There are men whose lives speak long before their words are heard—men whose presence communicates grace, joy and divine strength. The Most Reverend Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba is undoubtedly one of such rare gifts to the body of Christ and to our generation.
Recently, the Primate made a statement that beautifully captured a truth many Anglican Christians have quietly observed about him. From a close distance, I have often admired him and wondered the secret behind his ageless countenance and vigor since he continues to look younger despite the enormous demands of his sacred office as the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, and Bishop of the Diocese of Abuja.
The Most Reverend Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba beams with life abundance every day and flourishes like a tree planted by the rivers of water bringing forth his fruit in his season. He is not only addressed as ‘His Grace,’ but we behold, in visible measures, the grace and glory of God radiating in his life, ministry, in Mama Nigeria and their family.
On Sunday, March 22, at the closing of The Way of the Cross 2026, His Grace lifted fervent prayers for God’s mighty hand of preservation and sake keeping upon every Anglican faithful in Nigeria and beyond . And he echoed the truth has long defined his life, “The Lord renews my strength day by day.” Then he prayed for himself too: “Even till the Lord calls me home, I will remain strong for Him.” These were not mere words, but the confession of a life wholly yielded to God and sustained by His unfailing grace.
His Grace is a thoroughbred Bible teacher and expositor, a master liturgist, a compelling and unputdownable preacher, a passionate evangelist, a rural-rugged missionary, a faithful discipler of men, priests and a trainer of prophets. Gifted as a polyglot and grounded in deep spirituality, he remains, above all, a humble child of God — tested, trusted, and approved in the service of his Master. We are indeed blessed to call him our most reverend father-in-God.
Today, with hearts full of gratitude to the King of Glory, we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the presentation of The Most Reverend Dr Henry Ndukuba as the fifth Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). As the Principal Minister of the Church of Nigeria and iconic figure within the Global Anglican Communion, Primate Ndukuba continues to serve the church with humility and strong conviction that the Bible is the supreme authority of God’s word and must be placed in the heart of the bride of Christ.
Over these six impactful years as the primus inter pares of our national church, His Grace has consistently placed evangelism, mission and discipleship at the forefront of the Church’s agenda. His vision and clarion call through the declaration of a Decade of the Reign of God has stirred a renewed passion for spiritual awakening in individual lives, marriages, families, dioceses, and the entire Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Baba Primate has revolutionised youth ministry through an unprecedented investment in the annual Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC) just as he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to discipleship through many discipleship programmes, the new Church of Nigeria Discipleship Manual, a tool that continues to shape lives and strengthen Believers across all levels. The yearly Bible Study Outline produced by the Liturgy and Spirituality Committee of the Church remains a rich spiritual resource, nourishing homes, groups and dioceses across denominations in Nigeria and in the diaspora. The media arm of the Church has received a transformative touch of his leadership through the Advent Cable Network Nigeria TV, expanding its reach and effectiveness in proclaiming the Gospel in this digital age. The Church has felt his towering leadership in quite many areas.
As we mark this significant grace of God, we celebrate the impacts of a father of faith—lives touched, souls won, leaders raised, and a Church strengthened for the work of the Kingdom. We give hearty thanks to the Eze Ebube for the ministry of His servant, and we pray that the Lord continue to uphold, strengthen, and renew our father for greater exploits through the merit of Jesus Christ our Great Shepherd. AMEN
Postulant Ayodele Orekoya writes from
Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Akure
