…. Over 60 Archbishops and Bishops in attendance
…. Archbishop Buba Lamido charges clergymen to avoid bickering, backbiting
By Ndu Chris Nwannah, Guest Writer, Awka Times
The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, has held a thanksgiving service to honour God for elevating him to a new episcopal position. Bishop Ibezim, who has been the Bishop of Awka diocese since November 2010, emerged as the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger in July 2019 but held the thanksgiving service on January 5th, 2020.
The service which held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka, was attended by numerous archbishops, bishops, other clergymen and lay dignitaries.
The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano was represented by his deputy, Dr Nkem Okeke, while Governor Emeka Ihedioha of Imo State was represented by an aide, Mr Chima Nwana. Other dignitaries who attended the service were two former governors of Anambra State, Mr Peter Obi and Dame Virgy Etiaba; Senator Ndi Obi; Senator Uche Ekwunife, representing Anambra Central District; a former governor of CBN, Professor Chukwuma Soludo; Hon. Chinedu Onwuaso, House of Reps member representing Awka North/South federal constituency; Hon. Chris Azubogu House of Reps member representing Ekwusigo/Nnewi North/South federal constituency; an industrialist and politician, Mr Godwin Ezeemo; as well as traditional rulers and judges.
Prominent among the clergymen who attended the service were Most Reverend Dr. Ali Buba Lamido, the Dean Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop of Kaduna Province and Bishop of Wusasa Diocese; and Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province. Others included Most Reverend Godwin Okpala, Most Reverend Christian Efobi, Archbishop Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, Bishop Ken Sandy Okeke, Rt. Rev. Olukayode (Kay) Adebogun from Canada, and Bishop Martyn Anagbogu from the United States of America. Also present were the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Reverend Valerian Okeke who was represented by Monsignor Greg Adibe, and Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor of Awka Diocese.
In a sermon, the Dean Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Ali Lamido, said there was need for clergymen in Anambra State to work as a team to achieve ecumenical success. According to him, bishops should do away with bickering, backbiting and arguments which breed unhealthy rivalry instead of promoting the gospel. Most Reverend Lamido lamented quarrels among church leaders, admonishing clergy to eschew in-fighting in the house of the Lord. He asserted that workers in the vineyard should imbibe brotherly love and wage spiritual war against the enemy instead of dissipating their energies on unnecessary arguments.
He acknowledged that people, including the clergy, are bound to make mistakes in life. But he said Christians are expected to strive towards perfection. The Archbishop further emphasized the importance of prayers, cooperation and forgiveness in Christian gatherings, while urging the followers to endeavour to support church leaders in their tasks. Most Reverend Lamido challenged Archbishop Ibezim to work with members of the church by carrying them along in his functions.
Addressing the congregation, Most Reverend Ibezim expressed gratitude to all archbishops, bishops, priests and other guests that graced the thanksgiving service. He said he was full of praise to God for uplifting him to another level in the work of the church. The archbishop stressed that he was chosen on merit to pilot the affairs of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger.
In an interview, the Archbishop of the Province of Enugu, Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, urged clergymen to be devoted to their duties as it was a call to serve God and humanity. He said clergymen have to be prayerful, exhibit faith and patience to succeed. Archbishop Chukwuma advised them to always say the truth and to guard against materialism in their work as this may induce corruption and pollute their minds, thus preventing spiritual growth. He described Most Reverend Ibezim as a man of integrity, while challenging the laity and the clergy to cooperate with him in the work of God.
The Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Right Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, appreciated the blessings of God on Archbishop Alex Ibezim. Bishop Ezeokafor noted that the work was enormous and advised the faithful to support him to accomplish the task which God has chosen him to perform.
The Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke, who represented Governor Willie Obiano, assured that government would continue to support the church in its programmes. He noted that effective security measures would be continuously put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.
The service featured anthems by the cathedral choir, orchestra by the brass band from Akwa Ibom State, cultural performances, cutting of cake and thanksgiving by Archbishop Ibezim’s family.