Speaking on the theme of the meeting, he called the Church to holiness, repentance, obedience, and renewal, urging Christians to uphold the prophetic voice of the Church and strengthen biblical foundations for marriage and family life.

The Primate emphasized that the Church must rediscover the beauty of holiness and the power of sacrificial witness in today’s broken world. He reminded the congregation that the mission of the Church extends beyond worship to being a light and a voice of truth, compassion, and justice in the nation. 

The theme of the meeting, “The Sanctity of the Church: Contending for the Integrity of the Christian Faith and Witness in the World” taken from Ephesians 5:25-27 and Joshua 7:10-26 was anchored on key essentials such as submission to God, holiness, purity, love, unity, respect, nurturing, and thanksgiving.

Addressing both church and national concerns, he spoke about the proposed creation of five new full-fledged dioceses and ten missionary dioceses, while also drawing attention to pressing national challenges. 

He lamented insecurity, economic hardship, corruption, and moral decline but reassured the Church that God has not abandoned His people. He urged Christians to remain steadfast, to call leaders to accountability, and to work with government for the good of society.

On education, he highlighted progress in the establishment of the Anglican University of Technology, Kwaita, Abuja. He reported that work had resumed on the site and expressed confidence that the National Universities Commission would soon begin inspection.

The Primate also called for renewed focus on mission and evangelism, describing them as the heartbeat of the Anglican Church. He encouraged dioceses to expand church planting, discipleship, and outreach, especially to unreached communities. 

He restated his vision of a Church that is Bible-based, Spirit-filled, united, disciplined, self-supporting, committed to evangelism and social welfare, and a true witness of Christ’s love.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, commended the Anglican Communion for its role in shaping moral values and national development.

The Archbishop of Ondo Province, the Most Rev’d Simeon Borokini, thanked the Primate for choosing Ekiti Diocese as host and commended the Diocese for its hospitality. He reminded the Church of her prophetic duty in a world facing shifting values.

The Host Bishop, the Rt. Rev’d Andrew Olushola Ajayi, expressed gratitude to God and to the Primate for bringing the meeting to Ekiti. He welcomed the Primate and his wife warmly, noting Ekiti’s historical role as a cradle of faith and scholarship.

One of the major outcomes of the meeting was the launch of the Church of Nigeria Health Scheme, designed to ensure the welfare of clergy, laity, and the community where the Church serves. Delegates responded generously in support of the initiative.

The Primatial Address was formally launched by the governor and supported by the Archbishops of the Provinces of the Church and the laity of the Diocese of Ekiti who endorsed it as a guiding document for the mission and witness of the Church in the years ahead.

The session concluded with official photographs featuring the Primate, the Governor, traditional rulers, Archbishops and Bishops, the women and laity. This symbolic moment reflected the unity of Church, State, and culture.

The session reaffirmed the Anglican Church’s place as a voice of hope and partner in governance, while strengthening the spiritual foundation of its members. 

The opening atmosphere was marked by color, jubilation, and an overwhelming sense of spiritual unity.

At the entrance of the grounds, the women of the Diocese, elegantly robed in radiant purple attire, welcomed delegates with melodious traditional songs. Their harmonious voices and graceful dance steps filled the air, offering more than mere entertainment—a profound expression of cultural pride and spiritual devotion.

The entire arena reverberated with joy as delegates, clergy, and laity exchanged warm greetings. Smiles, laughter, and hearty conversations reflected the long-standing spirit of fellowship and unity that defines the Anglican Communion. 

The vibrant blend of traditional music, colorful displays, and the contagious excitement of the people transformed the gathering into a festival of faith, culture, and community.

Observers noted that the occasion transcended the bounds of a formal church meeting. It was not only an administrative convocation but also a living celebration of shared faith and cultural identity, leaving an indelible mark on all who were present.

The registration of delegates commenced on a bright and promising note, marking the formal start of this historic ecclesiastical convocation.

From the early hours of the day, the registration grounds at the Cathedral Hall in Ado-Ekiti were a beehive of activity as delegates from across the 14 ecclesiastical provinces of the Church of Nigeria arrived in steady numbers. The registration team, composed of well-trained and dedicated officials, was fully present to welcome participants with warmth and efficiency. 

Their cheerful disposition and meticulous coordination ensured that every delegate was received promptly and attended to with courtesy.

Delegates expressed satisfaction with the process, noting the seamless system established by the host Diocese.

The cooperation of participants further enhanced the atmosphere of joy and fellowship, as old friends and colleagues reunited with hearty embraces and lively conversations at the registration desk.

As more delegates continue to arrive for the week-long meeting, the Diocese has assured that adequate preparations have been made to ensure a smooth registration flow. Provisions for hospitality, guidance, and logistical support remain firmly in place, underscoring the Diocese’s commitment to hosting the Church with excellence.

The Diocese of Ekiti, under the spiritual leadership of the Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olusola Ajayi, Bishop of Ekiti, and Mrs. Abimbola Ajayi, affectionately known as ‘Mama Ekiti’, has expressed profound delight in receiving the Standing Committee. The Diocese regards the hosting of this august assembly as both a sacred privilege and a testimony of divine grace.

The successful commencement of registration has set a positive tone for the entire meeting, which is expected to combine deep spiritual reflection, administrative deliberation, and vibrant fellowship. Truly, Ekiti has welcomed the Church of Nigeria with open arms for this second edition of the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting.

See photos below:

Located on the serene banks of the River Orójùdâ at Òkè Orí Omi, the center was officially consecrated by His Grace, The Most Revd. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

During the ceremony, the Primate drew from the story of the alabaster woman in Matthew 26:7 to inspire the large crowd on the importance of sacrifice and selfless service. 

He praised the monumental efforts of the Èkìtì Diocesan women, led by their president, Mrs. Abímbólá Bólárìnwá Àjàyí, also known as Màmá Èkìtì. He described their dedication to building the center as a timeless act of giving that will support the church’s mission for generations. 

He called the center “a masterpiece of faith and stewardship,” highlighting the vision, prudence, and resilience of the women’s organization.

The Rt. Revd. Dr. Andrew Olúsolá and Mama Abímbólá were also recognized for their steadfast leadership of the Diocese. 

The celebration, held at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel City, Òkèsá, Adó Èkìtì, was filled with music and dancing as archbishops, bishops, clergy, and their spouses came together to express their gratitude.

The newly opened Olúwasìndárà Events Centre is more than a building; it is a powerful symbol of the Èkìtì women’s sacrificial devotion and communal strength. 

It stands as a testament to the lasting impact of women within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

See photos below;

The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, is set to commence its Standing Committee Meeting, an arm of its highest governing body (The General Synod), hosted this time by the Diocese of Ekiti in Ekiti State.

The first Standing Committee meeting for the year 2025 was held in the Diocese of Niger Delta, Rivers State early this year. 

This second edition of the meeting will take place at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado Ekiti, from today Monday, September 15th, to Friday, September 19th, 2025.

The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, will deliver a national address during the formal opening ceremony on Wednesday, September 17th, 2024, at 10:00 AM (WAT).

The theme for this edition is “The Sanctity of the Church: Contending for the Integrity of the Christian Faith and Witness in the World,” drawn from Ephesians 5:25-27 and Joshua 7:10-26.

A highlight of this Standing Committee Meeting will be the consecration of two Bishops-elect (Osun North East and Ilesa South West Dioceses) and the presentation of two elected Archbishops (Bendel and Jos Provinces) on Tuesday, September 16th, at 8:00 AM (WAT).

Various departments and groups within the Church of Nigeria will present their reports during the meeting. 

Delegates from all 161 dioceses, institutions of the Church of Nigeria, and select partner organizations are expected to attend.

His Excellency, Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti State, along with other dignitaries, is expected to grace the official opening ceremony on Wednesday.

The Diocese of Ekiti, under the lordship of the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Andrew Ajayi, has made all necessary preparations for the successful hosting of this significant Church meeting.

The Standing Committee serves as an arm of the General Synod, which is the highest decision-making body of the Church. While the General Synod meets once every three years, the Standing Committee convenes twice annually to govern the Church during the interim.

The Official Opening Ceremony, Holy Communion Service, and Consecration Service will be broadcast live on Advent Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN TV) and across social media platforms.

Attendance to the meeting is strictly by invitation, and delegates are urged to adhere to the guidelines provided by the host Diocese.

Signed

Korede Akintunde


CoN Communications Officer


Email: communication@anglican-nig.org
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4/09/2025