Interviewer: Good evening, My lord. Please, can we meet you, Sir?
Bishop Atere: Thank you. My name is Bishop Johnson Akin Atere, the Lord Bishop of the Diocese of Awori.
Interviewer: Thank you, My lord. We would like you to share your experience with us as the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese of Awori.
Bishop Atere: Okay. The diocese was inaugurated on May 29, 2008, and by God’s mercy, having been elected the pioneer Bishop, I was enthroned the same day. When I arrived, there were only eight churches, and just two were viable: the Cathedral and St. Timothy’s Church. We were established as a missionary diocese. My focus from the beginning was church planting.
The early days were challenging. I met five priests, but within three months, two returned to their former dioceses, leaving myself and only three others to continue the work. Still, we pressed on.
We started from a rented apartment used as the Bishop’s court and gradually began planting churches.
I am grateful to God for my time in Lagos, as the goodwill I gained from there helped us make remarkable progress in the Awori Diocese. The diocese was in a community deeply influenced by traditional worship and shrines, which made the work difficult and often felt like a spiritual battle. But by God’s grace, we prevailed, and many of those shrines were eventually removed.
Looking back, I thank God for His help. Step by step, we strengthened the Church and expanded our reach. Today, the diocese has grown significantly, with churches and members spread across many areas in the Awori environs.
Interviewer: To God be the glory. My lord, we would like to know: what are you going to miss about your episcopal journey?
Bishop Atere: Hmm, a lot! You know, when you are a bishop, whether you like it or not, people are always around you. Rest is rare. People come looking for help, for guidance, and for solutions to their challenges. And honestly, I enjoy it. I love people, and I find joy in helping them through their problems.
When I retire, that level of engagement will naturally reduce. If I used to see maybe eight people early in the morning, I may now see just one. That is probably what I will miss the most. Still, I am grateful that I am not going to settle far from where I served. I am remaining within the same environment, and I believe that those who care about me will still reach out. By God’s grace, I plan to start a prayer ministry because prayer is very close to my heart. I hope to do this from my own home, simply helping people to wait on God in prayer. That is my desire.
Interviewer: We are very grateful for your time, sir. Thank you very much, and we wish you a happy retirement.
Bishop Atere: Amen. Amen. Thank you very much. God bless.
Bishop Johnson Akin Atere was born in 1956 in Akoko South-West, Ondo State. He trained then worked as a teacher before entering Immanuel College of Theology, Ibadan in 1985. He was ordained in 1988. He served at Lagos, Ilasamaja and Sango-Ota and Surulere. He was preferred canon in 1999, and archdeacon in 2002. He was senior lecturer in Old Testament studies at the Archbishop Vining College of Theology until his consecration on 12 January 2009. He has a Ph.D. from Lagos State University.
