AS PRIMATE HENRY NDUKUBA MARKS SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF ENTHRONEMENT.
By Ven Innocent Osuoha.
Drums were rolled out last Wednesday at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life-Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja, as the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev'd Dr Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, celebrated the sixth anniversary of his enthronement.
It was a colourful thanksgiving Service commemorated with a solemn Holy Communion Service which drew an assembly of Bishops, senior Clergy, the Political class, and worshippers who gathered at the thanksgiving service.
Among the attendees were The Rt. Rev'd Paul Samuel Zamani (Bishop of Kwoi), The Rt. Rev'd Praise Omole-Ekun (Dean, St. Francis of Assisi Theological College, Wusasa, Zaria), The Rt. Rev'd Moses Bukpe Tabwaye (Bishop of Gwagwalada), The Rt. Rev'd Dr. Benjamin Idume (Bishop of Ozoro), The Rt. Rev'd Dr. Gershinen Paul Dajur (Bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Keffi), Prof. Jerry Gana, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Chaplains of Nigeria Army, Navy, Airforce, Mrs Kehinde Ajoni (Registrar of the Church of Nigeria), Ven. Bar. Festus Opara (the General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria) amongst others.
In his sermon, the Rt. Rev’d Dr. Duke Akamisoko, Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, who spoke on the theme “Celebrating God’s Goodness,” (Psalm 105:1–6 and Psalm 103:2.) urged the Church to remain grateful for God’s faithfulness and divine preservation in the life and ministry of the Primate.
He noted that the Primate’s “good health” and “journey mercies,” despite extensive pastoral travels, stood out as visible testimonies of God’s sustaining grace and commended the Primate’s steadfast commitment to advancing the vision of the Reign of God, especially his emphasis on strengthening the family as the bedrock of both Church and society.
The Bishop praised the Primate’s firm leadership in navigating global ecclesiastical challenges, particularly his defense of orthodox Anglican doctrine in alignment with the GAFCON movement pointing out that the Primate has shown “courage, clarity, and conviction” in preserving the doctrinal integrity of the Church of Nigeria amidst shifting theological trends worldwide.
His Lordship Akamisoko highlighted the tangible progress under the current leadership which were not limited to expansion of the Church through the creation of new dioceses, describing it as evidence of both spiritual vitality and effective administration.
He affirmed that the Primate’s tenure has been marked by integrity, purposeful leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, adding that “no Anglican will be ashamed” of the direction of the Church.
A report by the Director of Communication Church of Nigeria( Anglican Communion), Venerable Raphael Aderinwale said
the anniversary service was concluded with a vote of thanks, during which the Primate expressed gratitude for the prayers of the saints and God’s sustaining grace throughout his primacy.
According to the Primate, “We return all glory to God for His faithfulness"
It should be noted that for the past six years the Church had reflected on six years of impactful leadership hence the anniversary not only celebrated past milestones but also reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to advancing the vision of the Reign of God in Nigeria and beyond, with renewed faith, unity, and purpose.