The Anglican Communion of the Church of Nigeria has inaugurated a new deanery, St. George’s Akwukabi Deanery, under the Etche North Archdeaconry.
During the inauguration, which also included the commissioning of a new church building and the Rector’s house—both built by Sir Kingsley Onwugbuta, a Knight and dedicated member of the church—the Bishop of the Diocese of Etche, Rt. Rev. Okechukwu Precious Nwala, reflected on the church’s history in Akwukabi. He noted that the gospel first reached the community around 1941 through the African Episcopal Zion Church, which later transitioned into the Anglican Church in 1944.
Bishop Nwala recounted that Akwukabi Church initially belonged to the Ulakwo group under the Etche District before becoming part of Okehi Parish. Through steady growth, it was inaugurated as an autonomous parish in December 2007 and became part of the Etche North Archdeaconry in 2010. As the gospel continued to spread, the need arose for an autonomous deanery.
On November 5, 2024, the Deanery Board of Akwukabi applied for deanery status to the Archdeaconry Board of Etche North. Following approval from the Archdeaconry Board, the request was forwarded to the Diocesan Board. Satisfied with the community’s preparedness, Bishop Nwala granted approval on February 2, 2025, marking the 19th year of his consecration and episcopacy. He formally inaugurated Akwukabi Deanery as the 15th administrative unit of the Diocese of Etche, declaring its establishment in the name of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Preaching from 1 Kings 8:22-30 on the theme “The Hidden Motivation Towards Building God’s House,” Bishop Nwala commended Sir Kingsley Onwugbuta for his generous contributions, emphasizing the blessings attached to building God’s house and supporting His mission. He highlighted that Onwugbuta and his family had previously built and donated two other Anglican churches, not as a display of wealth but as a testament to their deep commitment to faith and service.
The Bishop identified faith, devotion, obligation, dedication, and service as the defining qualities of a true believer, affirming that God never overlooks a faithful offering, and its rewards endure forever.
Key highlights of the event included the inauguration of the church cathedral, the Rector’s house, and a newly donated bus. Additionally, the church honored Sir Kingsley Onwugbuta and Chief Ambrose Igbokwe Nwuzi with awards in recognition of their contributions to the church’s growth and development.
