On March 11, 1979, Venerable Hanson Onyejiuwanaka Bernard was welcomed into the world in Odhiaje Community, Ahoada East Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria, born to the late Mr. Bernard Ikechukwu and the late Mrs. Janeth Obutor Omelame (née Edema).
Educational Foundations
His academic journey began with a First School Leaving Certificate from Government Primary School, Ahoada, in 1991, followed by a Senior Secondary Certificate from Western Ahoada County High School in 1997. Venturing into theology, he studied at St. Paul’s University College, Awka, from 2000 to 2004, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and a Diploma in Theology. In 2023, he added a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) from the Institute of Theology, Paul University, Awka, along with a Master of Arts in Old Testament Studies from the University of Port Harcourt. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Old Testament Studies at the same institution.
Path to Ministry
His ordination journey began in 2004 when he was ordained as a Deacon, followed by his Priestly ordination in 2005 by the Rt. Rev. Clement Nathan Ekpeye. In 2008, he was made Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ahoada, and in 2020, he was collated as Archdeacon.
Ministerial Roles
Ven. Bernard’s ministry spans several key positions:
-Vicar at New Covenant Anglican Church, Omoku (2004–2007)
– Canon-in-Residence at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ahoada (2008–2011)
– Rector at St. John’s Anglican Church Deanery, Ihuowo (2012–2015)
– Rector at St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Odiemerenyi (2016–2019)
– Vicar & Archdeacon at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Parish, Ogbo (2020–2022)
– Vicar & Archdeacon at Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Ahoada (2023–present)
Commitment to Ecumenism
Ven. Bernard has been active in ecumenical efforts, serving as Treasurer for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ahoada East L.G.A. Chapter, and Secretary for the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN). He is also involved with Scripture Union and serves as the 1st Vice Chairman of the Bible Society of Nigeria for the Rivers/Bayelsa Area.
Personal Life
Baptized on February 8, 1981, and confirmed on November 17, 1996, his spiritual awakening came in 1993 through the Scripture Union Nigeria. Known for his skills as a teacher, liturgist, and evangelist, Ven. Bernard continues to inspire many in his community.
He is married to Lay Reader Glad Umatu Hanson-Bernard, and together they have four children: two daughters and two sons, nurturing their family in faith and service to God.
