The South-Eastern region of Nigeria is poised for an extraordinary event as Onitsha, Anambra State, prepares to host the celebration of the 160th anniversary of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther’s consecration as Africa’s first bishop. Scheduled from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Anglican Diocese on the Niger has meticulously arranged festivities at the All Saints’ Cathedral, Onitsha, promising an atmosphere of jubilation and festivity.
This milestone not only marks the 160th anniversary of Bishop Crowther’s historic consecration in 1864 but also commemorates the establishment of the Diocese on the Niger during the same year. The city of Onitsha, particularly around the All Saints’ Cathedral area including Awka Road, Ozalla Road, and adjacent streets, has been transformed with vibrant decorations adorning walls and lawns, adorned with colorful posters announcing the anniversary.
According to Ven Dr. Ikechukwu Ihemtuge, Chairman of the Anniversary Planning Committee, the event is expected to draw numerous dignitaries from across Anambra State and beyond. Key figures such as Archbishop, Metropolitan, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev Dr. Henry Ndukuba, Rt Rev Prof. Dapo Asaju, Prof. Kanayo Nwadialo, Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, alongside archbishops, bishops, traditional rulers, and politicians are anticipated to grace the occasion.
The celebration’s highlights include a courtesy visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, and a novelty football match on the opening day. Saturday will feature a memorial lecture with addresses from Rt Rev Prof. Asaju and Assoc. Prof. Nwadialo, culminating in the unveiling of Bishop Crowther’s statue by the Primate himself. The festivities will conclude on Sunday with a thanksgiving church service followed by captivating shows and dramatic performances that reminisce about the advent of Christianity in Igboland.
It’s worth noting that Christianity entered Igboland through Onitsha on July 27, 1857, under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society (CMS) led by Samuel Ajayi Crowther, spreading across the region east of the Niger. The upcoming celebration not only honors Bishop Crowther’s legacy but also reflects on the profound impact of Christianity in shaping the cultural and spiritual landscape of the region.
