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Tag: Anglican

  • Anglican youths celebrate 30th anniversary with impactful outreach, thanksgiving

    Anglican youths celebrate 30th anniversary with impactful outreach, thanksgiving

    The Youth Christian Association of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, St. John’s Anglican Church, Iju-Ishaga, Lagos, recently marked its 30th anniversary with a vibrant celebration marked by thanksgiving, charity, healing, and evangelism.

    The week-long event featured a special thanksgiving service, outreach to the Down Syndrome Foundation at Alamutu Estate, Fagba, Lagos where food, clothes, and cash donations were presented and a grand reception at Lagos African Grammar School’s event hall, College Road, Ifako.

    Several spirit-filled moments were recorded, including divine healings and notable conversions. The event drew dignitaries including the State President of the Youth Christian Association, Chief (Mrs.) Funke Laniyan, church leaders, captains of industry, and past executives of the association.

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    In his address, Youth Association President, Engr. Akinsulire Raphael, expressed gratitude to God and the growing Christian youth community. “My joy is that we now have a bigger, more compact Christian family with a united focus on service to God and humanity,” he said. He urged members to uphold unity and remain steadfast in their devotion.

    Under Engr. Akinsulire’s three-year leadership, the association has grown in membership through an aggressive youth engagement model. He also introduced ILERA EKO health insurance and a life insurance scheme to support members in times of crisis. Additionally, the group has prioritized charitable activities through scholarship programs, financial support for the needy, and regular visits to homes.

    The celebration concluded with awards to past and present leaders, patrons, and matrons in appreciation of their dedication to youth and kingdom service.

  • Scandal: Anglican church labourer impregnates 14-yr-old girl in Anambra

    Scandal: Anglican church labourer impregnates 14-yr-old girl in Anambra

    A 31-year-old Anglican Church labourer in Anambra state has been arrested for allegedly impregnating a 14-year-old girl in the church toilet.

    The incident happened in one of the churches (name withheld) in Ifite, Awka, Anambra state.

    The suspect, identified as James Rich from Cross Rivers state but working as a yardman in the church, was said to be married with two kids and expecting his third child. 

    The suspect admitted that he defiled the victim and impregnated her in the process. 

    He pleaded for pardon, blaming the act on the devil.

    He said: “I usually sleep with her every Sunday morning at the toilet in the church premises. But I had carnal knowledge of her for about three times after giving her N200 to buy biscuit.

    “I plead for pardon. This is the first time I’m committing the crime and it’s temptation that made me do so.”

    The 14-year-old victim, who allegedly, had developmental challenge, revealed that the suspect usually defiled her every Sunday morning before commencement of 6:30am service.

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    Reacting to the incident, the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo said the suspect was apprehended through assistance of State Police Command.

    Speaking through her Special Assistant, Blessing Nweke, the commissioner disclosed that the matter was reported to her through the victim’s guardian.

    She said the suspect was apprehended after the victim was certified pregnant, adding that the case would soon be charged to get justice for the victim.

    She warned adults to stop defiling young girls, especially minors to avoid spending the rest of their lives in prison as the state frowned at such acts.

  • Anglican Church consecrates new Bishops, urges steadfastness

    Anglican Church consecrates new Bishops, urges steadfastness

    The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba has urged Christians and the newly consecrated Archbishops, Bishops and the new Dean to stand firm in their faith.

    After a successful Episcopal Synod at the Basilica of Grace Anglican Church, Abuja on Tuesday 6th June 2023, Primate Ndukuba announced the election of four new bishops to fill vacant seats. They are two newly elected Archbishops for Lagos and Kaduna Provinces and the Dean-elect of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

    Dr. Ndukuba who is the Primate, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, gave the charge on Sunday during the consecration of two Archbishop, four Bishops and the Dean of the communion at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, Lagos.

    Those consecrated were the Venerable Collins Babalola for Ajayi Crowther Diocese; the Venerable Festus Nwafili for Ndokwa Diocese; The Venerable Ifedola Okupevi for Lagos Diocese and The Venerable Ebenezer Saiki for Akoko-Edo Diocese; Dean-Elect, The Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing Enyindah, the two Archbishop-Elects; the Most Rev’d Dr. Michael Fape of Remo Diocese for Lagos Province and, The Rt. Rev’d Timothy Yahaya of Kaduna Diocese for Kaduna Province.

    “We thank God for the gift of the ministry of the church of God. The ministry of the church is for all believers, mission of the church is for all believers but God usually calls people out of the believers to be servants, leaders, teachers and people who will represent him in nurturing the people so that everybody will do effectively what God has called us to do.

    “Because of that, we believe that God has raised these ministers of God called to be Bishops who we have consecrated today and we thank God for their lives. We are encouraging them to stand firm in their faith, hold onto their faith and word of God and continually nurture themselves and all God’s people with the truth of the word of God and the Sacraments of our new covenant in Christ Jesus,” Ndukuba said.

    Also speaking at the colourful event which attracted dignitaries including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke; Primate of West Africa Anglican, Ghana Rev. Cyril Benson; Primate of African Church Julius Appeh and others, former Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, The Most Rev’d Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa expressed trust in God that the new Bishops will lead the people in the fear of God with knowledge and understanding.

    Dr. Akinfenwa also charged the new bishops to be merciful to all and defend those who have no helpers, saying the new Bishops should see their new roles as an additional responsibility in the Lord’s vineyard and not as a promotion.

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    He charged all of them to be truthful and sincere in all their dealings and be steadfast in the propagation of the gospel.

    Earlier in her address, Sanwo-Olu noted that it was the first time an Egun man was taking the mantle of Archbishopship in the church.  

    She, therefore, called on the newly consecrated servants of God to know that a “consecrated person is a life totally sold out to God, and to serve the Lord’s interest on earth, as well as full commitment to God and His church”.

    Sanwo-Olu urged them to uphold the vision, mission of our Lord Jesus, and be shining light to the communities and dioceses where they find themselves and finish their quota well.

  • Anglican Women Guild backs restructuring

    The Women Organisation of the Diocese of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has thrown its weights behind calls for restructuring of the nation.

    It called on the ruling class to restructure the nation in a way that will give room for equitable distribution of national resources and political power among the diverse geo-political formations and social strata.

    President of the organisation, Mrs. Lydia Odedeji, lamented the nation has been struggling to exist as a nation years after amalgamation and independence.

    She spoke at the 18th annual women’s conference at the weekend.

    Speaking on the conference theme, “One thing is needful,’ Odedeji, said: “Hundred years after amalgamation, our existence as a nation still lacks the essential ingredients of nationhood which should ultimately manifest in unity.”

    According to her, the unrelenting agitation for political formation restructuring across a wide spectrum of social strata and geo-political formations testifies eloquently to the need for review of the subject of Nigerian nationhood through political restructuring.

    The wife of the Bishop of the Diocese, The Rt Rev Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, emphasised that political restructuring decisions based on wide consultation and all-inclusive approach will guarantee Nigeria’s much needed peaceful coexistence.

    “All these killer groups suddenly emerged with unthinkable audacity, at least publicly, just about the time we were heaving a sigh of relief from senseless killing of women and children by Boko Haram Terrorists who even mindlessly use innocent  children for suicide bombing,” she said.

    She pleaded with the government to effectively deplore and reinforce existing legal instruments and policies that seek the protection of this vulnerable class of citizens.

    Mrs. Odedeji called on all womenfolk to take charge of their naturally divine role both at home and in the society.

    “Women are naturally disposed, by divine purpose and plan, to be of great and primal influence to her immediate family members who, of course, aggregate the larger society.”

    According to her, this divine configuration comes with divine expectation, “God wants us to be an agent of positive change to our immediate community and the world at large.”

    Patron of the Women’s Guild and Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. James Odedeji, said people need to avoid a life filled with distractive activities and figure out what is most needful and determine to go after it.

    He argued involvement in many activities does not necessarily result in accomplishments but mostly mere distractions.

  • Joy as Owan gets first indigenous Anglican Bishop

    There was jubilation among worshippers of Sabongida-Ora Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, as a new Bishop was enthroned in Owan West local government area.

    The new Bishop, Rt Reverend Augustine Ehijimetor Ohilebo, was enthroned in accordance with the ancient custom and tradition of the Anglican Communion.

    With the enthronement, Ohilebo becomes the third Diocesan and first indigenous Bishop to oversee Sabongida-Ora in the Ecclesiastical Province of Bendel, Church of Nigeria.

    Some young members of the church witnessing the enthronement of an Anglican Bishop for the first time were thrilled at the observance of the church’s traditional rules.

    The enthronement process began with the new Bishop knocking three times on the west door of the St John Sabongidda-Ora Cathedral with his pastoral staff seeking to come inside to give thanks to the Lord.

    He informed the Cathedral Warden, who opened the door, that he has been elected, confirmed and consecrated Bishop of the cathedral.

    Archbishop of Bendel Province and Supervisory Bishop of the cathedral, Most Reverend Friday Imaekhai, demanded for the mandate of the Archbishop and Primate of All Nigeria, Reverend Nicholas Okoh, introducing Ohilebo as the elected Bishop of Sabongida-Ora Diocese be read.

    The mandate was read by Barr. Francis Okanigbuan, Registrar of Sabongida-Ora Diocese after which the new Bishop took the oath of canonical obedience and Imaekhai administered the declaration of Fidelity on the new Bishop after which he was presented to the congregation.

    After obtaining pledge of loyalty from the Cathedral’s clergy and Laity council, Ohilebo unveiled his vision for the diocese.

    He promised to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessors.

    Praising the College of Bishops for electing him to the position of a Bishop, Ohilebo promised to ensure that the Diocese is known for humility, integrity, dedication, loyalty to constituted authority and faithfulness.

    Ohilebo charged clergy in the Diocese to strictly adhere to their responsibilities of fulfilling the Command of Christ, warning against being lazy and lukewarm to the service of God.

    He promised to bridge communication gap in the Diocese and assured that welfare of the clergy would be of utmost importance.

    Ohilebo described himself as a child of destiny.

    He recalled how he initially ran away from serving God but God spoke to him through one Baba Agbaje before he answered the call to the Ministry in 2001.

    Among the challenges he promised to tackle are the reviving of the church dilapidated infrastructure such as its cassava-processing factory, pure water factory and printing press.

    According to him: “Our administration shall be committed to the revamping of these structures.

    “With God, all things are possible. We should give up anything if God asks us to do so.

    “I feel happy that God has favoured us and we are the person given the assignment to shepherding his flock in times like this.

    “We are not here on our own. God gave us this assignment. We rely on Him to lead us.

    “We are coming to a Diocese where the Bishop’s Court needs N24m to renovate.

    “There is no official car for the Bishop. We will depend on the strength of God to rebuild the infrastructure. We are willing to take the Diocese to higher heights.”

  • Joy as Owan gets first indigenous Anglican bishop

    Joy as Owan gets first indigenous Anglican bishop

    There was jubilation in Sabongida-Ora Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, in Owan West Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Reverend Augustine Ehijimetor Ohilebo was enthroned as its first indigenous bishop in accordance with the tradition of the Anglican Communion.

    Some young members, who were witnessing the enthronement of an Anglican bishop for the first time, were thrilled at the observance of the church’s traditional rules.

    The process began with the bishop knocking three times on the west door of the St. John Sabongida-Ora Cathedral with his pastoral staff seeking to come inside to give thanks to the Lord.

    He informed the cathedral warden, who opened the door, that he had been elected, confirmed and consecrated bishop of the cathedral.

    Archbishop of old Bendel Province and Supervisory Bishop of the cathedral, Reverend Friday John Imaekhai, demanded that the mandate of the Archbishop and Primate of All Nigeria, Reverend Nicholas Okoh, introducing Ohilebo as the elected bishop of Sabongida- Ora Diocese, be read.

    It was read by Francis Okanigbuan, registrar of the diocese. The bishop then took the oath of canonical obedience. Following which Imaekhai administered on him the Declaration of Fidelity.

    After this, he was presented to the congregation.

    He obtained a pledge of loyalty from the cathedral’s clergy and laity, and unveiled his vision by promising to consolidate on achievements of his predecessors.

    Praising the College of Bishops  for electing him, Ohilebo promised to enthrone humility, integrity, dedication, loyalty to constituted authority and faithfulness.

    Ohilebo urged the clergy  to adhere to their responsibilities of fulfilling the command of Christ, warning against laziness and lukewarm service.

    He promised to bridge the communication gap, assuring all that the welfare of the clergy will be given priority.

    Ohilebo said he’s a child of destiny,  recalling how he ran away from serving, but God spoke to him through Baba Agbaje, and he was called to the Ministry in 2001.

    Among challenges he promised to tackle are reviving the church dilapidated infrastructures, such as a cassava processing factory, ‘pure’ water factory and printing press.

    His words:  “Our administration shall be committed to the revamping of these structures. With God all things are possible. We should give up anything if God asks us to do so.

    “I feel happy that God has favoured us and we are given the assignment to shepherd his flock in times as this. We are not here on our own. God gave us this assignment. We rely on him to lead us.

    “We are coming to a diocese where the Bishop’s Court needs N24 million to renovate. There is no official car for the bishop. We will depend on the strength of God to rebuild the infrastructure. We are willing to take the diocese to higher heights.”

    Reverend Ohilebo started his education at Owato Primary School and proceeded to Oke Secondary School.

    He attended Ezekiel College of Theology, Ujoelen-Ekpoma; obtained a diploma in Religious Studies and Diploma in Theology.

    The bishop was ordained in 2004 before proceeding to former Amrose Alli University, Ekpoma, to study Religious Management and Cultural Studies.

  • Kidnapped Anglican Priest’s wife regains freedom

    The wife of the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Ayodeji Fagbemi, Florence was on Thursday released by her abductors.
    It was gathered that the victim regained her freedom after her family was able to pay a ransom.
    It was not clear if her family paid the exact amount demanded by the kidnappers.
    Her abductors, who invaded their residence at Oba-Ile Estate in Akure North Local government, on Monday night are demanded N20million ransom for her release.
    The 48 year-old woman, was said to have been released at Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole local government area of Osun State.
    It was however gathered that the kidnappers did not release the victim’s Toyota Jeep in which she was taken away with.
    Her husband, who was the immediate past Provost of the Provost of the Bishop Vining College of Theology in Akure had earlier said the family could not afford the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
    The source said, “Mrs. Fagbemi has been released in Ikire. I know a ransom was paid but I can’t tell you the amount that was paid as ransom. The family members had gone to bring her down to Akure.
    “Though the woman has been released but the Toyota Jeep that was taken away with her has not been released. The kidnappers told the family that they would release it at a police station. But up till now (Thursday), the jeep is still with them. “
    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Femi Joseph confirmed the development but said he was yet to get the details of the matter as at the press time.

     

  • Kidnappers of Anglican priest’s wife demand N20m ransom

    The wife of the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Venerable Ayodeji Fagbemi, Ebunoluwa has been kidnapped at the residence at Oba-Ile estate in Akure North local government area of Ondo state
    She was abducted on Monday night by some armed bandit.
    According to the husband of the victim, the kidnappers are demanding N20million ransom for her release.
    Fagbemi, who was also the immediate past Provost of the Bishop Vining College of Theology in Akure, while speaking with “The Nation” pleaded that the family does not have the huge money demanded by the kidnapper.
    The Anglican Priest said ” Everybody is traumatised and we are all praying for her safe return to us .
    “Again there is a very outrageous expectation,  the abductors demanded for N20million which I don’t think anybody can afford.
    “But at the movement we are really praying.”
    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Femi Joseph, who confirmed the incident said the armed hoodlums gained entrance into the Fagbemi’s house through the window after which they took the woman away with her Toyota Jeep to an unknown destination.
    Joseph said the command had commenced investigation on the matter, adding that searching for the the Venerable’s wife had also begun.
    He said,” Our men are already began the search for the women, but you know we can’t disclosed the method we are using to the media now but we shall surely ensure that the victim would be released unhurt”
    The Bishop of Akure Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Very Rev. Simeon Borikini described the incident as unfortunate.
    He said there was a need for the government at all levels to do more on the security of the country.
    The Anglican cleric said the church had been praying for the safe return of Fagbemi, adding that the church had also contacted all the security agencies in the state to assist in ensuring the release of the woman.

  • Anglican hails President on fight against corruption

    Bishop Diocese of Kubwa (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko yesterday hailed the Buhari administration on its fight against corruption.

    He, however, said the anti-graft agencies must not use the battle as a ploy for persecuting political opponents.

    Speaking during the pre-Synod news conference in Abuja, he said this year’s theme is: “And you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.”

    Akamisoko said: “We note and commend the present government for the fight against corruption. The media in the last few weeks have been reporting the arraignment of some past governors over alleged money laundering.

    “We commend the Federal Government for this renewed fight; we must also urge the agency responsible for the prosecution not to use the process as a means of persecuting political opponents.

    “The due process of law should be allowed to take its course on anyone found guilty of corruption, no matter how highly placed in the society.”

    Akamisoko urged the leadership of the National Assembly to resolve its differences so as to enhance the quality of governance.

    He said insurgency had resurfaced in some parts of the North.

    The bishop urged the government to step up intelligence in fighting insurgency.

    According to him, “the President should bring his experience as a military general to bear on the complete eradication of the Boko Haram sect.”

    On gay marriage, he said should the President legalise it, the church would protest it.

    “It is sad that America has today agreed that it is a normal lifestyle in their country. But I don’t think with the visit of Buhari to America, they will be able to compel him. Even though if they compel him and they agree, I am sure I am going to be part of the people that will lead a powerful delegation to protest in the streets against such a practice. We will not accept it.

    “We, as a church, have made our stand known; the Nigerian people, irrespective of religion, have  also made their stand known. So, I am sure if Buhari wants to last long in this government and get our support, he will never agree with the U.S. to bring that into our country.“

    The bishop also spoke about the church’s hospital, soon to be opened to the public,  saying the hospital would have two resident doctors.

    The bishop took reporters on a tour of the hospital, which is on the premises of St. Andrew Anglican Church in Kubwa.

    He said the proposed Anglican University was suspended because the National Universities Commission (NUC) refused to approve its 25 hectares at Pegyi.

    Akamisoko said the commission insisted that the church acquired 100 hectares, but getting such a large expanse of land in Abuja is difficult.

  • Anglican Communion honours Akinde with science contest

    Anglican Communion honours Akinde with science contest

    Pupils from various private schools in Lagos Mainland thrilled guests with their scientific creativity display during this year’s quiz competition and exhibition in Science and Technology organised for secondary schools in Lagos mainland.

    The contest, which took place at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) auditorium, was organised by the Anglican Church to honour one of its own,  the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Mainland and Archbishop of the Province of Lagos, Prof Adebayo Akinde.

    The pupils displayed devices, such as ‘save house’, which detects an intruder in a home, inverter that works with 220 voltage powering electrical appliances as well as solving problems of power failure, as well as insecticide.

    Others include a remote-controlled self-propelled boat for sea transport, soil formation, sound detector, among others.

    Adedeji  Ayojesu, a pupil from Canon James Pearse Anglican College, spoke about the usefulness of science.

    She said: “Science is life, it improves everything about us. We just need focus and creativity”

    Similarly, Tinuke Adefola of Vivian Fowler Memorial College, said:  “Science makes us to be problem solvers, and identify the needs in our environment.This, in turn, makes us inventors, and entrepreneurs to live independent with our vocations.”

    The guest speaker, Joseph Oke, noted that many schools have fallen behind in the teaching of sciences compared with what it was some years ago.

    He said: “All you need to verify this statement is to look at the results of WAEC NECO, UTME in the last few years. This is why science fairs and competitions of this nature among schools should be encouraged.

    “We all know that teaching of sciences in our schools go beyond developing these junior category of manpower. We need medical doctors, engineers in various specialisations and scientists in all disciplines, if our country is to develop and hold its own in the committee of nations.”

    Oke, who donated the trophies, promised to give N 25,000 yearly to the outstanding pupil in the contest to encourage pupils to study more in sciences.

    The Dean of Faculty of Sciences, University of Lagos, Prof Soji Ilori, lamented that Nigeria still remains a consuming nation. He urged the sensitisation of youths on sciences.