The highlight of the Standing Committee Meeting of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held in the Diocese of Ekiti, was the Primatial Address delivered by the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of the meeting, he called the Church to holiness, repentance, obedience, and renewal, urging Christians to uphold the prophetic voice of the Church and strengthen biblical foundations for marriage and family life.
The Primate emphasized that the Church must rediscover the beauty of holiness and the power of sacrificial witness in today’s broken world. He reminded the congregation that the mission of the Church extends beyond worship to being a light and a voice of truth, compassion, and justice in the nation.
The theme of the meeting, “The Sanctity of the Church: Contending for the Integrity of the Christian Faith and Witness in the World” taken from Ephesians 5:25-27 and Joshua 7:10-26 was anchored on key essentials such as submission to God, holiness, purity, love, unity, respect, nurturing, and thanksgiving.
Addressing both church and national concerns, he spoke about the proposed creation of five new full-fledged dioceses and ten missionary dioceses, while also drawing attention to pressing national challenges.
He lamented insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, and moral decline but reassured the Church that God has not abandoned His people. He urged Christians to remain steadfast, to call leaders to accountability, and to work with government for the good of society.
On education, he highlighted progress in the establishment of the Anglican University of Technology, Kwaita, Abuja. He reported that work had resumed on the site and expressed confidence that the National Universities Commission would soon begin inspection.
The Primate also called for renewed focus on mission and evangelism, describing them as the heartbeat of the Anglican Church. He encouraged dioceses to expand church planting, discipleship, and outreach, especially to unreached communities.
He restated his vision of a Church that is Bible-based, Spirit-filled, united, disciplined, self-supporting, committed to evangelism and social welfare, and a true witness of Christ’s love.
In his goodwill message, the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, commended the Anglican Communion for its role in shaping moral values and national development.
The Archbishop of Ondo Province, the Most Rev’d Simeon Borokini, thanked the Primate for choosing Ekiti Diocese as host and commended the Diocese for its hospitality. He reminded the Church of her prophetic duty in a world facing shifting values.
The Host Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Andrew Olushola Ajayi, expressed gratitude to God and to the Primate for bringing the meeting to Ekiti. He welcomed the Primate and his wife warmly, noting Ekiti’s historical role as a cradle of faith and scholarship.
One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the launch of the Church of Nigeria Health Scheme, designed to ensure the welfare of clergy, laity, and the community where the Church serves. Delegates responded generously in support of the initiative.
The Primatial Address was formally launched by the governor and supported by the Archbishops of the Provinces of the Church and the laity of the Diocese of Ekiti who endorsed it as a guiding document for the mission and witness of the Church in the years ahead.
The session concluded with official photographs featuring the Primate, the Governor, traditional rulers, Archbishops and Bishops, the women and laity. This symbolic moment reflected the unity of Church, State, and culture.
The session reaffirmed the Anglican Church’s place as a voice of hope and partner in governance, while strengthening the spiritual foundation of its members.
