Church Of Nigeria consecrates new bishops, presents Olaoye as Archbishop Of Ibadan

The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has consecrated three new Bishops and presented Most Rev. Abiodun Taiwo Olaoye, as Archbishop of the Province of Ibadan.

Those consecrated as Bishops at a special Consecration and Presentation Service held at Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp Abuja, and presided over by the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba were Rt. Rev. Benjamin Enwuchola, who becomes Bishop of the Diocese of Oturkpo; Rt. Rev. Prince Christian C. Anyim, Bishop, Diocese of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi and Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Isaac Adeyemi Adeniji, Bishop, Diocese of Ilaje. Bishop Ben Enwuchola was the Chief Protocol Officer of the Church of Nigeria and Warden of St. Matthias House, Church of Nigeria Secretariat, Abuja.

Speaking on the topic, “Faithfulness In Service,” Akanya stressed that being faithful and distinguished in ministry requires paying careful attention to one’s self and the flock of Christ.

The Archbishop said: “Many times, for us who are called into the ministry, the desire always is to serve the Lord. But I want you to know this morning that God is not interested in your service as much as he is interested in your person. Many have made service the in-thing. If it is not well with you, it will not be well with your service. If it is not well in your vertical relationship, the horizontal will be faulty. You may look fine, but if you are not walking with God, you are back to garbage-in-garbage-out.”

He said that they should be conscious of themselves as people would no longer be open to caution them, rather, they will continue to call you ‘my lord Bishop’ when you have actually become ‘my load bishop.’

The Archbishop reminded the new Bishops to take care of the flock, eschew materialism, be close to the people to know them and be able to account for them.

Speaking with journalists after the service, Ndukuba encouraged the newly consecrated Bishops to stand firm in their faith and expressed trust in God that they will lead the people in the fear of God with knowledge and understanding.

He said: “We are encouraging all of them to hold unto their faith and word of God and continually nurture themselves and God’s people with the truth of the word of God and the sacraments of our new covenant in Christ Jesus. We are trusting God that as mature leaders, they will lead the people in the fear of God and with knowledge and understanding.”

In attendance were Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ali Buba Lamido; Primate’s wife, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba; Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Nigeria and their wives, including former Archbishop Friday Imaekhai of Bendel Province; Bishop Oluranti Odubogun, former Bishop of Ife and Bishop David K. Bello, former Bishop of Otukpo; Chancellor of CON. Hon. Odein Ajumogobia; Registrar, Barrister Abraham Yisa; Registrar of Abuja, Mrs. Kehinde Ajoni; and her Deputy, Betty Umegbulem.

Others included Chancellors and Registrars of other dioceses; Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; Gen. Sen. Tunde Ogbeha; Rt. Hon. Austin Okpara and Sen. Nwakpa.