It was a great day of celebration and historical significance on Friday 5th December 2025 in Rivers State as the Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba inaugurated the Diocese of Kalabari, which was carved out of Niger Delta Diocese, as the 173rd Diocese in the Church of Nigeria at the Cathedral Church of St. Augustine, Abonnema.
The service which started by 10:00am featured an orderly procession by the choir, lay readers, priests, wardens, legal officers, Bishops and Archbishops, Registrar and General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Dean and the Primate.
The only lesson for this service was taken from the book of Joshua 1: 1-9.
Delivering his homily at the inauguration service, the Archbishop of Kaduna Province and Bishop of Kaduna Diocese, The Most Rev’d Dr. Timothy Yahaya called the new diocese to unity, vision and dedication to the work of God. Quoting from Psalm 133:1 and John 17:21, he encouraged Church to remain steadfast in their faith and committed to service in unity which will in turn bless them and the diocese.
He stressed that the success of the new diocese would depend on collective effort across church communities and professions.
Archbishop Yahaya noted that in unity, we can conquer the unconquered grounds . In division, we cannot do anything. Engineers, lawyers, doctors — everyone must work together in unity for the work of God.”
He further urged worshippers to make themselves available for service, reminding them that God faithfully rewards commitment and sacrifice.
Speaking to the new bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Boma Briggs, the preacher urged him to be steadfast and available to the faithfuls to achieve great feat.
The establishment of the Diocese of Kalabari is expected to strengthen Christian ministry, foster unity among churches, and expand evangelism and community outreach across the region.
Thereafter the message, the representatives of the various archdeaconries being carved out as a diocese namely; Kalabari North, Kalabari Central, Kalabari East, Kalabari West Archdeaconries, and other Deaneries presented their petition to create the Diocese of Kalabari before the Primate who accepted the petition and called for the deeds (relinquishment and acceptance) to be read and executed.
The primate thereafter inaugurated the Diocese of Kalabari as full-fledged with great applause from the congregation and lead the prayers for the new diocese and the bishop and the people of Kalabari. Thereafter, the relinquishing diocesan, the Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Oko Jaja processed out with his crozier as a ceremonial signing out of his authority over the said area.
The service was conducted by the Bishop of Eha-Amufu Diocese, The Rt Rev’d Daniel Olinya and attended by bishops and Archbishops of the Church, clergymen from various dioceses, Church of Nigeria officials among other dignitaries.
Kalabari Diocese was created from Niger Delta Diocese as part of the 15 newly created dioceses in the Church of Nigeria at its last Standing committee meeting held at Ekiti Diocese in September.
