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 Prelate blasts Nigerian leaders 

... As Owerri Diocese  ends  Synod at CATOL

As Nigeria continues to grapple with myriad of challenges, especially, dwindling economy, An Anglican Prelate, Most Rev. Blessing Enyinda, Ph.D. has descended heavily on the nation's leaders for what he described as careless and irresponsible leadership.

Preaching the sermon last Sunday during the thanksgiving service marking the end of the 1st Session of the 23rd Synod of the Diocese of Owerri held at the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of Our Lord (CATOL), Owerri, Most Rev. Enyinda, who is the Dean of the Church of Nigeria and Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, regretted that the nation's ruling class has continued, unabated, to perpetrate evil and cause chaos, despite repeated calls and advises for a change of attitude.

According to him, the irresponsible actions of Nigerian leaders at various levels and spheres constitute the major bane of the nation and contribute immensely to the dwindling fortunes of the oil rich country. The preacher urged Nigerian Leaders, especially, politicians, Judges, Contractors, lecturers as well as religious leaders to exhibit high level of responsibility, accountability and transparency in all their dealings so as to return the country to the pathway of growth and development in all ramifications.

Preaching on the topic; "Be the Gospel in the challenging world," Archbishop Enyinda, who is also the Bishop of the Diocese of Ikewere, in River state called on Christians to be personification of the Gospel, adding that they should let their characters reflect their status as Christians:

  "Christians are the gospel of Christ. Christians are supposed to be the message of Christ. People are watching us and observing our behaviors. Let people see Christ through us. Do the right thing at all times. We are constantly being watched. Do not lead others to sin. Stand out for Christ even if it is only you. Time has come for us show who we are", the Synod guest preacher charged.

The glorious Eucharistic service was presided over by the Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chukwuma  Oparah, Ph.D, JP assisted by Archdeacons, Administrators and  Rectors.

The Old Testament lesson and the Epistle were read by the Bishop's wife, Dr. Mrs Chidiebere Oparah (Mama Owerri) and the Chancellor of the Diocese, Hon. Justice  Evelyn Anyadike respectively while the Imo state Deputy Governor, Lady Dr. Chinyere Ekomaru read the Gospel. The service also featured fund raising for the Bishop's Foundation for Mission and Development, presentation of Synod awards and cutting of the Synod cake.

Other dignitaries present at the service include a former chief Judge of Imo state, Rt. Hon. Justice B.A Njemanze (Rtd), the Diocesan Registrar/Clerk, Chief Sir Chukwuma Ekomaru (SAN), Okigwe Diocesan Chancellor, Hon. Barr. Sir Abed Anyadike, Ideato Diocesan Registrar, Sir Barr. Oluchukuwu Nnabugwu, former Commissioner for Lands, Imo State, Sir Bon Unachukwu, Barr. Osita Nwanjo, KSC, Barr. Mrs Chioma Emuka Ph.D, Barr. Kelechi Akuruka, the Clergy as well as Knights led by their President. Sir Chinweuba Amachi among others.

Speaking, the Diocesan Clerical Synod Secretary (CSS), Ven. Mike Amadi, expressed happiness over the success of the Synod attributing it to the grace of God. According to him, the planning was not easy but God enabled both the Diocese and the host, CATOL Archdeaconry to carry out the tasks successfully. Also speaking, a senior priest in the Diocese, Ven. Emmanuel Agoha, Ph.D, JP thanked God for the success of the 2024 Synod and described the Bishop's address as wonderful well written and well delivered, adding that the theological and historical background is very wonderful.

Ven. Dr. Agoha who is the Archdeacon of Ubaha Orodo, stated that the address, which he said, is up to date, is a challenge to Christians to be determined to be the gospel. Commending the Bishop for a good outing, he noted that Owerri Diocese is growing thanks to the Bishop's Kingdom Expansion programme which has led to more churches, Archdeaconries and parishes.