• Extols leadership qualities of late archbishop Anikwenwa

The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has described the late former Dean of the church, Archbishop Maxwell Anikwenwa, as a selfless, vocal and courageous leader, who spoke for the oppressed.

The Primate noted that for over 80 years of Anikwenwa’s life, he dedicated his time to fighting for the welfare of people and the church.

Speaking at a service of songs, organised in honour of the departed, at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja, Ndukuba said Anikwenwa would be greatly missed by the church and the downtrodden of society.

He said: “Unarguably, the life and times of the late Archbishop Anikwenwa was full of memories and positive impacts on the lives of people. He was selfless and stood strong for what he believed. He built and strengthened Anglican beliefs and did his work diligently for God and humanity.”

Ndukuba said Anikwenwa contributed greatly to building the Bible Society and other programmes he introduced in his diocese, which were replicated in other Anglican churches across the country.

“Archbishop Anikwenwa was bold, courageous and vocal, especially on issues that promote the church. He believed in justice and promoted justice everywhere possible.

“We thank God for what we could learn from him. If we can stand for what he stood for, which was achieving practical impact of the gospel on individuals, families and society, there’s no doubt that our world will be better,” the Primate added.

In his remarks, the son of the late archbishop, Venerable Uchechukwu Anikwenwa, described his late father as a beacon of hope and light for society.

He said the church and his family would miss the archbishop, stressing: “In addition to other things that might be done by the church and his family, we are going to erect a statue of him, which he approved before his death.”