The Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt Revd Ifedola Okupevi, has called on Nigerian leaders to emulate exemplary leadership qualities, citing the integrity and transparency of Venerable Kiri Wakama, the newly inaugurated Archdeacon of Abijo, as a model to follow.
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At the inauguration of Abijo Archdeaconry and Wakama’s induction as Vicar of the Anglican Church of Transformation, Abijo, Okupevi emphasised the importance of accountability and integrity in leadership.

He stated that the country would witness significant positive change if Nigerian leaders adopted Wakama’s qualities.

“We should strive to emulate good role models, not those who perpetuate evil,” Okupevi said. “By following positive mentors, we can transform our world. Leaders must understand that they are accountable to God and should fulfil their duties with integrity and transparency.”

In his sermon, Rt Revd Olubunmi Akinlade reflected on the transformative journey of the Abijo Archdeaconry under Wakama’s leadership. Akinlade recounted the church’s beginnings in a small apartment within the Fidiso community before transitioning to a makeshift structure that often flooded during the rainy season. Despite these challenges, the church persevered, eventually acquiring land to construct a modest building.

Akinlade highlighted Wakama’s innovative approach to evangelism, including medical outreach programmes that helped grow the church’s congregation when traditional crusades were less effective.

Former People’s Warden of the church, Ifeayin Okengwu, described Wakama’s leadership style as a template for national development. He praised Wakama’s ability to inspire collective action and foster unity, noting his practice of organising meetings to analyse Nigeria’s development challenges.

“Wakama’s kindness, generosity, and problem-solving approach are traits that Nigerian leaders should emulate. His leadership focuses on finding solutions rather than assigning blame,” Okengwu said.

The newly inaugurated Archdeacon reflected on his unexpected journey to the priesthood, sharing his initial career as a banker before answering God’s call. “My path to the priesthood was not one that I envisioned for myself. I left my banking job to devote myself fully to God’s work, and it has been a privilege to serve,” Wakama said.
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He also spoke of the plans for the Archdeaconry, including populating the 10 churches under his care, with eight nearing operational status. Wakama highlighted the church’s yearly outreach programme, “Great Joy,” which provides medical services, food, clothing, and other essentials to over 2,000 people.

The wife of the new Archdeacon, Mrs Nengi Wakama, attributed her husband’s success to divine intervention. She shared her experiences of seeking solace in prayer during challenging times and encouraged clergy wives to remain steadfast in their support and faith.

Mrs Aina Oyewole, a Parish Counsellor and Senior Delegate emphasised the church’s mission to reach the younger generation and expand its outreach to villages and towns beyond Eleko Junction. “As Abijo Archdeaconry, we see this as a new beginning—a step into the next realm of evangelism,” she said.

The inauguration ceremony, held at the Anglican Church of Transformation, was attended by clergy, laity, and dignitaries from various parishes. It was marked as a significant milestone in the church’s history, reflecting on its humble beginnings and envisioning a promising future of spiritual growth and community service.

Wakama’s leadership and the establishment of the Abijo Archdeaconry were celebrated as a beacon of hope and a call for transformational leadership at all levels of society.
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