The church also expressed concern over what it described as moves towards a one-party system, warning that the alleged intimidation of opposition parties and their candidates could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

The Coordinating Bishop of the Province of the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr Samuel C. Ezeofor, gave the warning during the 2026 Anglican Prayer Rally of Anambra State, held under the theme, “Dwelling in the Secret Place of the Most High God”.

Rt. Rev. Ezeofor urged Nigerians not to remain indifferent ahead of the 2027 elections but to take responsibility for their future by participating in the electoral process and holding political leaders accountable for their promises.

He recalled that the province had raised concerns about the dangers of a one-party system during its synod in May, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

Addressing the Presidency, INEC, the APC and other political stakeholders, the bishop said Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with developments in the country and should not be taken for granted.

He warned that ignoring the concerns of citizens could lead to serious consequences, although he expressed hope that such a situation would not arise.

Rt. Rev. Ezeofor urged those responsible for the 2027 electoral process to ensure that the outcome of the elections reflected the wishes of voters.

He said Nigerians must be allowed to determine their future through their ballots without interference.

On the internal challenges facing the Province of the Niger, the bishop acknowledged that the church’s crisis might have discouraged some members.

However, he urged the faithful to remain steadfast, stressing that human shortcomings in the administration of the church did not mean God had abandoned it.

He encouraged Christians to continue looking up to Jesus Christ and expressed optimism that the situation would improve.

The prayer rally was attended by six bishops of the province, including the retired Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Prof. Godwin Okpara.

Earlier, the preacher at the event, Venerable Dr Emma Ezeugo, urged Christians to devote more time to prayer and fasting, particularly as the year draws to a close.

In an atmosphere of thanksgiving, worship, and jubilation, the Most Revd Dr. Manasseh Gahima was formally installed today as the Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda (Église Anglicane du Rwanda) and Bishop of the Diocese of Gasabo.

The consecration and enthronement service which was monitored by ACNNTV from Abuja, Nigeria, drew thousands of worshipers, ecumenical guests, and high-ranking ecclesiastical dignitaries from around the globe. The ceremony took place at Camp Kigali and was attended by Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva, other government officials, and Anglican bishops from different countries around the world.

A central highlight of the liturgy was the symbolic handing over of the pastoral staff (crozier) by the retiring Primate, the Most Revd Dr. Laurent Mbanda, who has served at the helm of the Rwandan province since 2018. The exchange marked both the culmination of Archbishop Mbanda’s tenure and the dawn of a new leadership chapter for the church. Archbishop Mbanda continues his wider global leadership as Chairman of GAFCON (Global Anglican Future Conference / Global Anglican Council). During the proceedings, Mbanda expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to lead the church and handed over his responsibilities to his successor.

He said he was relinquishing the episcopal office willingly and with joy, while emphasising that stepping down from leadership did not mean leaving Christ or the Church of God.

Gahima subsequently took an oath, pledging to serve the church faithfully and with humility, before signing the document to confirm his commitment.

The outgoing archbishop handed him the pastoral staff of the Diocese of Gasabo before the new leader was formally seated in the Archbishop’s chair, marking his assumption of leadership.

Mbanda also handed over the pastoral staff of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and presented Gahima to the congregation alongside other bishops.

In his sermon delivered during the installation ceremony of the new Archbishop, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, Primate of the Church of Nigeria, emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus Christ while carrying out the demanding task of leadership and shepherding the Church.

He reminded the new primate and the congregation that leadership is a sacred trust and a calling. He urged them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, noting that what a person constantly focuses on shapes their thoughts and actions. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, he highlighted that ministry is not about persuasive human wisdom or speech, but about the demonstration of the Spirit and the power of God. He encouraged the new leader to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit to navigate the ministry and not to be distracted by the storms that would come.

Archbishop Ndukuba praised the outgoing Archbishop for his service and encouraged the congregation to support and lead alongside the new Primate, advising them not to compare the new leader with the previous one. He recognized the new Archbishop as a man desiring God’s help, urging him to remain focused and not allow distractions to hinder the work God has called him to accomplish .

He concluded by grounding his message in the hope of the eternal kingdom, looking toward the day when saints from all nations are gathered in the presence of Jesus.

Archbishop Gahima was warmly welcomed into the fellowship of global primates by senior conservative Anglican leaders present at the altar. Among them were Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Uganda), Archbishop Henry Ndukuba (Nigeria), Archbishop Miguel Uchôa (Brazil), and Bishop Julian Dobbs (Acting Primate of the Anglican Church in North America), alongside other international leaders from the Global Anglican Communion.

Addressing the congregation, the newly installed Archbishop was committed to the prayers of the faithful to preach the Word of God boldly, shepherd the province with humility, and advance the church’s evangelical and community mission across Rwanda’s dioceses.

The Most Revd Dr. Manasseh Gahima was born in December 1970. He spent much of his childhood and early youth in Uganda after his family fled Rwanda as refugees.

He holds a teaching diploma from the Institute of Teacher Education Kyambogo (Uganda), a Bachelor of Commerce from Umutara Polytechnic, a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Kabale University, and both a Master of Theology (MTh) and a PhD in Theological Studies from Wycliffe University.

Prior to his full-time ecclesiastical leadership, he served in education as deputy headmaster overseeing Anglophone studies at Lycée de Kigali. He also worked in public administration, serving as bourgmestre (mayor) of Karangazi and later Gabiro communes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

He entered parish ministry in 2005 and served in senior administrative roles in the historic Diocese of Gahini. Consecrated as an assistant bishop in 2017 and subsequently enthroned as the second Diocesan Bishop of Gahini in May 2019, where he served for over seven years. Elected Chairperson/President of the Council of Protestant Churches in Rwanda (CPR) in March 2026. Elected by the House of Bishops on September 11, 2026, to succeed Dr. Laurent Mbanda as Archbishop of Rwanda and Bishop of Gasabo. He is married to Rose Dusenge Gahima, and they are blessed with children.

The Anglican Church of Rwanda (Église Anglicane du Rwanda) operates under an episcopal system of church governance, synodically structured across 13 geographical dioceses. 

The provincial leadership rests with the House of Bishops, headed by the Archbishop and Primate, who concurrently serves as metropolitan of the province and diocesan bishop of the host See (traditionally the Diocese of Gasabo).

Historically, Anglican work in Rwanda grew out of the Church Missionary Society and the East African Revival in Gahini during the 1920s and 1930s. Originally part of the joint Province of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire, Rwanda became an independent, self-governing province of the Anglican Communion in 1992.

Archbishop Manasseh Gahima is the 5th Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda. Exactly four archbishops led the province before him:

1. The Most Revd Augustin Nshamihigo (1992–1995) – Installed as the very first Primate when the Anglican Church of Rwanda was inaugurated as an autonomous province in 1992. He led the church through the tumultuous period leading into and through the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

2. The Most Revd Emmanuel Mbona Kolini (1998–2011) – Served as the second Primate for over a decade. His tenure focused on church reconstruction, peace-building, and reconciliation following the genocide, as well as extending theological oversight through the Anglican Mission in the Americas (AMiA).

3. The Most Revd Onesphore Rwaje (2011–2018) – Elected as the third Primate after previously serving as Bishop of Byumba. His term emphasized community development, church sustainability, education, and early childhood interventions across Rwandan communities.

4. The Most Revd Dr. Laurent Mbanda (2018–2026) – Elected fourth Primate from the Diocese of Shyira. He oversaw the expansion of dioceses, strengthened financial self-reliance, and elevated the province’s leadership in conservative global Anglicanism, culminating in his role as Chairman of the Global Anglican Council (GAFCON).

In September after his election, he said he planned to visit all dioceses, listen to their leaders and members, and work with them to identify priorities and address challenges. 

Gahima also identified pastoral work, Bible teaching and the development of the church as key areas of focus.

He acknowledged that succeeding Mbanda would be a significant responsibility, citing the foundation his predecessor had built during his tenure.

“Succeeding Archbishop Mbanda is hard. In a short time that he was the archbishop in the Anglican Church, he has changed so much, especially the capability of the church. He has left a strong foundation that I will build on,” Gahima said. He added that he would continue seeking Mbanda’s advice and support.

Korede Akintunde writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has conferred the title of “Father of Faith in Nigeria” on the Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba.

The award was presented on Sunday, October 18, 2026, in Abuja at the Grand Finale thanksgiving service marking CAN’s golden jubilee. The Primate and his wife, Mrs Angela Ndukuba who attended the celebration briefly had to take his leave before the formal presentation of the award because of an earlier commitment at another service.

The award was received on his behalf by the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), The Most Rev. David Onuoha.

CAN said the recognition acknowledges the Primate’s leadership, spiritual stewardship and contributions to the growth of the Christian faith and to national development in Nigeria.

The Primate was honoured alongside other distinguished Nigerians recognised for their service to the nation and the church at large. They include the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and General Olusegun Obasanjo; former President Goodluck Jonathan; and former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The thanksgiving service on Sunday, October 18, concluded the week long activities marking the 50th anniversary of the association which brought together church and national leaders in a call for greater unity within the body of Christ.

The Church of Nigeria congratulates the Christian Association of Nigeria on its fifty years of service to the Church and the nation, and thanks its leadership for this recognition. The Anglican Church remains committed to working with CAN and all partners in promoting faith, unity, peace and the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Ven. Raphael Adedoyin Aderinwale
Director of Communications
Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
communications@anglican-nig.org

ABUJA, October 20, 2026 — The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has called on its clergy, laity and the general public to remain calm and respect ongoing ecclesiastical and judicial proceedings concerning the Diocese of Awka.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday by the director of communications, Ven. Raphael Aderinwale, the Church urged all concerned to exercise restraint, avoid speculation and allow the appropriate authorities to address the issues through established ecclesiastical and judicial channels.

The statement follows recent public comments and court proceedings relating to decisions taken by the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev. Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, in the exercise of his ecclesiastical responsibilities.

According to the Church, the decisions under consideration followed a period of enquiry into issues relating to ecclesiastical authority, accountability and compliance with established Church procedures. It also stated that efforts had been made to resolve the disagreements through dialogue and conciliatory engagement.

The Church, through its General Secretary, the Ven. Dr Festus Opara, emphasised that maintaining peace must go hand in hand with accountability, justice and adherence to due process.

It stressed that reconciliation remains a fundamental Christian obligation but must be pursued within the framework of the Church’s Constitution, Canons and established procedures.

Citing 1 Corinthians 14:40, which states, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” the Church reaffirmed the importance of order and accountability in ecclesiastical governance.

It further maintained that all officers and institutions of the Church operate within the provisions of its governing Constitution and Canons, adding that the issues currently before the relevant authorities should be addressed with fairness, impartiality and respect for the rule of law.

The Church also appealed to Anglican faithful across the country to remain prayerful and united, warning against the spread of unverified information and inflammatory public exchanges.

Members of the public and the media were similarly urged to exercise responsible judgement, verify information before publication and respect the integrity of the ongoing proceedings.

Reaffirming its commitment to Christian discipline, justice, accountability and reconciliation, the Church expressed confidence that an orderly resolution in accordance with its governing provisions and the rule of law would best serve the interests of all concerned.

The Church concluded by calling on all parties to conduct themselves with dignity, patience and mutual respect while the relevant processes continue.

ACNN TV

This announcement was made on Friday in an official pastoral letter from the Rt Revd Paul Donison, the General Secretary of the Global Anglican Council, marking the 18-month countdown to the conference.

The decision to convene in Greece follows the Abuja declaration made during the G26 Conference in Abuja earlier this year.

Set to begin one week after Easter Sunday, the Athens assembly represents the first large-scale global convening of orthodox Anglicans since the adoption of the Abuja Affirmation, Donison noted.

Bishop Paul noted that thousands of delegates—including lay leaders, clergy, and bishops representing member provinces, dioceses, and regional branches worldwide are being expected at this conference.

“We long to gather around the Word of God, deepen our fellowship in Christ, and be renewed and commissioned together for the great work of proclaiming the gospel to the nations,” Bishop Donison stated, underscoring that GAC leadership hopes the event serves as a spiritual renewal rather than merely an administrative meeting.

He added that delegate attendance will require prior vetting and personal approval from regional provincial, diocesan, or branch leadership.

Paul said that to facilitate international delegations, there are preparations of an all-inclusive logistical package encompassing lodging, meals, transport, and program activities. Taking advantage of the historic biblical setting of the Mediterranean, optional pre- and post-conference tours will allow attendees to visit New Testament sites associated with the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul across Greece and Türkiye.

Bishop Donison also noted that a bursary system will be established to provide financial support for delegates from lower-income dioceses who might otherwise face economic barriers to attending.

He added that comprehensive registration protocols, tier pricing, and booking deadlines are slated for release in the coming months.

In a hard-hitting critique of Nigeria’s leadership and religious institutions, the Bishop Theologian of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Bishop of Ilesha Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju, has declared that the nation’s political class has run out of ideas to move the country forward.

Speaking during an interview on ACNN TV, the outspoken Bishop Theologian and former VC and ASUU Chairman, described prominent political figures, specifically naming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as belonging to a “wasted generation” with nothing left to offer the populace.

Bishop Asaju maintained that Nigerians remain a good and willing people who are ready to follow upright leadership, but lamented a total vacuum of genuine direction at the helm of affairs.

“Nigerians are good. If they have a good leader, they will follow them. But today, there is nobody to follow,” Asaju stated. “Who is running? Tinubu? He has nothing to offer. Atiku Abubakar? Nothing to offer. These are people who are… I don’t want to be insultive to people in government, but they are a wasted generation.”

Turning his sights toward the religious sphere, the Bishop expressed dismay over what he described as widespread compromise within the Christian faith. He observed that the Church in Nigeria possesses the sheer demographic strength to demand good governance and “throw them out of the way,” but remains ineffective due to internal disunity and moral complacency.

Asaju accused several Christian leaders of abandoning their prophetic mandate to speak truth to power in exchange for government patronage.

“Those who are to fight have dropped their weapons,” he lamented. “We have Christians leaders who cannot speak truth to power; Christians who are compromising, collecting money from government and cannot criticize them because they are building large congregations.”

Warning of grave consequences if the status quo persists, Bishop Asaju stressed that church leaders are failing the ordinary members who look up to them for leadership and direction. He called for a spiritual and moral awakening, urging the Church to “cure herself” so it can produce radical believers capable of spearheading positive national change.

Beyond the remarkable level of orderliness I observed within the denomination, one of the most touching highlights of the occasion for me was hearing warm and beautiful comments about my late dad and mum from The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria.

He spoke about how Papa Tai, Mama Sheila and the Mayflower community came to the aid of him and his family during and after the Nigerian Civil War. These were things I had never known before, and learning about them brought immense joy to my heart.

I would also like to sincerely appreciate The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba and the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, for the warmth, hospitality and honour extended to me throughout the occasion.

I am grateful to the Church for creating such an atmosphere of orderliness, fellowship and genuine Christian love, which made the experience truly memorable for me.

Mark Antony said in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar that the good deeds of men are forgotten and buried with them. That, however, is not the case with Oga Taṣẹrẹ, whose humanitarian deeds continue to live on and resonate across generations.

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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.