Anchored on the theme “Suffering as a Cleansed Vessel of Christ,” the devotional study was presented by the Bishop of Kebbi Diocese, the Most Rev’d Edmund Akanya.

The session opened with a compelling illustration of Ade, a newly recruited security office confronted by a violent robbery on his first deployment, Ade was tempted to flee but stood his ground, remembering that his badge symbolised not just honour, but sacrifice. This narrative set the tone for the study of 2 Timothy 2:8–13, inviting participants to reflect on how suffering often serves as a mark of genuine belonging in Christ.

The study emphasised Paul’s exhortation to remember Jesus Christ’s resurrection and lineage as the foundation of hope. It contrasted Paul’s imprisonment with the unhindered power of the Word of God, highlighting that while servants may be bound, the Gospel remains free. A deeply moving testimony was shared regarding a priest killed during missionary work. Remarkably, his widow later expressed a desire to return to the same community to continue the mission, having forgiven those responsible—a powerful witness to faith and the redemptive purpose of suffering.

Later in the day, in a session titled “Sent by God: Fulfilling Your Mission,” Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, The Rt. Rev. Aloysius Agbo charged the bishops to prioritise discipleship, warning that the Gospel must be deliberately translated to the next generation of ministers.

Bishop Agbo recommended that a compulsory period of “Spiritual Formation” be institutionalised in theological colleges for all ordination candidates. He further made a passionate plea to the Primate to ensure that the discipline of priests is strictly upheld for the future preservation of the Church.

The retreat also received a report from the planning committee for the upcoming GAFCON G26 conference holding in Abuja from March 3-6. The committee requested the assistance of all present to mobilise human and financial resources and to act as ambassadors for the conference. The Primate appreciated the committee for a job well done and invited the Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Bishop Oni, to pray for the committee and the success of the conference.

The service was presided over by the Primate of the Church, The Most Rev’d Henry C. Ndukuba, and saw the attendance of over 100 bishops and archbishops, alongside other distinguished guests, including The Most Revd Dr Laurent Mbanda, Primate of the Anglican Church of Rwanda and GAFCON Chairman.

The consecration service featured a stirring sermon by The Most Rev’d Edmund Akanya, Bishop of Kebbi Diocese, who drew his message from Matthew 5:13–16. He urged the newly consecrated bishops to be “beacons of light” and guardians of their spiritual relevance.

He reminded them of the need to maintain their spiritual integrity. “Guard your spiritual relevance. Do not allow money, sexual temptation, or the influence of powerful people to compromise your calling or diminish your authority. Let your life shine boldly for Christ, standing for truth, purity, humility, love, and holiness.”

He expounded on their mandate using the metaphors of Salt and Light:

 1.⁠ ⁠Salt as Influence: Bishops are sent to influence their environment positively and restore the Church to the Gospel.

 2.⁠ ⁠Salt as Healing: They are called to bring healing and unity within the body of Christ.

 3.⁠ ⁠Steadfastness: They must preach and defend the Gospel without compromising for material gain or influence.

 4.⁠ ⁠Light as Witness: The Bishops must shine the light of Christ, dispelling darkness wherever they serve (John 1:5; John 14:12).

He concluded by urging them to “work out their salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:13).

The Primate, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba charged the new bishops to embody the true spirit of shepherding, following Christ, the ‘Chief Shepherd.’ His message was a clear call to compassionate leadership:

“Be a shepherd and not a wolf. Feed the flock and do not devour them. Seek the lost, uphold the weak, restore health to the sick, lift the downtrodden, ensure discipline but forget not mercy.”

The solemn service began at 9:00 a.m. with a grand and colourful procession. The entrance featured three distinct movements.

The first procession featured the Crucifer I, the choir, lay readers, and clergy, as the congregation joyfully sang “Sing Alleluia Forth in Duteous Praise.”

The second procession followed, comprising Crucifer II, Canons, Archdeacons, Provosts, Chancellors, Registrars, and other legal luminaries of various dioceses, along with the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria.

Then came the Primatial Procession, which included Crucifer III, the Bishops-Elect each attended by their chaplains, the Bishops of the Church, the Registrar, Chancellor of the Church of Nigeria, Provincial Archbishops, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, the Consecration Service Preacher, and finally, the Primate, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry C. Ndukuba, attended by his chaplains.

During the procession, hymns such as “Sing Alleluia Forth in Duteous Praise,” “Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise,” and “The Church’s One Foundation” were rendered, giving the ceremony a solemn and liturgical atmosphere. The Benedicite Omnia Opera (Traditional) was also beautifully sung.

The 15 bishops are The Rt. Rev. Samuel Ogunmiluyi, The Rt. Rev. Francis Bankole, The Rt. Rev. Boma Briggs, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Adewole Ajayi, The Rt. Rev. Richard N. Okpara, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Benjamin Idume, The Rt. Rev. Bode Otenaike, The Rt. Rev. David Michson, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Paul Dajur, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Luka B. Allu, The Rt. Rev. Ifeanyi Akunna, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Familoni, and The Rt. Rev. Solomon Adewumi, The Rt. Rev. Rika G. Ibrahim and The Rt. Rev Dr. Ayuba Kanta, who were all elected during the Church’s Standing Committee meeting held on 18 September 2025, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The fifteen consecrated bishops were elected during the Church’s Standing Committee meeting held on September 18, 2025, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State.