The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Dr Henry Ndukuba and his wife, Mama Angela Ndukuba hosted some Press men to a Christmas Media Parley and Dinner on Sunday 24th December 2023 at the Episcopal House Wuye, Abuja.
The Primate who delivered his Christmas message on the topic; The Gift of God that Changes the World from the book of John 3:16-17 noted that God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.
Primate Ndukuba noted that the year 2023 Christmas celebration is being done in a time of great stress, both in our nation Nigeria and the world.
He opined that religious leadership, both Christians and Muslims, have not fared better because we can see the commercialization of religion, the exploitation of religion for political and selfish gains, which has resulted in the weaponization of religious identity.
He however assured that God has declared that because of Him, we shall not be consumed. And because of His selflessness and mercy, he will preserve us, the gift of God to a dying world.
Archbishop Henry admonished Christians that the reason for this Christmas can change their eternal destiny, if Christians put their faith and hope in Him, “if we look up to Him and believe and trust in Him and surrender our lives to Him. Salvation is assured to us”.
He spoke on several issues as raised by the press men who were present at the Parley urging political leaders to show concern about the plight and the hardship of the common man.
The Primate of All Nigeria, (Anglican Communion) also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inspire hope in young Nigerians and create opportunities for the young people to thrive.
He described Christmas as a season of joy, love and care for one another and urged those in authority to show concern about the plight of the common man in the country.
On his assessment of the security situation of the country, Ndukuba said, “I don’t think there has been any change in the security situation of the country , if there is anything, it has deteriorated. The kidnappings are still going on but we appreciate the efforts of the government security agencies to remedy the situation. The situation of Nigeria is not irredeemable, there is still hope that things will be better”. Our youths are seeing the flamboyance being displayed by our legislators, this nation is endemically corrupt that it will take years to salvage the situation.
Some people are benefiting from the ongoing insecurity in the country. Corruption must be dealt with””.
Archbishop Ndukuba observed that :We have hope in the new government and there is hope that as we step into the new year, things will get better for our nation having presented the 2024 budget”.
He also urged the federal Government to address the exploitation of our mineral resources especially by the Chinese stressing that what the Chinese nationals are doing in Nigeria cannot be done in their own country.
In attendance were the Registrar of the Church of Nigeria, Mrs Kehinde Ajoni, the Sub-dean of the Abuja Diocese, Venerable Ehpraim Akanya, Dignitaries of Abuja Diocese, Communication Officer of the Church of Nigeria, Abuja Diocese communicator and representatives of over 12 media houses including the ACNNTV among others.
Korede Akintunde
CoN Communication Officer
Enquiries: Communication@anglican-nig.org
