People from all walks of life visited Doko in Doko Local Government of Niger State to witness the inauguration of the newly created Doko Diocese and the enthronement of its pioneer Bishop.

The newly built 2,500 seat ultramodern Cathedral Church of St. Peter Doko was filled to capacity and the gallery too. Tents mounted outside the church were also filled but the people conducted themselves in an orderly manner.

The joy of a fulfilled dream of having a diocese of their own was full. It was singing and dancing galore with praises eulogizing God for His mercies support and encouragement. The combined choir gave a good account of themselves as they rendered special solemn melodious tunes with their sonorous voices to the admiration of Bishops laity and the clergy. Local musical groups are not left out adding colour in their indigenous language.

In his sermon of inauguration the Rt. Rev Sunday Timothy Gbade Adewole,  bishop of Jebba Diocese who took his text from Revelation 3:7-13 said God has strategically placed Doko and its people there for a purpose. He said there is nothing God will do that does not have a reason. According to him what God requires of the new Diocese, its people both the clergy and laity is faithfulness to keep His words and not deny His name; to labour, spend and be spent for the Lord. He advised that they should not allow the fire to quench after inauguration and enthronement for faithfulness is not momentary, he said according to Joshua 1:8 the bible, the word of God must not depart from their mouth.

The Bishop said for Doko Diocese to record success the people must examine themselves and marry the word of God because they are destined to succeed, victory is guaranteed for he said the enemy and all obstacles principalities and powers, all idols God shall give them powers to subdue them.

The Rt. Rev Sunday Adewole said they must be available at all times and be teachable, because availability he said is fundamental to ability so  that they might reach the nooks and crannies of Doko especially where people are still holding to the old order or worshipping idols. The Bishop of Jebba diocese who quoted profusely from the scriptures said there are lots of problems in the world today diseases, economic meltdown and it look as if it is unsolvable the only antidote to these problems is Jesus Christ. He said the people of Doko Diocese must take the bull by the horns, use the opportunity of open doors, the privilege the advantage, the nitty-gritty, of evangelism for a tremendous success.

The Cleric admonished the people to face the challenges of preparing for the second coming of Jesus Christ and remain faithful for there is a reward from the great perfect master who is taking record of all activities of man for a reward on earth and in heaven. If only they refuse to be corrupt, compromise or troubled by the troubles of the world, telling of lies committing sins with impunity and focus on Jesus Christ the author and finisher of their faith.

In his speech to the congregation after inauguration of Doko Diocese the Primate of all Nigeria gave thanks for the fulfillment and accomplishment of what hitherto looked gigantic He drew the attention of the Doko people to the purpose for which the diocese was created. He reminded them that they requested for it nobody imposed it on them, and the request went through due process so the motive of the request for complete perfect evangelism must be given topmost priority. According to him that is the goal they have set for themselves and it is the mind of Christ for them. He thanked the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, the Most Rev Joseph Akinfenwa who headed the committee for creation of new dioceses, for his undaunting efforts that facilitated the creation of Doko Diocese.

He presented to the Rt. Rev Ndakolo Kolo what he called seed money of Ten Million Naira contributed by the people for the development of the diocese with a proviso that the money should not be spent on frivolities but that the money must grow and proceeds from it must be used for work of mission.

The new pioneer Bishop of Doko diocese the Rt. Rev Uriah Ndakolo Kolo in an interview called on the people to be obedient to the word of God, for according to him, without God the diocese could achieve nothing. He talked about the grave consequences of forsaking God. He reiterated that his vision remains evangelism so that everybody would come to the full knowledge of Jesus Christ with a prayer that everybody shall attain the free salvation He has granted his people.

He thanked the Church of Nigeria under the able leadership of the Most Rev Peter Akinola for aggressive Evangelism and said he should keep the flag flying.

Professor Jerry Gana also in an interview talked about the pioneer effort that blossomed and became reality. He said the journey for the creation of the newly inaugurated Doko Diocese and enthronement of their new bishop began about a year ago even though, delightfully, Doko area was the centre of Christian growth way back in the 18^th century. He said the journey was a humble beginning because he and few people started it.

He explained that conservatively about one hundred and sixty million has gone into the realization of the new Doko Diocese. According to Professor Jerry Gana the newly built ultramodern cathedral, the new bishop’s court, bishop’s office and numerous preparations gulped the money. That is not all, Jerry Gana said Doko Diocese has a new mission area where they would build an hospital, secondary school and university to be called Zion city. All the same he said a lot work need to be done for the full Doko Diocese in terms of Evangelism and literacy so that many a people will get to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord and he said the Doko Diocese is viable, a force to be reckoned with among neighbouring dioceses like Bida, New Bussa, Kutigi, Minna, Lokoja etc.

Professor Gana gave kudos to the untiring efforts of Doko people at home and abroad for their unquantifiable contributions to the new Diocese.

   COVERED/FOLUSO TAIWO.