Former President Jonathan, General Gowon, Former Primate Okoh and Other Eminent Church Fathers Grace Synod at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro
By Raphael A. Aderinwale and Korede Akintunde
in ABUJA, Nigeria — Saturday, 16 May 2026
The Diocese of Abuja, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), has opened the First Session of its Thirteenth Synod with a call on the whole people of God to rediscover their identity as a royal priesthood and take their place in the mission of the Church and the transformation of society.
The Synod, holding at St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, Abuja, from Thursday, 14 to Sunday, 17 May 2026, has its theme: “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” drawn from 1 Peter 2:4–5, 9–10.
The Presidential Address, also known as the Bishop’s Charge, was delivered by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, and Bishop of Abuja, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr Henry C. Ndukuba.
In his address, Primate Ndukuba called the Church to recover the biblical meaning of the priesthood of all believers, stressing that ministry belongs to the whole people of God and not the clergy alone. He reminded Christians that their priestly identity is “not titles to be claimed but a calling to be fulfilled.”
He urged the Church to move beyond titles and offices to become a functional body where every believer is equipped to serve God in the Church, the family, the workplace and society.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the Primate called for moral and national rebirth, noting that Nigeria’s challenges require sincerity, justice, accountability and the fear of God.
He expressed concern over hardship, unemployment, insecurity, corruption, drug abuse, cultism and moral decline, urging the Church, government, families and communities to work together for national restoration.
The Synod was graced by distinguished national and ecclesiastical leaders, reflecting the significance of the Diocese of Abuja in the life of the Church and the nation.
Among those present were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon; former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by Senator Ireti Kingibe, former Archbishop of Bendel Province, The Most Rev. Friday Imeakhia, Archbishop Emeritus of Lokoja Province, The Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Archbishop of Kaduna Province, The Most Rev’d Dr. Timothy Yahaya, Archbishop of Enugu Province, The Most Rev’s Sosthenes Eze. Also present were over twenty bishops and other revered Fathers of the Church, senior clergy, diocesan officials, delegates, captain of industries, politicians and special guests.
Goodwill messages were received from dignitaries present at the Synod, including former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and former Primate, The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh, both of whom spoke warmly of the Diocese and its leadership, state of the nation and church.
A major highlight of the goodwill messages was that of former Primate, The Most Rev’d Peter Jasper Akinola, which was delivered by Venerable Titi Ogbonyomi, who commended Primate Ndukuba for the successful hosting of GAFCON G26 in March and for his courageous defence of biblical orthodoxy in the face of revisionist pressures within and outside of the Anglican Communion.
A notable moment during the Synod was the preferment of some clergy in recognition of their service to God and the Church. The Rev’d Thomas Marcus, The Rev’d Victor Musa and The Rev’d Nathan Haruna were preferred as Honorary Canons, while Canon Kosygin Ezeugbor was preferred as Venerable.
Primate Ndukuba expressed warm appreciation to the Vicar, the Parochial Church Council and the entire membership of St. James’ Anglican Church, Asokoro, for their sacrifice, generosity and wholehearted commitment in hosting the Diocesan Synod.
He prayed that the Synod would refresh, empower and reposition the Diocese of Abuja for greater mission, ministry and service to God and humanity.
The Synod continues with worship, Bible teaching, deliberations and the consideration of matters affecting the mission, growth and administration of the Diocese.
