Ndukuba dedicates projects to mark 20th Anniversary of Ika Diocese

Ika Diocese was agog following the recent visit by the Primate of The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba to the Diocese. The visit witnessed the dedication of six gigantic projects to mark the beginning of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of Ika Diocese. The projects dedicated included Ecclesia Plaza at the Bishopscourt in Agbor, which houses the Ecclesia Water Factory, Ecclesia Garment Industry, Ecclesia Press, Ecclesia Bakery, Diocesan Women Shop, Offices, and Halls; The Chapel of Grace at the University of Delta, Agbor; Diocesan Retreat Centre at Owa-Oyibo; Ika Queens Academy Building Boji Boji Owa, a sixteen classroom block; Ecclesia Water Factory and Ascension Hall, a Multi-purpose event hall at the Cathedral Church of Ascension Premises.

The Bishop of Ika Diocese, Rt. Rev. Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi said: “We have invited you here today to join us to thank God for His goodness to us as a Diocese and to help us dedicate these projects, which God has by His grace enabled us to execute in the last two years. The foundation stones of most of the projects were laid on January 26 this year to mark my birthday. I thank God for giving us speed to actualise them. We have also planted 20 new churches within the last two and a half years. God has blessed Ika Land. Please, continue to pray for us…”

The Primate Ndukuba thanked God and congratulated Bishop Ekpenisi for the marvellous works done in Ika Diocese. Quoting from Matthew 25, Ndukuba admonished the Bishop, clergy and laity to continue to build legacies that would draw people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

“While we build physical structures, we must understand that the real church is not the buildings but the people. We must make efforts to ensure that we build human lives for the Kingdom of God,” he said. He prayed for God’s presence in Bishop Ekpenisi’s ministry, as well as Delta State government, the Obi of Owa and the entire Ika land.

In the Primate’s entourage were Mama Nigeria, Mrs. Angela Ndukuba; Dean, Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Buba Lamido; Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma; Bishops Peter Imasuen; Christian Ide; John Aruakpor; David Obiosa; Justus Mogekwu; Jolly Oyekpen; Felix Olorunfemi and Bishop Victor of Western Izon Diocese.

Other dignitaries at the event are former Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), The Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh and his wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh; Delta State Governor, Sen. (Dr.) Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa and his wife, Dame Evang. Edith Okowa, who powered the building of the Retreat Centre; HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeozormor (II) and his principal chiefs, Prof. (Mrs.) Stella Chiemeke, Vice Chancellor, University of Delta and the Principal Officers, Dame Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Omumu, Acting Provost, College of Education, Agbor, Barr. (Mrs.) Christine Okubor, Chancellor of Ika Diocese and other diocesan officials, including a cream of clergy from within and outside the diocese.

Highlight of the occasion was the Primate’s courtesy call on the Palace of Obi of Owa, HRM (Dr.) Emmanuel Efeizomor (II) (OON), Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers. The programme ended with thanksgiving service at the Cathedral Church of Ascension, Boji Boji, Owa.