Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, 10 other Bishops, as well as clergy of the Diocese of Abuja, last Sunday, dedicated a new magnificent church building for the first Anglican Church in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and mother of all other Anglican Churches in Abuja – All Saints Church Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.
Primate Ndukuba, who is also the Bishop of Abuja, described All Saints Church as “the cradle of the diocese and by its membership, a microcosm of the nation.” He commended the church members for their commitment and dedication to God’s work, saying, “Where you spend shows your priority. You chose to honour God in spite of the challenges of the time.”
While praying for the people, Primate Ndukuba urged them to regard everything done or given as a sacrifice to God and go further to serve Him by evangelism.
“This is not a monument, but a springboard for reaching out,” he said.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the head of the Anglican Church admonished the people to remain steadfast in difficulties. He urged Nigerian leaders to do the right thing.
He said: “We have security, economic and other challenges confronting us. But we want to encourage everybody because the church is also part of society. We are not separate from what is happening around us. If anything, we are also suffering. But we want to encourage everybody not to give up because God has not given upon us. We are trusting God that Nigeria will rise again…. We call on politicians, religious and traditional leaders to do the right thing.”
The former Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Peter Akinola, delivered a goodwill message through the Bishop of Kubwa, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Duke Akamisoko, expressed delight that All Saints Church ‘has a milestone’ in his life. Aside being the Church’s first pastor and pioneer Bishop of the Diocese, with the Church as the Cathedral, Akinola said, “It was in All Saints that I was elected as Bishop, Archbishop and subsequently Primate.”
Advising the Church to uphold its founding vision, which is expressed in its name, Akinola said: “It is not by mistake that in 1983 when the church was founded, it was given the name ‘All Saints’. The name was chosen to make the church available to all and accommodate all groups, tribes, gender and status. We pray that this vision is upheld, sustained and cherished because that is the beauty of All Saints Church.”
The immediate past Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, who was present at the event with his wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh, commended the Church for accomplishing the gigantic project without disagreements and quarrels. He counseled them to continue building men, as the physical building is only one side of the project.
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, who was also present at the service, applauded the Primate and the Church on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari. He said the dedication to the physical building is a reminder of the need for the building of the spiritual church. He noted that the celebration is not just about the dedication of a majestic building, but also of honouring God.
Highlighting the relevance of church and the need for building churches, Osibanjo said: “The Church is a place to deliver people from fear, oppression and eternal damnation; a place of succour, joy and encouragement. We must continue to build churches.”
The Primate and Bishop Duke Akamisoko prayed for the Vice President and the SGF, Boss Mustapha and the nation.
Other dignitaries in attendance were Samuel Eze of Ukwa, Johnson Onuoha of Arochukwu/Ohafia; Paul Zamani of Kwoi, Festus Davies of Ogori/Magongo; Michael Oluwarohumbi of Yewa; Moses Tabwaye of Gwagwalada; Emmanuel Adekola of Igbomina and Cletus Ajigben of Gombe; among others.
By Princewill Ireoba