The Primate of all Nigeria, His Grace, the Most Revd. Dr. Henry Ndukuba warmly received the Prelate of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Baba Aladura Dr. David Bob-Manuel (Moses Orimolade IX), along with his wife and other delegates, at the Church of Nigeria Headquarters, St. Mathias House in Abuja yesterday 25th October, 2023.
Most Eminence Bob-Manuel acknowledged Primate Ndukuba’s exemplary ministerial work during his address, especially through his time as a Priest and bishop in northern Nigeria. He said, “We are aware of the long years of service by Your Grace particularly in the Northern part of Nigeria, serving in Kano State, teaching in Zaria, working in the mission field of Church planting and evangelism, raising of lay and pastoral leadership and discipleship, providing support for the stability of the Church of God in turbulent times, all of which saw to your worthy consecration as the first bishop of the Diocese of Gombe, subsequently as the Archbishop of the Anglican Province of Jos and now the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.”
He noted that the impact of Archbishop Ndukuba modeled his records of service, the establishment of peaceful coexistence and community development with communities and leaders in Gombe state; moreover, his indelible footprints as a biblical scholar, teacher, master liturgist, pastor, an accomplished evangelist, and a prolific writer.
Meanwhile, Baba Aladura highlighted the historical connection between the eternal sacred order of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church and the Anglican Church and also underscored the significance of the courtesy visit. He declared “For the ESOCS Church, we are committed, and we shall be seeking your hands of fellowship as we continue to invest our time, talents, and treasures towards the betterment of humanity, the unstoppable growth of the Church of God, and overall advancement of God’s Kingdom here on earth.”
He noted that the Anglican Church which was also commonly known as the CMS Church is a foundational Church in Nigeria where all others came out from and this has helped in the propagation of the gospel in Nigeria and Africa.
Baba Aladura also used the visit to officially invites primate Ndukuba to grace the event of the Centenary celebration of the ESOCS Church which will be taking place in 2025, he further stated that the courtesy visit is a part of the countdown activities in utmost readiness for the centennial celebration of the Cherubim & Seraphim Church Worldwide (1925-2025).
It is pertinent to note that Most of the events will be held in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, and some major cities in Nigeria and Overseas. The countdown events will start from January 2024 and climax in September 2025, he added “we shall ensure that in all the schedules we shall include an Inter-denominational Service between the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion and the ESOCS Church. “We will communicate the dates to Your Grace timeously, and early enough, and this will help us to avoid any clash with your other episcopal engagements.”
In concluding his speech, Baba Aladura appreciated his grace for creating time to welcome him and his delegates and hoped for more parley that would be taking place more regularly for the general good of Christianity and most importantly our nation. He noted the parental role of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion as he reflected on his family background as an Anglican.
In his response, primate Henry Ndukuba appreciated the visit of the leader and delegate of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide to the CoN headquarters. He noted that God has been using the Church to bring spiritual reawakening and revival through prayer movement which is steering the heart of men towards God. He noted that he is excited about the task of mission that is taken seriously and the ecumenical spirit that they are expanding in Nigeria and beyond. He further declared that C & S is still one of the children of the Anglican Communion and always welcomed to her parent.
Primate Ndukuba also promised that such and more of this ecumenism is always welcomed and appreciated for the unity of the body of Christ. He confirmed there will be future collaborations among both churches, also he encouraged and prayed for them to continue the good work they have begun.
The two Church leaders exchanged gifts as a symbol of goodwill and camaraderie between their respective churches. Also, present at the meeting were some of the officials of the church of Nigeria, including the general secretary; Ven. Dr. Paul Dajur, the registrar; Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni, the Director of Administration; Ven Benson Eyinagho, among others.
By Adesewa Orioye
Edited by Korede Akintunde
CoN Communication Officer
