HOUSTON, TEXAS, April 12, 2026 — The Church of Nigeria North America Mission (CONNAM) on Sunday held a solemn Investiture of Knights at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Houston, Texas, in a service that highlighted the Church’s enduring emphasis on Christian service, faithful witness, and commitment to the Gospel.
The investiture which is the first of its kind in CONNAM was broadcasted live by ACNN TV, drawing clergy, worshippers, family members, friends and guests from far and near for a service marked by reverence, liturgical order, and a strong sense of spiritual purpose for 53 noble men and women in God’s vineyard.
The investiture which was presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba ably represented by the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Blessing Enyindah underscored the Anglican understanding of knighthood as a sacred responsibility rather than a ceremonial distinction.
In his message titled “What is in your Hand” to the congregation, Archbishop Enyindah encouraged those admitted into the order to uphold the Christian faith, support the mission of the Church, and demonstrate integrity, humility, and service in both ecclesiastical and public life.
He noted that the title, the swrod and the regalia are not to be used to brag or intimidate people but are tools to preach the gospel, to perform the Kingdom tasks. He added that according to Roman 10:13-15 the tasks of preaching the gospel of peace, mission and evangelism are critical part of the work of a knight.
Dr. Enyindah urged those honored are expected to serve as examples of integrity, sacrificial leadership, and active Christian witness in their communities by going, supporting, praying and be part of defending the Church.
CONNAM serves as the Church of Nigeria’s missionary body in North America, providing spiritual oversight and ministry support to Anglican congregations in the United States and Canada. Its work is focused on evangelism, church planting, discipleship, and the preservation of Anglican liturgical heritage among worshippers in the diaspora.
The investiture ceremony therefore stood not only as a recognition of individuals admitted into the order of knighthood, but also as a broader reaffirmation of CONNAM’s vision for mission and ministry in North America. In a religious environment where titles can easily be reduced to symbols of prestige, the service presented knighthood as a call to deeper sacrifice, loyalty to Christ, and devoted service to the Church.
The service also featured the recognition of the CONNAM’s Knight chaplain, The Venerable David Nwanekpe for his dedication, exceptional teaching and planning of the 2026 investiture with an award from the new knights.
In an era where institutions increasingly seek role models of honor and responsibility, the celebration of knighthood sends a powerful message about service anchored in faith.
Present at the service are the Rt. Rev. Dr. Augustine Unuigbe who is the CONNAM coordinating Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Martyn Anagbogu, the Rt. Rev. Celestine Ironna, Olumuyiwa Shobo Esq who is the CONNAM Chancellor, Sir Okey Dike, the Deputy Chancellor, Henry C. Nwabugwu Esq., the CONNAM Registrar, The Venerable Chukwuma Ubadinobi, the Host Rector, among others.
Far from being merely ceremonial, the investiture represents a public recognition of steadfast dedication to the Church and society. The service also served as a reminder of the Church’s emphasis on raising men and women who will not only uphold spiritual values, but also contribute meaningfully to social development, peace, mission and charitable outreach.
