Ika Diocese was agog on Friday 20th August, 2021 following the visit of The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion.
The visit witnessed the dedication of six gigantic projects to mark the beginning of the celebrations of the 20th Inauguration Anniversary of Ika Diocese.
The projects are;
(1) Ecclesia Plaza at the Bishopscourt in Agbor – It houses the Ecclesia Wafer Factory, Ecclesia Garment Industry, Ecclesia Press, Ecclesia Bakery, Diocesan Women Shop, Offices, and Halls. (2) The Chapel Of Grace At The University Of Delta Agbor. (3) Diocesan Retreat Centre At Owa- Oyibo (4) Ika Queens Academy Building Boji Boji Owa – A sixteen Classroom Block. (5) Ecclesia Water Factory and (6) Ascension Hall – A Multi-Purpose Event Hall at The Cathedral Church of Ascension Premises.
In his word, the Bishop of Ika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi said, “We have invited you here today to join us to thank God for His goodness to us as a diocese and to help us dedicate these projects which God has by His grace enabled us to execute in the last two years. The foundation stones of most of the projects were laid on 26th January this year to mark my birthday. I thank God for giving us speed to actualize them. We have also planted 20 new churches within the last two and half years. God has blessed Ika Land. Please continue to pray us. We thank you for honouring our invitation.”
In the Primates entourage were, his wife Mrs. Angela Ndukuba (Mama Nigeria), Archbishop Buba Lamido (Dean of the Church of Nigeria), Archbishop Emmanuel O. Chukwuma, OON, Bishops Peter Imasuen, Christian Ide, John Aruakpor, David Obiosa, Justus N. Mogekwu, Jolly Oyekpen, Felix Olorunfemi and Bishop Victor of Western Izon Diocese. Other dignitaries that witnessed the occasion are, the immediate past Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, The Most Rev. N. D. Okoh and his wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh, His Excellecy, Sen. Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Dame Evang. Edith Okowa who powered the building of the Retreat Centre, HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeozormor II and his principal chiefs, Prof. (Mrs.) Stella Chiemeke, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta and the Principal Officers, Dame Dr. (Mrs) Florence Omumu, the acting Provost of College of Education Agbor, Barr. (Mrs.) Christine Okubor, the Chancellor of Ika Diocese and other diocesan officials, a cream of clergy from within and outside the diocese.
The Primate thanked God and congratulated Bishop Ekpenisi for the marvellous works visible for all to see in Ika Diocese. Quoting from Matthew 25, the Primate admonished the bishop, clergy and laity to continue to build legacies that would draw people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Source of life. In his words, “While we build physical structures, we must understand that the real church is not the buildings but the people. We must make effort to ensure that we build human lives for the kingdom of God.” He prayed for the presence of God upon the ministry of Bishop Ekpenisi, the government of Delta State, the Obi of Owa and the entire Ika land.
Highlight of the occasion was the Primates courtesy call on the Palace of the Obi of Owa, HRM, (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor II OON, the Chairman of Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers. The programme ended with thanksgiving service at The Cathedral Church of Ascencion, Boji Boji, Owa. To God be the glory.
BY JONATHAN ADUDU
