The Diocese of Omoku carved out of Ahoada Diocese in Rivers State has been officially inaugurated by His Grace, the Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba in a colourful ceremony marked by worship, prayers, and a strong call for commitment to God among members and its leadership.
This historic moment which happened on Friday 5th of December 2025 took the Omoku people to the Cathedral Church of St. Michael, Omoku with their mouth full of praise and thanks to God for a time like this in their life time.
The inauguration brought together a large gathering of clergy, traditional rulers, government representatives, and parishioners from across the state, all united in celebration, prayers, and thanksgiving to God.
The service which started by 2:30pm featured a procession by the choir, lay readers, priests, wardens, legal officers, Bishops and Archbishops, Registrar and General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, the Dean and the Primate.
The only lesson for this service was taken from the book of 1 Corinthians 3: 10 – 17.
The inauguration sermon was delivered by The Most Rev’d Dr. Emmanuel Egbunu, Bishop of Lokoja Diocese, who congratulated the pioneer Bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Richard Okpara, and his wife, acknowledging the lengthy, intricate process of prayer, meetings, and sacrifice that led to the inauguration.
Focusing on God’s Mandate and Agenda, Archbishop Egbunu based his message on the text from John 1:6-7: “A man sent from God.”
He contrasted the phrase “sent from God” with the common notion of angels being sent (Luke 1), and the ultimate example of Jesus being sent (John 4:9). He emphasized the nature of God choosing to use frail, imperfect, mere human vessels to do His work.
He drew attention to John the Baptist’s ministry as a model for the newly inaugurated diocese, especially as the Church Calendar was in the season of Advent (Preparing the way for the Lord).
The Archbishop stressed that the work of the new diocese is meant to be a kingdom partnership between the Bishop and the entire congregation. Together, they are all expected to “prepare the way for the Lord.” He said anyone claiming to be sent by God, including the new Bishop and the people, must be duty-bound to receive and strictly follow God’s agenda. Citing Jesus’ commitment in John 4:34, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to accomplish and finish his work”, the Archbishop cautioned against measuring success by what happens in other dioceses.
He urged Bishop Okpara: “You must keep your eyes on God’s agenda and finish it.” He urged the leadership to consider what Heaven’s commentary would be when they leave the stage, praying that it would be recorded that someone was “sent from God to build this diocese.”
While acknowledging that a lot of money is needed to run a diocese, the Bishop stated plainly: “We need God more than the money.” He lamented that money is often becoming the “defining point” for churches rather than spirituality. He warned that while money solves problems, it can also create them, particularly if the people are not properly discipled. If money is made with undisciplined people, they may use it to create trouble, squander it, or even destroy the Church. Discipleship must always remain at the front burner.
Archbishop Emmanuel concluded by emphasizing that the most powerful sermon delivered by the Bishop, the clergy, and the people is their integrity. Referencing John the Baptist, about whom people said, “John did no sign but everything he said about this man was true” (John 10:41),
Bishop Egbunu prayed that the Bishop would lead his people to live such credible lives that it would be said of them: “You lived what you preached,” even if they did not perform spectacular acts.
Thereafter the message, the representatives of the various archdeaconries being carved out as a diocese namely; Omoku, Igburu, Egi Archdeaconries, and other Deanries presented their petition to create the diocese of Omoku before the Primate who accepted the petition and called for the deeds (relinquishment and acceptance) to be read and executed.
The primate thereafter inaugurated the Diocese of Omoku as a full-fledged Diocese with a great applause from the congregation and lead the prayers for the new diocese and the bishop and the people of Omoku. Thereafter, the relinquishing diocesan, the Rt. Rev’d Harson Benard processed out with his crozier as a ceremonial signing out of his authority over the said area.
The service was conducted by the Bishop of Ohaji-Egbema Diocese, The Rt Rev’d Dr. Chidi Oparaojiaku and attended by bishops and Archbishops of the Church, clergymen from various dioceses, Church of Nigeria officials among other dignitaries.
Omoku Diocese was created from Ahoada Diocese as part of the 15 newly created dioceses in the Church of Nigeria at its last Standing committee meeting held at Ekiti Diocese in September as part of the effort of the Church to reach more areas of the country with the gospel of Christ.
Immediately after the inaugural service, the enthronement service commenced.
Earlier, the Primate and his wife, bishops, priests and other church officials were received in his palace by His Eminence,
Barr. Dr. Nwachukwu Nnam Obuoha Obi 111, Oba(Eze-Ogba) of Ogbaland who is also a devoted member of the new diocese.
The establishment of the Diocese of Omoku is expected to strengthen Christian ministry, foster unity among churches, and expand evangelism and community outreach across the region.
