VEN. GODFREY NKANYIMUO

Christianity came into Nanka in 1915 through the Evangelic outreach of the Church Missionary Society (CMS). Before then, Nanka community was regarded as one of the darkest places, not only in Nigeria but also in West Africa.

Record had it that one of the biggest slave markets in West Africa then, “Eke Ntayi” was at Amako village, Nanka. The market was named after an idol, “Eke Ntayi”. But to the glory of God, the present occupant of the Ntayi market site is the Community Primary School, Amako, established by the CMS.

Before 1915, Nwolisa Nduka from Ifite village trekked to Oko for Sunday worships. He enrolled as a full fledged member of the church at Oko. He later converted his wife, Rebecca Nduka and many others. As the converts increased, the Church at Oko granted them the permission to start Sunday services at Nanka.

The light of the gospel beamed to Enugwu-Nanka village in 1915 through the vessel, Catechist Jacob Izuegbu from Ndikelionwu. The gospel spread its tentacles reaching Agbiligba village. The roles of the three Warrant Chiefs in Nanka: Chief Ezeugwa Ezenachukwu of Ifite, Chief Ofomata Nwankwo of Enugwu Nanka and Chief Olisa Ezeonyejemeni of Agbiligba were inestimable.

Though none of the three was a convert, they aided the establishment and growth of churches. Separately, they gave their compounds for initial take-off of Sunday worships, protected the early converts from attacks and harassments of the pagan community, provided lands for permanent church buildings, made cash donations, and endorsed that the obnoxious custom of Afu-Afughi in the community be abolished.

1928 witnessed the merger of the churches at Ifite, Enugwu and Agbiligba Nanka. The merger was because none of them could meet up with the finances for payment of church teachers’ stipends and assessments. They all moved to the church at Ifite, which was later named Saint James’ Church, Nanka.

The merger continued till 1968 when St. Matthew’s Enugwu-Nanka was revived and they went back as a full fledged church. In 2002, Agbiligba members were granted autonomy and they became SS Peter and Paul Church. Because of the mountainous topography of Amako village, they were allowed to conduct church services in their village.

From 1961, St. Faith’s Church Ubahu was officially established in 2019 by Reverend Canon C.A Chukwuma. The youngest, Immanuel Church Etti, was established in 2001, also by the Canon. He bought lands for the two churches and built Etti parsonage.

Nanka churches have had many church workers too numerous to mention. But mention must be made of Late Reverend Canon Isaac Ndubuisi of Umuoji, who nearly died in Nanka during the fight of Afu-Afughi obnoxious culture. The community became an Archdeaconry in 2010 with five churches all in Nanka and St. Mathias Umuona.

CMS Nanka has produced many sons and daughters in all fields of endeavour. Mention must be made of Most Reverend Jonathan Onyemelukwe (the Pioneer Priest from Nanka, Bishop on the Niger and Emeritus Archbishop of Province II), Justice Okechukwu Adimora (First chancellor, Diocese of Awka), Prof. James Ezeilo (one time Vice Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka), Igwe Gilbert Ofomata (Obu Nanka), Igwe Godwin Ezeilo (the current Obu Nanka), among others.

We rejoice with the Centenary Planning Committee under the chairmanship of Sir Felix Chinedu and Mr. Emmanuel Ezeobi, the Secretary. Bravo to the Archdeacon of Nanka, Venerable Innocent Udechukwu.  We welcome Right Reverend Dr. Samuel C. Ezeofor and wife, Hulda (Nnechukwunyere), who will be at the helm of the celebration. He will perform the foundation stone laying of Immanuel Church, Etti, turning of the sod of the Centenary house and Saint Faith’s vicarage, Ubahu.

The centenary will also feature City Wide Crusade, launching of Nanka History and thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 8, 2020.

Aguata Diocese – Lampada Christi!

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