Church of Nigeria:

INAUGURATION OF NEW DIOCESES: Nationwide tour in Evangelical zeal

CONN/230307

Peter Onwubuariri, Abuja

Abuja, March, 14, 2006- For the second week, the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Peter Akinola has been on a nationwide tour inaugurating 19 new dioceses after the historic consecration of 20 bishops at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Abuja on March 4.

By Tuesday, March 6th, the 'unprecedented Primate' -to borrow a word from Archbishop Joseph Akinfenwa who preached a brilliant sermon during the consecration service - was on the road before daybreak. His destination was Pankshin, Plateau State and the mission was the start of another marathon exercise at commissioning new dioceses around the length and breadth of Nigeria.

As at Thursday 15th, the Primate accompanied by his Chaplain, the Canon Festus Davies, two dedicated chauffeurs addressed as Ayo and Fide, and other Bishops who joined and departed at intervals, had made nearly 10,000KM by road, making defining moments for the Church of Nigeria.

By Thursday 15th, Pankshin, Bukuru, Zaria, New Bussa, Omu-Aran, Oke-Ogun, Ajayi Crowther, Ifo, Akoko-Edo, Etsako, and Ogbaru have been inaugurated. On Tuesday March 13, the Primate presided over the enthronement of one his dedicated aide's and former General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Rt. Rev Oluranti Odubogun, as the Bishop of Ife.

Archbishop Abiodun Adetiloye, former Primate of All Nigeria could be remembered for his bold style of creating dioceses- 49 during his reign-, particularly missionary dioceses. Akinola may be remembered for his zeal in creating more missionary dioceses and for being the most traveled Primate of all Nigeria.

In Ifo, he challenged Bishop Joseph Odejide, to build a befitting Cathedral within 12months. Reminding him that as Primate and Bishop of Abuja "the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Abuja, with a capacity of 3,500, was built in 10months.'' He said;

"The days of building cathedrals for 10 years and above is gone, I am in a hurry, I don't like anyone slowing me down."

In Zaria, during the enthronement of Bishop Cornelius Bello, Akinola lamented that the city from which 50 years ago, the expatriate Bishop J.E Hort administered the entire Northern Nigeria has very little Christian presence now.

The creation of an episcopate for Zaria, nearly 5 decades after, serves as a wake-up call to the Church to be alive to its responsibilities notwithstanding the pained experience of religious crisis witnessed in the area. The choice of a Professor of Microbiology, Cornelius Bello, who until his election was teaching in Saudi Arabia, scores a diplomatic success for the church, who would want an experienced hand to handle authentic dialogue and inter-religious exchange.

To say that Archbishop Akinola is in the missionary work alone would be very unfair to members of the Church, particularly, the very supportive House of Bishops. As he commenced his nationwide tour on March 6th, his itinerary was so fashioned that Bishops from different geo-political zones were assigned to preach at regions different from their socio-cultural setting.

For instance, In Pankshin, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria, inaugurated as the 97th diocese of the Church, Bishop David Onuoha of Okigwe-South, Imo State, South East Nigeria, traveled some 1000KM to deliver a cheerful sermon. He anchored his sermon on Matt 28:17-19 with the theme of mission, evangelism, preaching and obeying God's command.

In Bukuru, also in Plateau State, Bishop James Popoola of Osun in South West Nigeria spoke about the fear of God, love for God, service for God, among others as essential demands, God requires from his Children and those marked for exploits in the world.

In Zaria, in the heart of Northern Nigeria, the Most Rev Samuel Abe, Bishop of Ekiti and Archbishop of Ondo Province, South West Nigeria, predicted that like a mustard seed the new diocese was bound to grow and bear great fruits.

Archbishop of Owerri, Abp. B.C.I. Okoro from Orlu Diocese in Imo State preached at Ifo, Ogun state. Taking his text from 1st Timothy 4, he advised the new bishop not to neglect prayers and wholesome teaching of the Word. The bishop and members of his family should set examples for the church by their conduct and lifestyles.

The Primate's tour around Nigeria has revealed that there is still a whole lot of work to be done to alleviate the social plight of the ordinary Nigerians and the role Christianity plays cannot be overemphasized.

Traveling through tarred roads as well as dusty or potholed ones, sights of want and wealth, neglect and resources, feast the sight of the concerned traveler. How to right these anomalies with the gospel of truth, bringing hope to the poor and recovery of sight to the blind should really engage the Anglican Church, and the newly enthroned bishops understanding the tasks ahead unashamedly ask for prayers.

Arrival at Bukuru with Provincial Dean (1st left) and other bishops Enthronement of Bishop of Ife

Bp. Adebiyi, Abps Ademowo, Akinola &Akinfenwa in prayers for Ifo Abp Idowu Fearon (left) observes as Bp. Bello signs on in Zaria

(Church of Nigeria News)