The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) officially opened its 15th General Synod on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, with renewed calls for active participation of all believers in ministry, stronger institutional accountability, missionary expansion and greater engagement with national challenges.
The Synod, which commenced on Tuesday, 15 September, is being hosted by the Diocese of Remo under the leadership of the Archbishop of Lagos and Bishop of Remo, the Most Revd Dr Michael Olusina Fape.
The gathering, presided over by the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Revd Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, is considering the theme, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” drawn from 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9–10.
In his Presidential Address, the Primate highlighted significant developments in the Church’s missionary activities, announcing the expansion of the Church of Nigeria’s mission across Europe, with Nigerian Anglican missions registered in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Finland and other countries.
He acknowledged challenges affecting the United Kingdom mission but expressed confidence that efforts to resolve them were progressing. He also reported encouraging growth in the United States and Canada through church planting and expanding congregations, commending the missionary Bishops and other personnel advancing the Church’s mission overseas.
On institutional accountability, the Primate disclosed that the Bishops, during their Advanced Episcopal Consultation in Port Harcourt, had resolved that wives of serving Bishops should not serve as registered trustees of dioceses or take charge of diocesan institutions and investments.
He stressed that constitutional provisions must be strictly observed and warned against the sale, transfer or disposal of diocesan lands and properties without due authorisation. He consequently called for a clear policy to safeguard Church assets and strengthen accountability.
The Primate further urged dioceses to prioritise children and youth ministry through intentional discipleship, specialised training for children’s and youth pastors, provincial training centres and skills-acquisition programmes. He emphasised that building the Church for the future required deliberate investment in young people, families and the welfare of clergy and Church workers.
Addressing national insecurity, the Primate warned against the weaponisation of religious and ethnic identities, expressing concern over attacks on communities in Adamawa, Plateau and Benue States. While commending security agencies, he called for improved operations, protection of lives and property, and the prosecution of perpetrators and alleged sponsors of violence.
Speaking at the official opening, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, challenged Christians to recognise that ministry is not the exclusive responsibility of ordained clergy but a sacred calling shared by every believer.
He urged delegates to ensure that the Synod’s deliberations translated into practical service through support for vulnerable people, mentorship of young people, promotion of peace and community development.
“Evangelism must transform lives. Discipleship must build character. Worship must inspire service. And faith must produce good works,” he declared.
While welcoming delegates to Ogun State, the Governor congratulated the Diocese of Remo on hosting the national gathering and commended the Archbishop, clergy, laity and planning committees for their efforts.
He also called for meaningful collaboration between the Church and government while emphasising the Church’s responsibility to maintain its independence and prophetic voice.
“The prophetic words of the church must correct without hatred, challenge without bitterness, and speak truth to power without surrendering love,” he stated.
Ahead of the forthcoming general elections, Governor Abiodun urged Nigerians to reject intimidation, misinformation, electoral malpractice and violence, stressing that political differences should not destroy national unity.
Goodwill messages were also received from the General Secretary of the Global Anglican Communion, the Rt Revd Paul Donison; former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Revd Peter Jasper Akinola, whose message was delivered by the Bishop of Egba, the Rt Revd Dr Emmanuel Adekunle; and former Primate, the Most Revd Dr Nicholas D. Okoh, whose message was delivered by the Bishop of Asaba, the Rt Revd Kingsley C. Obuh.
The official opening reinforced the Synod’s central message that ministry is the shared responsibility of the entire people of God, with clergy and laity called to work together in advancing evangelism, strengthening discipleship, promoting accountability and transforming society through practical Christian service.
