Preach the gospel, win souls, Sanwo-Olu, others task bishops

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), yesterday, in Lagos consecrated four bishops and also presented two Archbishops and new Dean for the Church of Nigeria.

The new bishops at the consecration ceremony held, recently, at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja, Lagos, are Rt. Rev’d Collins Olufemi Babalola for Ajayi Crowther Diocese; Rt. Rev’d Festus Uzorka Nwafili for Ndokwa Diocese; Rt. Rev’d Ifedola Senasu Okupevi for Lagos Diocese and Rt. Rev’d Ebenezer O. Saiki for Akoko-Edo Diocese.

The Archbishops include Most Rev’d (Dr.) Michael O. Fape for Lagos Province and Most Rev’d (Dr.) Timothy Yahaya for Kaduna Province. The new Dean is Most Rev’d (Dr.) Blessing C. Enyindah.

In his goodwill message, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his wife, Dr. Ibijoke, congratulated the new bishops, urging Okupevi to uphold and promote the mission and vision of the diocese.

He said his consecration is a testament of many years of service to the church and his community, imploring him to continue to be a shining light to the diocese and contribute his quota to its growth.

The Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Rev’d (Dr.) Joseph Akinfenwa, urged the new bishops to see the honour done to them as the will of God and not man’s will.

He said that they are called to serve God and the people and should not act as Lords, but inspire the people they are called to serve, adding that whatever title they bear today, they shall appear before God and receive due reward.

Primate of the church, Most Rev’d (Dr.) Henry C. Ndukuba, in his prayers, prayed to God to enable the bishops as true shepherds feed and govern the flock, make them wise teachers and steadfast as guardians of its faith and sacraments.”