It was another glorious and joyful day yesterday, during the Diocesan Board meeting held at the St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ogunu, Warri, as his lordship, the Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP, the lord Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Warri graciously pronounced the preferrement of 14 clergymen as Archdeacons and Canons.
The ultimate measure of true leadership is not to maintain followers but to produce leaders.
Over six decades ago, at about 3 am. on Monday morning, precisely September 21, 1959, a church leader was born into the family of Jude Ofodidun Ide. He was thus christened, Christian Esezi Ide.
Today, we felicitate with an accomplished leader,a rare gem, and an unblemished symbol of humility and piety.
My lord, your robust contributions to the development of the Anglican Diocese of Warri are fascinating; Your impeccable attention to details in every matter before you is alluring; your unquantifiable services to the Church of Nigeria and Anglican Diocese of warri are well noted in the historiography of the church.
Today, we celebrate a man of vision, mission, reliable, prudent, dependable, and faithful to constituted authorities, a pastor of pastors; a listening Bishop to both young and old; your participatory leadership style has led to the abundant discovery of hidden talents among Clergy and lay people alike in the Diocese, indeed, you see people as people, knowing fully well that human value is not measured in materials terms. A bishop who is fully committed to the overall welfare and well-being of both his clergy and parishioners, our lord Bishop, on this your special day, may the very joy of the Lord follow you and your household now and always in Jesus Mighty Name. Happy birthday!
Dearly beloved, receive grace to respond with prayer and worship whenever you are faced with adversity, and may deliverance follow (see Acts 16:25-40). In Jesus Christ’s name.
Welcome to September of your blessings, in Jesus name! +
His lordship, the Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP, the lord Bishop of the Diocese of Warri at the Appointment Board meeting today announced the transfer of some clergymen across the Diocese.
These includes the following:
1. Ven. Paradise Onoriose from St. Matthew’s Church, Okpara Waterside to St. Matthias’ Church, EKU as Archdeacon/Vicar.
2. Ven. Oghenerume Ophikale posted to Christ the King Church, Egbokodo as Vicar.
3. Ven. Lawrence Odechemu from Christ the King Church, Egbokodo to St. Matthew’s Church, Okpara Waterside as Archdeacon/Vicar.
4. Rev. Canon Dr Cajethan Otti from St. James’ Church, Uti Road, Effurun to St. Paul’s Church, Edjeba as Vicar.
5. Rev. Canon Innocent Ereridjere from St. Paul’s Church, Edjeba to the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Okere-Warri as Canon Residential.
6. Rev. Barr. Peter Odie from St. Stephen’s Church, Off Jakpa Road to St. James’ Church, Uti Road, Effurun as Vicar.
7. Rev. Elijah Odjugo from St. Luke’s Church, Ifiekporo to St. Paul’s Church, Umeghe-Abraka as a Curate.
8 Rev. Daniel Etaoghene from Christ Church, Effurun proceeds on Sick Leave.
9. Rev. Dr. Wisdom Akpoviri from Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Okere-Warri to Church of the Ascension, Warri as Vicar.
10. Rev. Michael Akakasi from St. Paul’s Church, Umeghe-Abraka to Ezekiel College of Theology, Ekpoma as a Lecturer.
11. Rev. Jonah Ejowoh from The Good Shepherd Church, Igbudu to Church of the Redeemer, Warri as a Curate.
12. Rev. Young Iyomih from St. Peter’s Church, Igbudu to Christ Church, Effurun as a Curate
13. Rev. Ubiomo Ezimeruwe from the Church of the Redeemer, Warri to the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Okere-Warri as the Bishop’s Chaplain
14.The Revd Bernard A. Omoko from St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Igbudu Warri to St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, Ugbomro as Assistant Priest ( N/S)
N.B. The Ven. (Engr) Dennis Nnamani is appointed as Supervising Archdeacon of Warri South East. Note that he remains the Vicar of All Saints’ Church, Airport Road.
The posting takes effect from Sunday, September 1, 2024.
We wish them all a successful ministry in their new stations.
Our life may be the only version of Jesus that someone sees(Galatians 5:13b).
May the Holy Spirit continue to work in and through you; and bear fruit in you that reveals God’s love and goodness to others in Jesus Christ’s name. Happy New Month. Bishop Ide
St Luke’s Church was agog as the third Session of the Fourteenth Synod kicked off with the Diocesan Board meeting, presided over by the Diocesan and President of Synod, His lordship, the Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP. In attendance were our beloved mother in Israel, Mrs Patience O. E. Ide, the Chancellor, Justice Z Smith and the legal team, Diocesan Officials, Clergy and Laity.
Quote Overcoming requires complete dependence on God’s directions, for a purposeful living, for fulfilment and strength – Bp Ide
Synod theme His lordship announced that the theme and text for the Synod is *Overcoming: The birthright of Christians (1 John 5:5).
This shall be fully explored in the sermons, bible studies and in the the Bishop’s Charge.
Highlights Highlights of the Board included the presentation of various reports, which were duly discussed. His lordship called for prayers about the Igbudu land, which is still in court.
Decision was taken on how to sponsor more of our youths to the Joshua Generation International Youth Conference, as its impact have been tremendous.
His lordship also announced his daughter’s wedding coming up June 1, 2024,
To round off the events of the day, the lord Bishop announced it was the Chancellor’s birthday, today. He led the board to sing for him. A cake was presented in his honour with refreshments distributed to all. After which the Ven. Friday Ejemrae, was asked to pray for him.
When we walk through a season of uncertainty in life and God seems silent, we need to remind ourselves that God has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
It’s my prayer that whenever you feel blinded by fear and uncertainty, may you remember God’s promises over your life, and may testimonies follow. In Jesus’ name. Happy New Month. +Bp
When people look for evidence of the resurrection of Jesus Christ in your life, may they find it (cf 2 Cor. 3:2), in Jesus Christ’s name. Happy New Month +
As you lift up your soul unto the LORD, may you triumph over your enemies (Psalm 25:1-2); and may they lose their self confidence (Nehemiah 6:16) as the LORD grants you success in your life’s endeavours. In Jesus Christ’s name.
People of God, this time six years ago, our ever faithful God removed sorrow from us all by preserving the life of our father, the Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP in a ghastly motor accident on his way from a national assignment.
We must count this blessing and return every glory to the King of kings.
Drop your words of thanksgiving section to appreciate the great I Am that I Am
It’s my prayer that whatever challenging situations you may currently be facing, may the Lord help you to lean on Him so as to bounce back (Acts 14:19-20). In Jesus Christ’s name! +Bsp
On the 18th day of November 2023 will go down the history books as a memorable day for Diocese of Warri as she held a one-day synod, at St. James’ church, Oviorie Ovu.
The synod started with a Holy Eucharist service at 10am, with the Diocesan and President of Synod, His lordship, the Rt Rev’d. Christian Esezi Ide, JP, presiding. His lordship also delivered the sermon. Theme: The Upward Way Text: Genesis 28:12ff
He emphasized the need for the Diocese to move forward. He charged Synod delegates to resolve to be led by the Holy Spirit in the various areas we need to decide on today as the Diocese has no other option than to move to the next level.
“After the Eucharistic service, the plenary section immediately followed with the President of Synod presiding.”
The President of Synod informed the house of the need to gather for a day synod which is a practice in the Church of Nigeria, when there is an urgent issue that only synod can resolve.
Firstly, was the vacant office of the synod clerical secretary – this need arose due to the fact that the former synod clerical secretary in person of Ven. Dr Robinson Orido, has relocated to the United Kingdom with his family.
Secondly, the future of the Diocese in respect of having a sustainable investment that will benefit her.
His lordship also informed Synod that in line with the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) directive, all Dioceses are to be identified with the words ‘Diocese of’ preceding its name. As such, a resolution is needed to register the Diocese with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as the “Diocese of Warri” (Anglican Communion). Following a voice vote, Synod unanimously voted in support of the ratification.
The President of synod, made it known to synod that synod cannot continue, without the synod clerical secretary, who also is a principal signatory and an incorporated trustee of the Diocese. An election was conducted and the Rev’d Canon Peters Agamugoro, Ph.D was elected the new synod clerical secretary.
The next concern, focusing on the Diocese’s future and its pursuit of a sustainable investment for the benefit of the Diocese, involved a proposal to establish a Microfinance Bank. Numerous discussions and informative sessions were conducted on this matter. After an extensive deliberation, both the houses of clergy and laity unanimously agreed to proceed with establishing the Microfinance Bank.
The Rt Rev’d & Mrs C. E Ide, JP
The proposed name for the bank is ‘Divine Stairway Microfinance Bank, as given by the Diocesan and President of Synod. The Bishop charged the committee to proceed with the preparations and set out the modalities for the bank to swiftly takeoff.
May the Lord give you godly wisdom that will bear fruit in the lives of others (1 Kings 3:28) in Jesus Christ’s name! Enjoy fruitfulness in August. Happy New Month Bishop
Every temptation we face is often laced with a lie to deceive us that God is not good, not trustworthy, and does not have our best interests at heart (cf Matthew 4:6:11).
May God help you to identify the lie behind any temptations you face, so that you may emerge victorious from them. In Jesus Christ’s name! Happy New Month +
Today, his lordship, the Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP, our lord Bishop, transferred 10 clergymen and one proceeding on retirement leave, at the Appointment board meeting of the Diocese.
The Rt Rev’d C E Ide, JP
Those affected are:
1. Ven. I. D. Umukoro – proceeding on retirement leave from Ugborikoko Archdeaconry.
2. Ven. Paradise Onoriose – Agbon Archdeaconry
3. Ven. Isaac Itomu – Ugborikoko Archdeaconry
4. Ven. Sunday Ikpesa – Abraka Archdeaconry
5. Ven. Reuben Obegor – Agbon West Archdeaconry
6. Ven. Endurance Otobrise – Effurun East Archdeaconry
7. Ven. Terry Olokor – Warri Central Archdeaconry
8. Canon Stephen Ojukoko – Administrative Secretary
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Adam Igbudu Christian Institute, Emevor and the Bishop of Warri Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev’d Christian Esezi Ide, JP, paid a Courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill on Friday, 9th December 2022.
The solemn visit was to show appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and his management team for the good works they are doing since his assumption of office, especially on the wonderful relationship between the University and Adam Igbudu Christian Institute Emevor.
It could be recalled that earlier this year, a team of experts from the National University Commission (NUC) paid a resource verification visit to Adam Igbudu Christian Institute Emevor and subsequently made public the success of the exercise and the Commission’s approval of the affiliation of both schools.
The action of the regulatory agency on the affiliation of AICI to the UNIPORT was akin to a crown on the astounding efforts of both Institutions as attested to by the NUC officials….
Photo speak:
His lordship and the Vice Chancellor The Bishop, Vice Chancellor and the entourage From us in UNIPORT to our lord Bishop.Let this word of God, guide you in all you do.
His lordship addressing the Vice Chancellor and his management team stated that, “we are not unaware of the common saying that ‘appreciation is application for an application for more’ but rather, we have come to say, in the serious of Cecilia Ahern, ‘thank you for the Yesterdays, today and the tomorrows that we await’ “. – Rt Rev C. E. Ide.
The Bishop leading prayers in the office of the DAP UNIPORT, Prof Ngozi Iheanacho.His lordship addressing the Vice Chancellor and his management team.The DAP UNIPORT, Prof Iheanacho, welcoming the Bishop and his team to the VC’s office and introducing the UNIPORT’s management team.The Vision and the Mission …
May God’s love poured out into your heart through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), continue to well up in you to drive out fear (1 John 4:18). In Jesus Christ’s name!
Happy and blessed new month to you and your household! +
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) HELD FROM TUESDAY, 17TH TO FRIDAY, 20TH SEPTEMBER, 2024, AT ST ANDREW’S BASILICA, HILL VIEW, TRANS-EKULU, DIOCESE OF NIKE, ENUGU STATE.
Introduction The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Standing Committee met under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at St. Andrew’s Basilica, Hill View, Trans – Ekulu, Diocese of Nike, Enugu State, from Tuesday 17th – Friday 20th September, 2024. The theme considered in the meeting was “The Lord That Heals: Perfect Healing of the People and Nation” (Exodus 15: 24 – 26; Mark 2:5-12). The meeting was presided over by His Grace, the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, DD, (Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). In attendance were 147 Archbishops and Bishops, 107 Clergy, and 93 lay members. Also in attendance at the opening ceremony were the wife of the Primate of Church of Nigeria, Mrs Angela Eberechukwu Ndukuba (President of Mothers’ Union and Girls’ Organizations); Barr Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Executive Governor of Enugu State); the Most Rev’d Dr David Onuoha (President of Christian Council of Nigeria); the Rt Rev’d Dr Yassir Andrew Eric (GAFCON Bishop for Muslim Background Believers Mission); the Rt Rev’d Prof. Cornelius S. S. Bello who facilitated the Bible Study; HRH Igwe Emmanuel Ugwu (Eze-Okwe 1 of Okwe Kingdom and Igwe of Ibagwa Nike); and other government and religious Functionaries.
The former Primates of Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Dr Peter Jasper Akinola and the Most Rev’d Dr Nicholas D. Okoh, His Eminence, Dr Ekpenyong N. Akpanika, (The Prelate of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Moderator of General Assembly) sent goodwill messages.
At the end of the meeting, the Standing Committee issued the following communiqué: Theme of the Standing Committee meeting: The book of Exodus reveals the mighty power of God in the deliverance of his people from physical and spiritual oppressions. This includes the wholesome healing of the people of God and nation. Healing as restoration to full health in body, mind and spirit remains God’s desire for his people. Sickness and illness came into the world as a result of sin, yet God has made provision in Jesus Christ for the healing of the world. The Standing Committee therefore decries consultation with mediums and spirits, demand for special sacrifices on the road or shrine, river or streams and other diabolical and occultic means of special candles and prayers or prophecies in attempt to be healed; and urge believers to exercise faith in God for the holistic healing of the spirit and body as well as utilize the gift of medical science.
State of the Nation: The Ravage of Flood: The Standing Committee commiserates with the government and people of states that have experienced serious devastation due to massive flood in recent time, especially communities in Borno state. This is attributed to continuous heavy rains and the failure of Alau dam, causing extensive damage and destruction of infrastructure, lives and livelihood. It prays for the comfort and healing of the LORD for the families of the deceased, and urge the government at all levels to take seriously the effects of climate change and make proactive efforts to prevent the consuming effects.
The Wave of Corruption: Nigeria has been bedeviled with a spate of corruption, biting her so hard that it has denied her every possible and visible developmental growth and livelihood. The more corruption is institutionalized the more it reigns in every facet of the Nigerian nation – Executives, Legislatures, Judiciary, Parastatals, agencies and even the ordinary citizen on the street. The speed and depth with which corruption thrives in Nigeria makes it difficult but not impossible to cure. The Standing Committee, therefore, decries the spate of corruption in our nation and highly recommends that agencies charged with the responsibility of fighting corruption (EFCC, ICPC, Nigeria Police, etc) should wake up and be more sincere, intentional and transparent in the discharge of their duty.
#EndBadGovernance# Protest: The mass demonstration of Nigerians from 1st to 10th August, 2024 against bad governance and hunger in the nation was loud and clear. The Standing Committee stands with the Nigerian people on their cry against bad governance and hunger, as the people are tired of empty promises by government to stem the rising costs of living. Nigerians are indeed under severe hardship imposed by the insensitive economic policies of government. In spite of the precarious situation of the citizens, politicians in authority have continued in their ostentatious lifestyle and unabashed display of affluence and luxury which attract public restiveness. While it condemns miscreants who under the guise of the protest rampaged and looted public and private properties, it deplores the molestation, unnecessary arrest and trial of peaceful and nonviolent protesters.
Hoisting of Russian Flag: The Standing Committee condemns the hoisting of Russian flags in parts of the country by some protesters, and urges the government to thoroughly investigate and deal with the instigators and perpetrators of this crime against the Nigeria State.
Creeping Xenophobia in Nigeria: The Standing Committee commends the President on his stand on the insidious rise in xenophobic tendencies in the country. Xenophobic activities might suggest that Nigeria is yet to be fully healed from the effects of the civil war. Therefore, it urges the President to ensure that the purveyors of xenophobic acts are brought to book instead of being merely condemned.
Need for a New Constitution: The National Assembly has undertaken a piecemeal amendment of the military bequeathed constitution. The Standing Committee calls for a holistic constitution review to reflect the true situation and concerns of the Nigerian people and address the various agitations of the citizens. Scourge of Insecurity and Banditry: Incidents of kidnapping and banditry have continued to ravage the country, despite the sworn determination of government to stem the tide. The Standing Committee salutes the courage and sacrifices of the security agencies and strongly urges the government to sincerely employ effective and productive strategies against the widespread insecurity in Nigeria.
Nigerian Economy and Hike on Fuel pump price: The Nigerian economy has continued to dwindle. The recently approved minimum wage of N70,000.00 is already a defeated step taken by the government, as no sooner it was signed into law by the President than the fuel hike over took its essence. It is also pertinent to note that some state Governors have declared their inability to pay the minimum wage.
The Standing Committee strongly decries the hike in petroleum products (PMS, AGO, Kerosene, Cooking gas) which has made life miserable and unbearable for Nigerians. The cost of fuel influences the cost of virtually every economic activity. It therefore, urges the government to bring down the cost of petroleum products to the reach of the general citizenry.
The Standing Committee salutes the coming on stream of Dangote refinery and for its bold effort towards solving the problem of scarcity of petroleum products and prays that it succeeds in this venture. It calls on government to quickly resolve the imbroglio between the NNPCL, MDPRA, and Dangote refinery in the interest of Nigerians.
Local Government Autonomy: The Standing Committee applauds the recent Supreme Court ruling upholding the autonomy of the 774 LGAs in the nation. It therefore urges that the bill to establish the Local Government Independent Electoral Commission be handled expeditiously to ensure that the autonomy of the Local Governments brings the desired democratic governance and expected development of the constituent communities. Furthermore, it strongly recommends that financial security architecture to monitor the proper utilization of allocations accruing to the Local Governments be instituted to avoid the Local Governments becoming another layer of financial hemorrhage.
Conclusion: God sees the situation of his people and hears their cry for healing. He is ever ready and willing to heal his people and nations. He is the LORD who heals us and he uses any means as he chooses for the healing of his people. May God’s healing power rest upon his people and our nation.
Signed The Venerable Gershinen Paul Dajur, PhD General Secretary, Church of Nigeria
The Most Rev’d Blessing C. Enyindah, PhD Dean, Church of Nigeria
The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, MA, BD, MA (Ed.), DD Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has elected Bishops to fill the vacant Episcopal Sees in Seven of its Dioceses and Four internal Ecclesiastical Provinces.
The elected Bishops are; 1. Jos Diocese – Ven. Ephraim Gongdem 2. Okigwe Diocese – Ven Dr John Obinali 3. Enugu Diocese – Ven. Prof Sam IKe 4. Ijebu North Diocese – Ven. Dr. Godwin Odubena 5. Ahoada Diocese – Ven. Bernard Hanson 6. Wusasa Diocese – Ven Titus Alkali 7. Osun North Diocese – Ven Samuel O. Ifeyemi
While the Elected Archbishops are; 1. Enugu Province – Rt. Rev’d Sosthenes Eze, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese 2. Kwara Province — Most Rev’d Israel Afolabi Amao, Bishop of New Bussa Diocese 3. Ibadan Province – Rt Rev’d Dr Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese 4. LoKoja Province — Most Rev’d Daniel Yisa, Bishop of Minna Diocese
Korede Akintunde, the Church of Nigeria Communication Officer, in a press statement released on Tuesday morning, noted that the election of the Bishops and Archbishops were conducted during the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Episcopal Synod held on Monday, 12th August 2024 at St Matthew’s Anglican Church Maitama, in Abuja.
He noted the elections were announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba at the end of the Episcopal Synod.
The Primate who congratulated the newly elected Bishops and Archbishops, prayed that God will grant them wisdom, strength and good health, to pilot the affairs of the people of God in their respective Dioceses and Provinces.
He, however, called on all members of the Church to pray and support the newly elected Bishops and their families, as they go into their new places of assignments after the due processes, training and consecration.
He also called on the newly elected into various offices to pray and seek God’s face for the power of God in their new roles.
The Primate added that the Consecration of the Bishops-elect and the presentation Archbishops-elect will hold on Wednesday 18th of September 2024 during the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church being hosted by Nike Diocese in Enugu State.