Okoh Pays Episcopal Visit To Jos

WITH a view to interacting with stakeholders in the 14 provinces under the Church of Nigeria, Primate of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, on April 26-27, 2010, paid an Episcopal visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital.

To receive the Primate was the Archbishop of Jos Province, Most Revd Benjamin Kwashi, who led an array of Bishops under Jos province, from Gombe, Bauchi, Yola, Jalingo, Damaturu, Bukuru, Pankshin and Lantang. Also in attendance were wives of the clerics and a large turnout of Anglican faithful.

The first point of call was the office of the Governor of Plateau State, Dr. Jonah Jang, where the Primate paid a courtesy visit.

Okoh, told the Governor that he chose Jos as first on his Episcopal tour because it had become his second home, having served there, at different times, during his military career. He added also that he wanted to encourage and wipe tears off faces, following the crisis.

He prayed that God would strengthen Jang in the task of governance, calling on the people to live at peace, work, and support the government to achieve lasting peace.

Jang described the visit as a morale booster and thanked the Primate for making Jos the first point of call on his Episcopal visit. He appreciated the Anglican Church for rising in defense of Christianity, family values and orthodoxy of the scriptures. According to him, the position taken by the Anglican Church has made people to stand and defend the gospel in spite of all odds.

At St. Pirams Church, Jos, the Anglican Christian Community had an interactive session with Okoh and his team. The Primate also visited the Christian Institute established by the Diocese of Jos, where he encouraged students and commended the Diocese for its vision at building and expanding the capacity of future church leaders.

Also visited was the Holy Trinity Church, which was burnt during the crisis and Dogo Na Huwa village, which witnessed an attack by armed men. Okoh assured of the church’s assistance towards rebuilding the community and succour to the bereaved and orphans.

The Primate demonstrated this gesture by donating two pumping machines and cash gifts to the community. He said the church would rely on data to be able to give future support, promising also that the Anglican Church will support their spiritual growth.

On the Primates entourage were his wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh; her daughter; Bishop of Kubwa Rt. Revd Duke Akamisoko; General Secretary, Ven. Michael Farohunbi; Director of Social Welfare, Ven. Nnamdi Okpuno; Director of Missions, Ven. Syrenius Okoriko and the Primate’s personal assistant, Ven. Festus Nwafili.