The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, arrived All Saints’ Cathedral, Rumuokwurusi, headquarters of the Diocese of Evo, yesterday for the Standing Committee of the Church of Nigeria which opens in the Diocese today.
The Primate, in company of his wife, Angela, and some bishops arrived the Cathedral by 6.30pm and were received by the Archbishop of Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Ikwerre, Most Rev’d Blessing Enyindah, and his wife, Precious, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo, Rt. Rev’d Innocent Ordu and his wife, Chinyere, among other bishops and officials of the church.
On arrival, the Primate went straight to the altar of the Cathedral where he held prayers before another prayer of thanksgiving to God by Archbishop Enyindah for the safe arrival of the Primate and all delegates for the meeting of the Standing Committee which is the second highest decision-making body of the Church of Nigeria.
The Diocese of Evo, Anglican Communion, in Rivers State had earlier in a statement said it was set to host the high-powered Church of Nigeria Standing Committee meeting as well as the National Mothers’ Union Executive meeting from today, Monday to Friday.
The statement, signed by the Chairman, Media and Publicity Sub-committee of the Central Working Committee, Sir Jossy Nkwocha quoted the host Bishop, Rt Rev’d Innocent Ordu, and his wife, Chinyere, as having said that the Diocesan clergy, Diocesan Board and the entire Diocesan faithful are excited and ready to welcome “our dear father- in-God, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion ), His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba and his amiable wife, Mama Nigeria, Mrs Angela Ndukuba to the gathering of the apex leadership of the Anglican Church in Nigeria.
He also said Bishop Ordu and his wife welcome with joy the Dean, The Most Rev Ali Buba Lamido, all the Archbishops and Bishops with their dear wives; officers of the Church of Nigeria, all other delegates and guests to this special gathering holding at the Diocese of Evo in the Province of Niger Delta.
The Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike will be the Special Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony on Wednesday, 23rd February at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Rumuobiokani Deanery by 10am.
Chairman of the Central Working Committee, Sir Bright Nda-Owhor said all the archbishops and bishops of the 170 Dioceses in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion and their wives as well as delegates and special guests, all numbering about 1,000 would grace the five-day event.
The theme of the Standing Committee meeting is: “The Christian’s Dual Citizenship and Responsibilities,” (Matthew 22: 20-22).
Since the Most Rev’dNdukuba took over as primate in 2020, the Standing Committee meeting and national Mothers Union Executive meeting, which holds every February and September, have been hosted by Abuja Diocese, Diocese On the Niger (Onitsha) and Lagos Diocese.
The Diocese of Eva, which is about 12 years old, is the youngest diocese to host the meeting.
Nkwocha said the meeting promises to be a very fruitful gathering of God’s people from all over the country and beyond.