It is a yearly ritual for the Anglican Bishops of Church of Nigeria (CON) to begin each year with a retreat at the Ibru Centre. At such times, the Bishops are expected to engage in deep spiritual reflection, bible study, teachings and prayers as a way of equipping themselves for tasks ahead in the New Year. Of course, the Ibru Centre offers them a serene environment for spiritual meditation and reflection.

This year’s retreat, which started January 2, will end January 7, 2016. The programme, as released by the Primate of All Nigeria, Most Rev Nicholas D. Okoh, indicated that the retreat started on Saturday, and was kicked off with a consecration rehearsal at All Saints Cathedral Church, Ughelli, in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. It was followed by a consecration service today, January 3, 2016 at the same venue.

The new Bishops to be consecrated are: Ven. Olubunmi Olayinka Akinlade, Ven. Prof Andrew Olu Igenoza and Ven. Foreman Nedison. The new Bishops are succeeding Rt Rev Oluranti Odubogun (Ife Diocese); Rt Rev Prof Dapo Asaju (former Rector of Graduate Theological Seminary, Abeokuta and now Vice Chancellor of Ajayi University and Rt Rev Timothy Yaya (formerly of Jalingo Diocese but recently transformed into Kaduna Diocese).

The Primate was to be assisted in the consecration service by Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Nigeria, while the retreatant and preacher at the service of consecration was Rt Rev Dr Emmanuel Ugwu, Bishop of Agwu/Aninri Diocese.

We thank God for the new Bishops with their families for this selection to lead the Lord’s flock at this time. We also join the Church of Nigeria to appreciate the Bishop of Ughelli Diocese, Rt Rev Dr Cyril Odutemu for ensuring that the consecration service was a huge success.

To enrich the bishops for their 2016 retreat at the Centre, the bible study leader, as nominated by the Primate, is the Archbishop of the Province of Jos and the Bishop of Jos, Most Rev Benjamin Kwashi. His deep reflection for the bible study was based on Titus 1. 7-9. Also, to lead in the Holy Communion services were the provinces of Lokoja, Enugu and Ondo.

Interestingly too, The Primate, in his wisdom, chose three retired church fathers and four serving church fathers to give lectures on burning issues, as they relate to the Episcopal ministry. The lecturers and the topics discussed include: Autonomy, Independence and Collegiality by Most Rev Samuel A. Abe (rtd), The Bishop as the Chief Evangelist by The Rt. Rev Ken Sandy Okeke (rtd), Episcopal Authority in the Diocese by The Rt. Rev David K. Bello, Preferment by The Most Rev Emmanuel Egbunu, The Consecration Service with particular emphasis on pages 294-295 of the Church of Nigeria BCP (2010) – What is the actual meaning and significance of the laying on of hands, anointing with oil, giving of the Bible and the pastoral staff? by The Most Rev George Lasebikan, High cost of Marriage Ceremonies: Factors, implications and the church’s position by The Rt. Rev Matthew Owadapo (rtd) and Discipline: Comportment, Self-restraint, Dressing, Temperament, Communication, Possession by The Most Rev Caleb Maduoma.

There is no doubt that the 2016 retreat will usher in blessings to the church and the nation at large. The late Dr Alex Uruemu Ibru, a man who lived far ahead of his generation, was right in setting up a place such as the Ibru Centre, a serene environment for spiritual meditation and reflection. So, as the Bishops gather for another round of retreat, we sincerely welcome all our church fathers and pray that they have fruitful deliberations.
Happy New Year!!!
Ven. Ernest Onuoha
Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Centre,
Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
www.ibrucentre.org