The 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) met under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at Our Saviour’s Church, Ikenne, Diocese of Remo, Ogun State, from Monday, 14th – Friday, 18th September, 2026. The Synod, with the theme: The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry (1 Peter 2:4–5, 9–10), was presided by His Grace, the Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, DD (Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria).

There were 142 Bishops, 199 Clergy, and 145 members of the Laity in the rolls of the Houses. Also at the opening ceremony were the wife of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Bberechukwu Ndukuba (President of Women’s and Girls’ Organizations); His Excellency Prince Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, CON (The Governor of Ogun State); the Most Rev’d Dr. David Onuoha (President of the Christian Council of Nigeria); and other eminent and distinguished personalities. The General Secretary of Global Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev’d Paul Donison; and the former Primates of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev’d Dr. Peter Jasper Akinola, CON, and the Most Rev’d Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh sent in their goodwill messages.

At the end of the General Synod, the following communiqué was issued:

THE THEME OF THE 15TH GENERAL SYNOD

Guided by the theme, The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry (1 Peter 2:4–5, 9–10), the General Synod affirmed that the Priesthood of All Believers is derived from Jesus Christ, through faith and the Holy Spirit, calling every Christian to offer acceptable worship and participate actively in Christ’s mission. It emphasized moving beyond clergy-centred ministry to intentionally equip, empower, and mobilize all members for Christian service, rooted in fellowship and family life. This requires intentional discipleship, sound biblical teaching, spiritual formation, practical training, and resistance to paganism and revisionist agenda. The Church is encouraged to strengthen volunteerism, collaborative leadership, evangelism, compassionate service, and effective witness. An empowered lay ministry, partnering with ordained clergy, is essential for Church growth, mission and impactful nation building.

STATE OF THE NATION

1. Insecurity

The General Synod views with great concern the continued problem of insecurity in our nation. Banditry, kidnapping and killings continue unabated in different parts of the country. While praising the Federal Government for some gains recently achieved in rescuing kidnapped people especially school children and their teachers in some States in the country and the deployment of forest guards, it urges Government at all levels to do more in the protection of the lives of the citizens. Synod recommends more of the use of intelligence gathering, covering the ungoverned spaces in the land, and recovering territories under the control of the terrorists, thus becoming proactive rather than reactive in security matters.

2. 2027 General Elections

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 General Elections, Synod calls on all Nigerians, political leaders and parties to place national unity, peace and the common good above partisan interests. Political actors and citizens should reject hate speech, violence, intimidation, vote-buying and misinformation, embracing issue-based campaigns and peaceful participation. Synod urges citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities conscientiously and respect lawful electoral processes and outcomes. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is called upon to uphold neutrality, transparency and credibility in the conduct of the elections, while the Judiciary is urged to safeguard its integrity by acting independently and impartially in election-related matters. Political differences should never become grounds for hatred, violence or the breakdown of national unity.

3. Health Sector

Synod expresses deep concern over the challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector, particularly the accessibility, affordability and quality of healthcare available to Nigerians. Synod calls for renewed commitment to strengthening public health institutions, equipping healthcare facilities, supporting medical and health workers, and ensuring that no Nigerian is denied essential care because of poverty or circumstance. Synod further urges greater attention to preventive healthcare, maternal and child health, mental and community health, and the welfare of vulnerable persons. As a Church committed to the dignity and sanctity of human life, Synod encourages government, healthcare providers, faith communities and other stakeholders to work together towards a healthcare system that is compassionate, equitable, accountable and responsive to the needs of all.

4. Education

Synod commends Federal and State Governments for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education sector through improved access, teacher development, skills acquisition, digital learning, and technical and vocational education.

However, inadequate funding, out-of-school children, insecurity, poor learning outcomes, inadequate infrastructure, teacher shortages, and insufficient professional development remain serious concerns. Government should prioritize sustained education funding, strengthen accountability, improve teacher recruitment, remuneration and training, expand safe and inclusive basic education, integrate vocational and digital skills, and make tertiary education accessible and affordable. Synod also calls for stronger collaboration among government, faith-based organizations, communities, and other stakeholders to build an education system that produces competent, skilled, morally grounded, and responsible citizens.

5 The Nigeria Economy

Synod notes modest economic improvement but remains concerned about persistent inflation, unemployment, weak electricity supply and rising fuel prices, which have severely reduced household purchasing power and increased the cost of transportation, food and basic necessities. Synod urges Government to stabilize and reduce the prices of petrol, diesel and kerosene to enable households and businesses plan sustainably. It further calls for a clear, transparent framework for licensed modular refineries, ensuring environmental and safety compliance, lawful revenue, job creation and equitable benefits for Niger Delta host communities.

6. Xenophobic and Racial Attacks

Synod expresses deep concern over recurring incidents of xenophobia, Afrophobia, racial discrimination and marginalization in various parts of the world, particularly the recent attacks and violence against Nigerians in South Africa. Synod condemns all forms of violence, discrimination and hostility based on nationality or race, affirming that every human being is created in the image of God and is entitled to dignity, security and justice. Synod therefore calls on the Governments of Nigeria and South Africa to strengthen dialogue and bilateral relations, building on the historic solidarity between both nations during the struggle against apartheid. Both Governments should work collaboratively to promote peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, the protection of citizens and the enduring bonds of African brotherhood. Nigerians in the diaspora are, however, encouraged to maintain proper documentation and strictly comply with the immigration laws of their host countries.

7. Agriculture and Food Security

Synod expresses grave concern over Nigeria’s deepening food crisis. With over 220 million people, the nation faces its worst harvest in decades due to conflict, climate change, hyperinflation, and high farming costs. International and Humanitarian Organizations project that many people, particularly in the North East and North-Central states will face severe hunger by the end of 2026. Key drivers include insecurity, fertilizer costs, and loan rates up to 36%. We call on government to restore farm security, invest substantially in mechanized farming to boost production, provide single-digit loans, subsidize inputs transparently, reduce post-harvest losses, modernize grazing, expand fisheries, encourage food storage, and establish a transparent Agriculture Trust Fund. Farmers must be empowered to feed the nation.

8. Drugs and Substance Abuse

The General Synod expresses grave concern over the escalating menace of drug trafficking, substance abuse and addiction in Nigeria, particularly among young people. This scourge is increasingly associated with violent crime, insecurity, gang activity and harm to mental health, family wellbeing and the economy. The Synod calls on government and relevant agencies to intensify public education, prevention, enforcement, rehabilitation and reintegration, with stronger collaboration among Government, schools, families, communities, the Church and relevant agencies. It further calls for consideration of a constitutional amendment requiring mandatory, credible and periodic drug and substance-abuse testing for serving public officers and persons seeking elective or appointive public office and appropriate sanctions for verified violations.

9. Cost of Governance, Corruption and Accountability

Synod calls on all levels of government to urgently reduce the high cost of governance by eliminating administrative waste, redundant political appointments and non-essential expenditure. Savings should be redirected to education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and social welfare. Synod urges the full and transparent implementation of the Oronsaye Report to eliminate duplication and promote efficiency in public institutions. It further calls for stronger anti-corruption measures through systemic reforms, open budgeting, transparent procurement and effective fiscal oversight. Public officials are reminded that they are accountable to God, the Constitution and the Nigerian people, and must diligently and transparently manage public resources.

10 National Unity

Synod calls on all Nigerians to make national unity, peace and mutual respect a priority, resisting attempts to divide the nation along ethnic, religious, regional or political lines. Nigeria’s Constitution upholds the secularity of the nation amid its diverse religious, ethnic and cultural identities, and this constitutional character must be respected and preserved as an essential foundation for peaceful coexistence. In this regard, the continuation of a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket by a leading political party, as well as the unrestrained interpretations advanced by some bigots, should not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s delicate unity or the established balancing mechanisms that have helped to accommodate its diversity. Diversity should be a source of strength, not conflict. Synod is also concerned by reports of qualified Christian youths allegedly being denied admission to professional courses in some Federal universities in Northern Nigeria on religious grounds.

It calls for investigation and strict adherence to merit, fairness and lawful admission criteria. Political and religious differences should never foster discrimination or violence. Synod urges leaders and citizens to promote justice, dialogue and equal opportunity, recognizing Nigeria as our common home, and calls on all to resist every attempt to sacrifice the nation’s unity and constitutional sensibilities to narrow political interests or adventurism.

11. Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Moral Challenges of the Digital Age

Synod recognizes the immense potential of technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to advance human development, education, healthcare, communication, economic opportunities and the proclamation of the Gospel. However, it expresses concern over the moral and social challenges of the digital age, including misinformation, hate speech, cybercrime, invasion of privacy, exploitation of children and vulnerable persons, digital addiction, academic dishonesty, deepfakes, manipulation and deception. The Synod calls for ethical, responsible and lawful use of digital technologies, affirming that technological possibility does not necessarily constitute moral permissibility. It urges individuals, families, educators, developers and governments to uphold human dignity, critical thinking, moral responsibility, compassion, spiritual discernment and the common good.

CONCLUSION

The 15th General Synod reaffirms the calling of the Church of Nigeria to be a faithful witness to Christ and a responsible instrument of transformation in Church and society. In the spirit of the priesthood of all believers, Synod calls every Christian to discover, develop and deploy their God-given gifts in the service of God and humanity. Synod urges collective commitment to truth, justice, peace, accountability and the common good; and remains hopeful that, by God’s grace and with renewed faith, responsible citizenship through united, sacrificial action, Nigeria can overcome her present challenges, fulfil her God-given potential, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

The Ven. Festus Chukwunyere Opara, PhD
General Secretary, Church of Nigeria

The Most Rev’d Blessing C. Enyindah, PhD
Dean, Church of Nigeria

The Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, DD
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria

Archbishop Akinfenwa gave the charge while preaching at the consecration service led by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.

He noted that the public would watch and be on the lookout for how the bishops conduct themselves throughout their years in the episcopate and across all spheres of their lives.

“Now your life will become a sermon indeed, and now your conduct will preach louder than the pulpit, so please, protect the honour of the episcopate,” he said.

He further cautioned the newly consecrated bishops against allowing the increasing number of bishops in the Anglican Church of Nigeria to become a reason for “diminishing the dignity of the office of the Bishop.”

“Don’t water it down by attitude, appearance, or what we do. Let us not make the episcopate ordinary by our conduct. Let us not destroy the awe and respect attached to the office of the Bishop through careless behaviour, unnecessary familiarity, political manipulation, financial impropriety, and unguarded speech.”

“A bishop must be approachable but not become cheap, must be humble but not weak, must be accessible but must retain the dignity of the office of bishop, must listen to the people but also be capable of standing alone when it is required. Above all, a bishop must belong to Jesus Christ before he belongs to the institution,” he added.

The service, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo, was attended by Anglican Archbishops, Bishops and their wives, Clergy, Laity, Legal Luminaries and other dignitaries.

The four newly consecrated bishops are the Rt. Rev. Dr. Godwin Tersoo Simon Yakela of the Diocese of Makurdi; the Rt. Rev. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda of the Diocese of Uyo; the Rt. Rev. Dr. Julius Oyediran of the Diocese of Ekiti Oke; and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Olayemi Fatusi of the Diocese of Awori.

The visit served as a prelude to the official commencement of the Synod and the consecration of four new bishops for the Dioceses of Makurdi, Uyo, Ekiti-Oke, and Awori, scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo.

Setting the scene for the historic evening, the Primate of All Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba, alongside Archbishops and Bishops, were hosted to a dinner at the Efunyela Hall by Ambassador Dr. Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu on behalf of the Awolowo family.

Speaking from the Awolowo family’s private chapel during the gathering, Primate Ndukuba delivered a charge to the nation’s leaders, drawing extensively on the legacy of Chief Awolowo.

He described the visit as a fitting precursor to the Synod’s official proceedings and expressed deep concern over the diminishing regard for national history. The Primate warned that modern leaders are failing to provide the younger generation with exemplary models of public service.

“His name always rings a bell,” Primate Ndukuba said of Awolowo, adding that “our leaders, instead of keeping history alive, are trying to kill it.”

Drawing from Philippians 1:21, the Primate emphasized that true leadership is defined by selflessness rather than political acquisition.

Thereafter, Dr. Dosumu presented copies of Chief Awolowo’s books to the visiting clerics. She also led the Church leadership on a tour of the residence, which included the family museum and the rooms where Chief Awolowo and his wife, Yeye Oodua H.I.D. Awolowo, lived.

In her remarks, Dr. Dosumu connected the Primate’s message and her parents’ philosophy of public service to the central theme of the 15th General Synod, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry.”

She noted that Chief Awolowo and his wife viewed their Christian faith not merely as a Sunday obligation, but as a mandate for continuous service to humanity. “They believed that faith had to be lived and that service to God must find expression in service to humanity,” she said, emphasizing that ministry extends beyond the pulpit into professional and community life.

She also noted her parents’ central role in the creation of the Diocese of Remo 42 years ago and described the Church’s decision to host its 15th General Synod in the diocese for the first time as a significant and poignant milestone.

The evening concluded with prayers for the Awolowo family and the nation, setting a reflective tone for the Church’s leadership as they transitioned into the primary business of the General Synod.

The Rt. Revd. Dr. OLAYEMI OLUSOLA TALABI FATUSI was elected on July 16 2026 and Consecrated on Tuesday, 15th of September 2026 at Our Saviour Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo in Remo Diocese.

The Enthronement service will come up at exactly 11.00am.
According to the release from the Chancellor of the Diocese, Barr. Abosede Bola Olabisi, the Co-Chairman of the Consecration and Enthronement Committee said all efforts have been put in place to host the Nigeria Church fathers and other noble guests on that day.

“This is to invite the general public and especially the people of Awori Diocese and her environs to the Enthronement of our Second Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Revd. Dr. OLAYEMI OLUSOLA TALABI FATUSI, an Awori Indigene, a church evangelist and church planter”, she said.
Bishop Fatusi is succeeding the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese, the RT REVD DR JOHNSON AKINWAMIDE ATERE (RTD).

Damilola Oladele
Awori Diocesan Communicator

Bishop Akinfenwa gave the charge on Tuesday during the ongoing 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria and the consecration of four new bishops at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.

Addressing the newly consecrated bishops, the retired bishop said the Church had a responsibility to speak up when things were not going well in society and to draw the attention of leaders to issues affecting citizens.

He stressed that speaking out was part of the Church’s prophetic responsibility, adding that citizens must be willing to exercise their freedoms of speech, association, religion and thought.

“We must speak! In your various locations, speak against ills, call the attention of people to what they should be doing. Whatever happens, our democracy depends upon citizens who are willing to speak,” he said.

Bishop Akinfenwa urged church leaders not to allow fear to prevent them from telling those in authority when they were doing well and when they were getting things wrong.

He said the Church must listen to the experiences of Nigerians and speak on issues affecting them, particularly hunger, unemployment, insecurity and the rising anxiety over the future.

According to him, the resilience of Nigerians should not be used as a reason to overlook the difficulties many families are facing.

“Nigeria is a nation of extraordinary resilience. We endure, we improvise, we survive, we keep moving. But resilience must never be used as an excuse to ignore suffering,” he said.

The retired bishop also cautioned against limiting the Church’s response to prayers alone, saying prayer should be accompanied by practical action.

“When the people cry, the church must not merely say, ‘Let us pray.’ Yes, let us pray, but after we pray, let us ask, ‘Lord, what do You want us to do?’ Prayers must lead to action. Faith must produce works,” he said.

Bishop Akinfenwa further urged leaders to surround themselves with people who would tell them the truth rather than those who would only say what they wanted to hear.

He expressed concern that some political leaders might not be receiving enough information about the challenges facing ordinary Nigerians, particularly reports published daily by the media.

He called on Christians to continue praying for those in authority and urged leaders to ensure that they had advisers who would provide honest feedback about the situation in the country.

Turning to the newly consecrated bishops, Bishop Akinfenwa advised them to regard their elevation as a call to greater service rather than a reward or status symbol.

He urged the bishops to protect the dignity of the episcopate and ensure that their conduct reflected the teachings of the gospel.

Quoting John 9:4, he reminded them of the need to remain committed to their responsibilities and make effective use of their time in service to God and the Church.

“Consecration means that something has been set apart for God. You are not being consecrated for personal honour. You are not being consecrated for ecclesiastical status. You are not being consecrated so that people can add ‘My Lord’ to your name. You are being consecrated for the service of God and His church,” he said.

Bishop Akinfenwa congratulated the four new bishops—Godwin, Kingsley, Julius and Fatunsi—whose journey to the episcopate began with their election at the Episcopal Synod held at the University of Port Harcourt in July.

He urged them to approach their new responsibilities with humility, commitment and renewed vigour, while encouraging the Church to appreciate its past achievements and remain focused on its future mission.

Bishop Gahima, 56, was elected on Friday, September 11, by the Anglican House of Bishops, which comprises bishops from the church’s 13 dioceses. He currently heads the Diocese of Gahini and serves as President of the Council of Protestant Churches of Rwanda.

Bishop Gahima emerged after defeating Bishop Assiel Musabyimana of the Diocese of Kigeme in the election. The two candidates qualified for the position based on the church’s requirements that candidates must be between 55 and 60 years old and have served as diocesan bishops for at least five years.

His consecration as Archbishop is scheduled to take place on October 25 at Camp Kigali.

Who is Manasseh Gahima?

Bishop Gahima was born on December 12, 1970, to Pheneas Gahima and Donatille Mukarutabana. His family fled Rwanda when he was young, and he grew up in Uganda.

He began his education at Kasonga Primary School in Hoima District before attending Kololo Secondary School and St Andrea Kahwa’s College for his secondary education.

He obtained a Diploma in Secondary Education from the NTC Kakoba Campus of the then Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo in Uganda.

He later earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Umutara Polytechnic, now part of the University of Rwanda.

Bishop Gahima also holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Kabale University and a master’s degree in Theology from Wycliffe University. He subsequently obtained a PhD in theological studies from the same institution in 2018.

Before rising through the ranks of the Anglican Church, Bishop Gahima worked in Rwanda’s local government administration from 1996 and held various positions in the Diocese of Gahini.

He was consecrated Assistant Bishop of Gahini Diocese on May 28, 2017, before becoming the diocese’s second bishop on May 26, 2019.

Bishop Gahima is married to Rose Dusenge Gahima.

Gahini Diocese

The Diocese of Gahini was established in May 1997 after being separated from the former Byumba and Kibungo dioceses. Its Anglican history dates back to 1925, when Christian missionaries established a mission station in Gahini.

Bishop Gahima now succeeds Mbanda, 71, whose tenure began in 2018 and was extended beyond the church’s usual retirement age.

NewTimes

The Keffi-Karshi Missionary Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has raised a strong alarm over the state of the nation, cautioning against any systematic stifling of political opposition and demanding urgent interventions to shield citizens from biting economic hardship.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the First Session of the First Diocesan Council, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Karu, Abuja, presided over by the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur.

The Synod warned that a healthy democracy requires multiparty participation and vibrant opposition, cautioning political actors against strangulating rival parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. It tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the electorate to deliver free, fair, and credible polls, while calling on voters to reject monetary inducements, ethnic and religious sentiments.

The church further challenged judicial officers to resist political interference and uphold impartiality in handling political disputes.

While noting modest macroeconomic stability, the Council stressed that ongoing economic reforms have yet to alleviate severe hardships, including spiking food inflation, naira pressures, and youth unemployment. It called for expanded social protection, energy affordability, and transparent public expenditure.

On national security, the Diocese mourned victims of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, urging security agencies to upgrade intelligence, improve personnel welfare, and dismantle root causes such as small-arms proliferation and deep-seated poverty.

Focusing on the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa State corridors, Bishop Dajur demanded urgent solutions to mounting refuse disposal crises, severe traffic congestion, and potable water deficits. Nationally, it urged increased healthcare funding to halt professional brain drain, while praising the Federal Government’s policy pivot toward skills-based, employable graduate education.

Anchored on the theme “Building Together With God” (Nehemiah 3)—and attended by prominent church leaders including Archbishop Timothy Yahaya of Kaduna and Bishop Ephraim Gongden of Jos among others—the Diocese called on all Nigerians to abandon ethnic pride and division to forge a secure, equitable Church, society and nation at large.

Greetings in the name of our risen Lord Jesus Christ.

It has been a great joy to gather this weekend in Recife, Brazil, with leaders of the Global Anglican Communion to celebrate the installation of the Very Revd Gabriel Moreira Uchoa Cavalcanti as Dean of the Catedral Anglicana do Espírito Santo.

The service was filled with joy and hope as Archbishop Miguel Uchoa Cavalcanti passed the mantle of leadership of the Cathedral to his son, Gabriel.

This celebration also marked 30 years since Archbishop Miguel planted the church in 1996 with just 30 or so people.

We give thanks to God for all that has grown from those humble beginnings, as churches have been planted, leaders raised up, dioceses multiplied, and the Anglican Church in Brazil established as a faithful and growing province.

Yet amidst the joy of our celebrations was a recognition that these 30 years also tell a story of hope through significant trials.

Faithfulness to the authority of Scripture has come at great cost for our brothers and sisters in Brazil, including the painful loss of their former institutional home and church buildings.

But the Lord did not abandon his people.

When faithful Anglicans in Brazil found themselves separated from their former provincial structures, Gafcon stood alongside them, providing recognition, encouragement and a home within the global Anglican family.

The Diocese of Recife became an extra-provincial diocese of Gafcon, before multiplying through God’s grace and gospel growth to become the Anglican Church in Brazil in 2018, with Archbishop Miguel as its first Archbishop and Primate.

This is a powerful reminder of why Gafcon, now the Global Anglican Communion, has been so important for faithful Anglicans throughout the world.

As we sang together in Recife, we were reminded that the suffering and sacrifice of faithful individuals and churches have not been in vain.

Our hope is not in institutions, buildings or human strength, but in the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

Once again, we were reminded of those precious words which have characterised our fellowship over many years: You are not alone.

During our time in Recife, members of the Global Anglican Council also met for important discussions as we continue the transition and development of the Global Anglican Communion.

I ask you to pray for us as we seek the Lord’s wisdom and guidance for the important work ahead.

I am also delighted to announce that the G27 Prayer Conference will be held here in Recife from 20–23 April 2027.

This invitation-only gathering will bring together lay people from across the Global Anglican Communion to fall on our knees together in prayer for the glory of God, the proclamation of the gospel, and the growth and strengthening of our global fellowship.

We look forward to sharing further details about G27 in the weeks ahead.

Please continue to pray for Archbishop Miguel, Dean Gabriel, the Anglican Church in Brazil, and the whole Global Anglican Communion.

I also thank God for the generosity of those whose giving enables this important global ministry, including bringing leaders together personally for prayer, fellowship and encouragement.

Thirty years after a small group of faithful Christians stepped out in faith, we have been reminded again that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.

To him alone be the glory.

Grace and peace,

The Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda
Chairman of the Global Anglican Council
Monday, 24th August, 2026

Aderogba stated this in a communiqué issued at the end of the first session of the seventh Synod of the Diocese of Jebba, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Jebba, Kwara State.

The synod, held from August 1 to 2, 2026, was themed, “Choose Life and Live: A Call to Sustainable and Uncompromising Christian Faith,” drawn from Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

The communiqué, signed by Aderogba, the Synod President; the Chancellor, Hon. Justice O. Adekeye; and the Synod Secretary, Ven. Ebenezer O. Onabanjo, commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for supporting the establishment of state police.

The synod expressed optimism that the successful implementation of the initiative would improve community policing and contribute to strengthening security across the country.

On the 2027 general elections, the church urged political candidates to conduct their campaigns with maturity, civility and patriotism.

It called for issue-based campaigns centred on clear manifestos and policies, while cautioning politicians against inflammatory rhetoric, personal attacks, misinformation and divisive statements.

The synod also appealed to the government to reconsider the proposed restriction on public preaching in commercial vehicles.

It argued that restricting street and bus evangelism could affect citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of worship, religious expression and peaceful propagation of their faith.

“The synod expresses its concern over any legislative proposal intended to restrict public preaching, including street and bus evangelism,” the communiqué stated.

The church further called on Nigerians to pray for the unity and progress of the country, urging Christians to uphold biblical values, promote justice and peace, support lawful authorities and demonstrate exemplary character in society.

The synod was attended by the Archbishop of Kwara Province, Most Rev. Israel Amoo, his wife, Mrs Alice Amoo, and other bishops, clergy, diocesan officials, awardees and invited guests.

Odedeji gave the charge during the second graduation ceremony of the vocational centre held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Conference Centre, Ipaja, Lagos, where 78 students completed various vocational training programmes.

According to a statement on Friday made available to PUNCH Online , the bishop described vocational education as a rewarding journey that demands patience, discipline and dedication, stressing that lasting success is built on integrity, punctuality, respect for others and teamwork.

He noted that while certificates are important, they should not be regarded as the ultimate measure of achievement.

“A certificate can be placed in a folder, but the real value of functional training is reflected in the trainee’s capacity, confidence, consistency, character and competence,” he said.

Odedeji added that vocational and professional skills align with God’s purpose for humanity, noting that the Church has a responsibility to make both spiritual and positive societal impacts.

He encouraged the graduands to continue developing themselves through mentorship, continuous learning and skills improvement to remain competitive in an evolving world.

“Always strive for quality because it protects your reputation, builds trust and attracts better opportunities. Guard your integrity; do not compromise. Integrity is not a luxury but the foundation of lasting success. God honours character,” he said.

The graduates, who received free training from the Diocese of Lagos West, completed a nine-month programme in Catering, Tailoring, ICT and Computer Studies, Hairdressing, Photography and Barbing. The participants included retired school principals, unemployed youths, professionals and other members of society.

Also speaking, the wife of the bishop and founder of the vocational centre, Dr. Lydia Odedeji, urged the graduates to pursue financial independence while placing God at the centre of their lives and careers.

She reminded them that integrity should remain their guiding principle as they begin the next phase of their journey.

Some of the graduates expressed appreciation to the Diocese, describing the programme as life-changing and saying it had equipped them with practical skills to become self-reliant.

The event featured the administration of the graduation oath, presentation of certificates and the conferment of appreciation awards on Bishop James Odedeji and Dr. Lydia Odedeji by the graduating students. It was attended by church administrators, supporters of the vocational centre, representatives of women’s organisations, parents and other guests.