In a monumental service witnessed by sons and daughters of Isoko land, the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, officially inaugurated the Diocese of Ozoro as its 170th Diocese.
The landmark event was presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Ozoro.
The inauguration follows the creation of Ozoro Diocese as a full-fledged entity from the existing Oleh Diocese, approved as part of 15 new dioceses during the Church’s Standing Committee meeting in Ekiti in September 2025.
The service, which began at 9:00 AM, included a grand procession of clergy, bishops, archbishops, and Church officials. After all processes and documentation were executed, Primate Ndukuba declared the diocese inaugurated and urged the congregation to pray for the pioneer Bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Benjamin Idume, and his wife, asking for the grace needed to carry the significant workload.
The deeply spiritual sermon was delivered by The Most Rev’d Dr. Joseph Akinfenwa, Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, who focused on the foundational role of the bishop in a new diocese.
Archbishop Akinfenwa praised Bishop Idume for his dedication and strong ministerial record. He stressed that the creation of new dioceses is not about “ego mechanics or machines” but about reaching into more spaces across the country with the Gospel of Christ, emphasizing the simple goal of winning more souls.
He highlighted that the establishment of Ozoro Diocese is expected to fast-track development in Isoko land across spiritual, educational, and health sectors.
The Archbishop laid out specific expectations for the new Bishop, which included:
- A Life of Sacrifice: The Bishop was cautioned not to be a “traveling and township bishop” but to embrace sacrifice, as “he cannot raise children in absentia.”
- Prioritizing Spiritual Development: He must promote prayer, diligent study of the Word, and effective discipleship to foster the spiritual growth of the people.
- Holistic Investment: The Bishop and his wife must have a burden to carry the diocese from the ground up through strategic investment, promoting quality education, investing in the youth to reap quality manpower, and cultivating the development of the people.
- Paternal Leadership: Bishop Idume was urged not to be an isolated leader but to be consistently present, providing a hospitable, loving, charitable, and welcoming father and mother figure for the diocese.
Following the message, representatives of the nine Archdeaconries carved out for the new diocese including Ozoro, Ashaka, Ellu, Ofagbe, Okpe-isoko, and Iyede-Ame, as well as the three associated Chapels, presented their petition to the Primate.
After the acceptance of the petition and the execution of the deeds of relinquishment and acceptance, Primate Ndukuba officially inaugurated the Diocese of Ozoro. The Rt. Rev. John Aruakpor, the relinquishing diocesan, thereafter formally moved out with his staff of office, symbolizing the transfer of jurisdiction.
The service, conducted by The Most Rev’d Dr. Cyril Odutemu, Archbishop of Bendel, was attended by over 30 bishops and archbishops, along with representatives from the Delta State government, Church officials, and captains of industries.
