, I believe that God will have mercy upon us and change this nation.”

    He advised individuals going through any form of bondage spiritually, economically, or health wise to look up to God and trust Him for deliverance.

    In a sermon, Retired Rev. Johnson Atere, advised Nigeria to return to God and have faith in His word.

    He attributed the challenges facing the country to the failure of the leaders to harken to God’s words and the counsels of his servants.

    He, however, said no matter the challenges, the solution was in the word of God, saying God would always send his word to deliver the people.

  • Synod: Why FG should review minimum wage – Anglican Primate

    Synod: Why FG should review minimum wage – Anglican Primate

    Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has thrown his weight behind calls for the federal and States governments to review minimum wage.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Primate Ndukuba to have said review of the minimum wage has become very necessary in view of the hyper inflation and general harsh economic environment.

    While commending President Bola Tinubu’s efforts toward fixing the country, Ndukuba urged the federal and States government to accede to the request of organised labour for increase in minimum wage to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    The Primate, who said these in an address delivered to the second session of the 12th Synod organised by the Diocese of Abuja, identified the economy as one challenging area the President was striving to fix.

    TNG reports the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja was held at the Basilica of Grace, Gudu, with the theme: “By This Time Tomorrow: Breaking the Siege upon the Nation” and text taken from 2 Kings 7:1, 6-7.

    The Synod is the highest decision-making body of an Anglican Diocese. It is held every year with the Bishop presiding.

    Synod of the Church of Nigeria is a platform for prayer, discussion of Church and national issues, decision-making, accountability, among others.

    TNG reports the theme of the 12th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja focused on breakthrough, deliverance, belief and strong faith in God

    Primate Ndukuba said that the country’s economy was in a bad shape with the ordinary citizens feeling the pain on a daily basis.

    He added that Tinubu needed strong recommendations from his Economic Policy Planners and Think-Tank in his drive to get Nigerians out of the current situation.

    The Anglican Primate also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, for his visible developmental efforts that had ensured the completion of some infrastructural projects in the FCT.

    He commended the Federal Government for renovating public schools and giving special attention to rural communities, adding that the collaboration with community leaders to achieve peace was also commendable.

    “The efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and his team to stabilise the exchange rate are also commendable.

    “Going forward, there is still a need to address some other factors that are contributing to the adverse economic conditions in Nigeria.

    “In all, it has been an eventful first year of President Tinubu in office,” he said.

    According to him, continuous borrowing contributes to inflationary pressure on the economy, adding that when government injects more money into circulation, it drives up prices which lead to a high cost of living for ordinary citizens.

    He further maintained that the recent fuel scarcity and increase in the tariff on power were making life more difficult for the citizens.

    “We support organised Labour’s demand that the Federal and State governments should intervene through the relevant ministries to alleviate the suffering of the people.

    “The review of the minimum wages of Nigerians is very necessary in view of the hyper inflation and general harsh economic environment,” he added.

    On food security, the Primate said that Nigeria was blessed with lots of natural resources, adding that its citizens were enterprising and hardworking.

    He advised government to ensure that no Nigerian is left hungry or be unsure of food for its family.

    “Food security is vital to the overall growth and stability in the country. So, our leaders must address the issue of insecurity because the challenge the citizens face concerning hunger and starvation is alarming.

    Primate Ndukuba, however, said that the Church’s theme for the 2024 Synod was a message of hope and demonstration of the power of God to bring divine help in an overwhelming political and socio-economic misery.

    “We need the word and divine intervention in our nation, Nigeria. We speak healing and restoration into the Nigeria situation. This siege must be broken, and total restoration shall come to Nigeria.”

    Former Archbishop of Abuja Province and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Nicholas Okoh, in his goodwill message, urged Nigerians to join hands in praying for the actualisation of God’s intervention in the country.

    He emphasised that the prophesy delivered by the Primate took a lot of courage and prayed for God’s intervention on His children and the country.

    “When the people were suffering in Egypt, they were with the belief that a deliverer is coming to rescue them, which is the message that has just been delivered today.

    “We are all anxiously waiting for these transformations in our country for the sake of our children who have no other country except Nigeria.

    “Therefore, join your hands in prayer and join your hands in everything good for the actualisation of what God is doing,” Okoh said.

  • 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.”

  • Be patient with Tinubu – Cleric urges Nigerians

    Be patient with Tinubu – Cleric urges Nigerians

    The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

    Ndukuba who addressed  newsmen on Sunday in Abuja on hardship and insecurity in the country said that the problems in Nigeria would take 10 to 20 years to be fixed.

    “I want to appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience by giving this government more time to do what they said they will do.

    “With the problem that we have, it’s not something that can be solved within a day, one month or one year.

    “The magnitude of our problems will take us another 10 to 20 years for us to deal with them” he said.

    On insecurity, the cleric decried the constant attacks in some parts of the country and called on the government for urgent intervention to protect lives of citizens.

    “I call on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing.”

    He equally appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to shun the planned nationwide strike.

    “I want to appeal to the leadership of NLC to go into negotiation rather than going on strike. Let them go back to the round-table.

    “We are pleading with the government to do the needful by engaging with the leadership of the NLC to resolve the issues amicably.

    “People are hungry, and a hungry man is an angry man. We can’t tell them not to express themselves.

    “Nigerians are not asking for too much. They are asking for food, security, infrastructure such as roads, and a constant power supply for them to live and do their economic activities,” he said

    Ndukuba emphasised the need for Nigerians to engage in subsistence farming by using the available land within their premises for farming.

    This, according to him will reduce hunger and suffering affecting the citizens.

    “Nigerians are hardworking and can labour to feed their families if encouraged.

    “There is a need for us to encourage Nigerians to go back to farm on any available land around their houses to get basic food.

    “The wealth of this country has been captured and hijacked by the few elites. In a situation where few are richer than the whole nation, the wealth is not properly distributed.

    “It’s very dangerous. We need to see what can be done to salvage this nation together,” he added

    The Cleric urged Christians to pray for peace of the country, stressing that religion should be part of the solution to the societal problems and not the cause of its problems.

    “We are trusting God that this challenges will be resolved in a no distant time.”

  • Fuel subsidy removal: Be sincere with Nigerians – Anglican Primate tells Tinubu

    Fuel subsidy removal: Be sincere with Nigerians – Anglican Primate tells Tinubu

    The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba has called on President Bola Tinubu to make life easier for Nigerians.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Primate Ndukuba made the call while declaring open, officially, the 14th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

    In his general address, the Primate called on Tinubu to be more committed, sincere and proactive in attending to various issues of governance in the country, rather than invading Niger, a neighbouring country.

    The Primate spoke on the theme: “Arise and Build: God’s Mandate For God’s People In A Broken World” at the synod which was held at St. Mark’s Church in Nnewichi, Nnewi.

    He addressed many national issues, including the petrol subsidy removal, security, need for a new Nigerian constitution, economy, health, rule of law, among others.

    He asked the President to be more intentional and proactive in piloting the affairs of the nation.

    “Nigerians are longing for the birth of a new Nigeria. Give more opportunity to women and young people.

    “Nigerians demand a political leadership that will respect the people’s rights and welfare as well as promote equality for all.

    “The measures by the federal government to cushion the effects of the petrol subsidy removal are inadequate and unsustainable and therefore need to be improved upon,” the Primate said.

    Speaking further, Ndukuba noted that Niger Republic is an extension of the North West, pointing out that any military intervention in that country will stir up emotions.

    He suggested that diplomatic solutions should be deployed and not fall into the encouragement of western countries seeking to disrupt the continent.