At consecration service, Okoro charges Bishops to call Nigerian leaders to order

The retiring Bishop of Orlu Diocese, Most Rev. Bennett Okoro has lamented acute shortage of good leadership in Nigeria as well as in the world. He argued that many of the so-called leaders in Nigeria are not doing what they ought to do to salvage the country and therefore, tasked Bishops to call them to order and correct them in love. He also expressed sadness at the incessant killings and bloodshed in the land, as well as the unemployment situation in the country. He urged church leaders to speak up and address these issues, so as to keep the nation together.

He spoke during his sermon at the Cathedral of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Asaba, Delta State, where six new Bishops were consecrated. They are Bishops Ndubuisi Obi for Nnewi Diocese; Seyi Pirisola for Diocese on the coast; Olugbenga Babatunji for Osun Diocese; Joshua Foluso Taiwo for Oke-Osun Diocese; Benjamin Chinedum Okeke for Orlu Diocese; and Geoffrey Ibeabuchi for Umuahia Diocese. While the Bishop of Awka Diocese, now Most Rev. Alex Ibezim was also presented as the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province on the Niger.

Okoro who charged the newly consecrated Bishops to do more of their teaching by example, added that they should imitate Christ’s humility and selfless lifestyle. He described the office of a Bishop as a very sacred one that requires the anointing of the Holy Spirit and a very strong personal faith to serve, as recorded in the Bible.

While reminding them that Bishops represent the Diocese in the Church of God and the entire episcopate in his diocese, the cleric admonished them that their supreme aim was to do God’s will. He said persecution would come, but that they must discipline themselves and look unto God, Who will renew their strength. The Archbishop added that there will be talebearers and petition writers, but advised them to verify every information they receive to avoid punishing others unjustly. He stressed the importance of evangelism and enjoined them not to forget evangelism and church growth.

He also counseled them to avoid making merchandise of the gospel, but to be shepherds to the flock of Christ and not wolves.

Dignitaries at the event included Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh; Dean of the church, Most Rev. Buba Lamido; Archbishops; Bishops; House of Clergy; House of Laity; Legal officers of the dioceses led by the Chancellor for the Church of Nigeria, Odein Ajumogobia (SAN) and Registrar for CoN, Barr. Abraham Yisa, among others.