A magnificent new Cathedral of Christ, Ezihe, Imo State was dedicated last week Saturday, 10th April, 2021 by the Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
Preaching at the service from 1Chron. 29:1-5, where David outlined his preparation and provisions for the building of the Temple and then called for who is willing to consecrate himself to the Lord, the Primate said that consecrated lives are worth more than material provision and what money can buy or do in the church. He noted that the church is people and when the people are no longer there, the building will cease to exist or its purpose is changed. But when the people are there, church will still be on, even when the building is destroyed or closed. He therefore called on the people to consecrate their lives to God like David, who though desired to build the temple, in obedience to God, heartily yielded it to his son Solomon and further made every necessary arrangement and provision to make him succeed as the house belonged to God. Today, some, just to make name for themselves, will either insist on the building (whether it is accepted or not) or hinder the work.
The Anglican head noted that a lot went into the erection of the edifice and greatly appreciated the people, but urged them not to seek for their ego to be massaged because of their contributions. “Brethren, this is house of God. This is house of prayer. No person should seek special recognition. What is needed today is obedience to God which can only be when life is surrendered to God. People hear and obey different voices. Whom you submit to is your master. I pray that we learn to submit to God. That is the beginning of our consecration” he said.
The dedicated Cathedral is for the Diocese of Isi Mbano. Isi Mbano was originally, Okigwe North Diocese with the Rt Rev. A.I. S. Nwaizuzu as the bishop and the Cathedral at St Barnabas Okigwe. But, after the Diocese of Okigwe, with the Cathedral at St Barnabas Okigwe, was created out of the Diocese of Okigwe North in 2008, the Okigwe North Diocese, started using Christ Church Ezihe, Isi Mbano L.G.A. as her Cathedral in 2009 and subsequently changed her name to the Diocese of Isi Mbano in 2013 under bishopric of The Rt Rev. Dr Godson Ukanwa. Following a felt need for an ultramodern Cathedral for the diocese by Bishop Ukanwa, Foundation Stone of a new Cathedral was laid on 19th March, 2016 by Archbishop Caleb Anaezionwuonyeogaegbu Maduoma, which is now completed and dedicated by Primate Henry Ndukuba of All Nigera.
Awards were given to some members and friends who made significant contributions to the Cathedral and the diocese, including the Bishop on the Niger, the Rt Rev. Dr Owen Nwokolo.
By Princewill Ireoba
