The 2nd Session of the 11th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Nsukka began on the 22 October and concluded on 26 October at St. Johns Church, Edem-Ani, Nsukka LGA, Enugu State.
The official opening ceremony marked the official declaration of the Synod by the Bishop and a courtesy call to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Sir Ikechukwu Asadu (Igwe Ogadagididi), the traditional ruler of Edem Ani ancient kingdom.
The Synod was graced by many distinguished guests, including His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Sosthenes Eze (JP), Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Enugu North; the Bishop of Udi, Rt. Rev. Dr. Chijioke Aneke; the bishop of Eha-Amufu, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya; and the Bishop of Agwu/Aninri, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Chukwunweike.
The Bishops of Awka, On the Niger, Enugu, Oji and Ngbo sent delegations. The Moderator of Enugu Synod of the Presbyterian Church, Most Rev. Prof. Ezichi Anya Ituma and the Moderator of Nsukka Area of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Rev. Prof. Omaka Ngene were among the Bishops from other denominations that graced the occasion including the Chairman of CAN, Nsukka Local Government Area, Bishop Vincent Diolu.
Notable political leaders and traditional ruler that attended the synod include Hon. Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon. Engr. Jude Asogwa, Executive Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, HRM Sir Ikechukwu Asadu, The Traditional Ruler of Edem Ani Acient Kingdom and The Rt. Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, (Member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South in the House of Representatives) ably represented by Engr. Emeka Eze.
The Synod examined the theme, “The Apostles’ Blueprint for Maturity: A Pathway to Spiritual Growth (Acts 2:40-47)”. It underscored the centrality of Doctrinal grounding, fellowship, sacramental and relational grounding, and prayer as the apostolic roadmap for maturity in Christ.
The Synod, presided over by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius Eze Agbo, Bishop of Nsukka, issued a communiqué that addressed pressing national issues, congratulated newly appointed leaders, and affirmed a major decision by the wider Church of Nigeria.
The Synod acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on completing two years in office but urged him to “redouble his efforts to fulfill the promises made to Nigerians,” cautioning leaders against an early focus on 2027 politics.
The Synod lamented the worsening economy and rising cost of living, calling for humane economic policies and a halt to “incessant and reckless borrowing.” It stressed that “macroeconomic stability without human impact is empty progress.”
Strong condemnation was issued against the “senseless killings of Christians and other innocent citizens,” labeling it a “systematic persecution and silent genocide.”The Synod aligned with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in decrying the atrocities and urged the Federal Government to act decisively.
The communique reiterated calls for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained IPOB leader, noting that his continued detention, despite court orders, contributes to “intractable security challenges in the entire Southeast region.”
The new INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), was urged to champion electoral reform and restore credibility to Nigeria’s elections.
The Synod commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his administration’s courage to end the Monday sit-at-home and for impressive infrastructural development, highlighting the 260 Smart Green Schools Project and improvements in security via the AI-enabled surveillance center.
Regarding the state, concern was raised over the “rising burden of taxation” not being matched by improvements in public services. The Synod stated that “taxation should be a tool for development, not a weapon of oppression,” and condemning aggressive collection methods.
While applauding the construction of the Nsukka New Market to resettle displaced traders, the Synod urged the government to ensure fair compensation and grant affected traders the option of first refusal for shop allocation.
The murder of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya was lamented as a “tragic reminder,” and the Synod called for stricter oversight, full professional training, and adequate welfare for Forest Guards to enhance security across the state.
The vision for the 260 model schools was applauded, but concerns about sustainability and transparency were raised. The Synod recommended strategic partnerships with missionary agencies (Anglican, Catholic, Methodist Churches) with a proven record in education management to guarantee the schools’ long-term success.
Warm congratulations were offered to Professor Simon Ortuanya, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, The Most Rev. Dr. Sosthenes Eze (JP), on his election and presentation as the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and Professor Emmanuel Ibezim, appointed Vice Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria.
The Synod offered felicitations to the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, and signified its firm support for the Church of Nigeria in its principled decision to separate from the Church of England, the superintendence and/or authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference, the Anglican Consultative Council (AACC) and the Primates Meeting.
“This decision reflects the Church’s unwavering dedication to the authority of the scripture, historic Anglican orthodoxy, and the pursuit of unity grounded in truth and mission. The Synod commends the Church’s leadership for its courage, clarity, and vision in safeguarding the faith once delivered to the saints, while working for genuine communion and witness within the Global Anglican Communion.”
