The 10th anniversary of the episcopacy of the Bishop on the Niger, The Rt. Rev. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, was held last Sunday at the All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, Anambra State. The event attracted dignitaries from politics, education, commerce and religion.
The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, represented by Dean of the Church, the Most Rev. Ali Buba Lamido, called on Christians not to be backbenchers in the church without doing anything positive for God, church or humanity. He said whatever they do, they should always bear in mind expansion of the gospel, observing that some Christians have been in the church for years without any meaningful contribution.
He said: “No matter the number of years you stayed in the world, if you did not make meaningful contributions, you lived a wasted life. It is good life that matters, not the number of years you live. Christians should remember that God does not bless sin, but righteousness.”
The Primate commended the celebrant for doing Anglican Church in Nigeria proud in the areas of evangelism, human development and infrastructure, among others, in the first 10 years of his Episcopacy. He also applauded Nwokolo for possessing a humble disposition, which he said is needed to serve God.
“God is worthy to be served. You can’t serve God without humility. It is because of humility we have gathered here to worship God,” he said. “God has used you and your wife for great job in this diocese. God who brought you here will not abandon you. He will continue to empower you. How you have been uplifting your members spiritually and physically is highly commended.”
The cleric also lauded the parishioners for their cordial relationship and exemplary cooperation with the Bishop, as without them, the Bishop could not have achieved much. He, therefore, urged Christians to always serve God with faithfulness and to be positive doers.
Sir IK Ejeluo, Chairman, organising committee, explained that the team rolled out a catalogue of achievements of Nwokolo’s episcopacy to include strides in spirituality, human development and infrastructure in the diocese.
Highpoints of the ceremony included launching of a “Compendium” containing some achievements of Bishop Nwokolo’s Episcopacy and presentation of awards to 16 recipients, among others.
Those who received the awards were former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Senator Andy Uba; Sir Dan Chukwdozie; Sir Chika Okafor; Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah; Sir Mike Nwakalor and Engr. Emeka Okwuosa.
The others are Evang. Prince C. N. Ukachukwu; Chief G.U. Okeke; Sir Samuel Anyanwutaku; Sir Vin Okoye; Chief Maduka Nwakwesiri; Chief Ebuka Okafor and Sir Nathan Ofoma, among others. The ceremony was attended by over 16 Anglican Archbishops and Bishops.
