The Anglican Community in Aguluzigbo of Agulu Archdeaconry in the Diocese of Awka will host a four-day 35th Awka Diocesan Women Conference from Saturday, June 26 to Tuesday 29, 2021. Delegates from the 89 Parishes in the 18 Archdeaconries of the Diocese will arrive tomorrow for the annual conference with the theme: “THE NAME OF THE LORD IS A STRONG TOWER” taken from Proverbs chapter 18 verse 10.

The conference will kick off with an arrival service, to be officiated by the Most Reverend Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim (Ph.D) and other clergy. Presentation and launching of the conference cake will take place on Sunday. Presentation of the profile mother, Mrs. Hannah Adogu, along with the 33rd edition of the Christian family magazine will equally take place on Sunday.

Reading of the conference address by the Provincial President and President of the conference, Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim (Mama Province, Mama Awka and Nneọma), holds on Monday, 28, followed by ceremonial activities to herald the launching of the address. On Tuesday, 29th June, awards will be presented to deserving female personalities with the closing formalities.

Historically, the early Christian evangelists from Igbo-Ukwu, who came to Aguluzigbo to learn the Ụbọ Ọgazị cultural dance in 1912, prevailed upon their Aguluzigbo friend to abandon their old ways of living and embrace the message of the cross, the word of life. A good number of persons were converted, most of who enrolled in church school at Igbo-Ukwu.

By 1915, the number of converts increased. Thus, St. Marks Church was planted and housed in a modest mud house, provided by one son of the soil. Between 1917 and 1918, the first converts were baptized.

In 1936, a better structure with corrugated iron roofing sheets, wooden frames and shutter for the doors and windows was constructed. Durable wooden benches replaced the earthen mounds used as seats. The building was completed and put to use in 1940.

St. Marks Church begat a new church, christened the “All Saints Church.” However, worship commenced and continued in the old school building. As time went on, the need for a befitting church building became inevitable. Construction commenced and with time the edifice was dedicated on November 13, 2013. The church was also elevated to a parish level.

The withdrawal of a sizeable population of the All Saints Church adversely affected St. Marks Parish. However, a few committed members remained. Before long, there was need to effect some structural adjustments to the physical structure of the church. At the end, the rededication of the church was done on February 14, 2021 by the Most Revd. Ibezim

The history of the two parishes cannot be complete without mentioning the untiring efforts of the clergy and various church workers who shepherded the flock. The Home and Abroad Women’s General Meetings have been holding fort beautifully. The local organizing committee, headed by Brother Christian Akụwa, is commended.

Awka Diocesan Women Conference, since its inception in 1989, has continued to grow from strength to strength. The Diocesan Women Conference this year also marks the official enrolment of women into the Diocesan Women’s Guild. This is an umbrella for all married Christian women in the Diocese to carry every woman along from the grassroot.

Women in Awka Diocese have many projects at hand. Fund-raising in support of these projects is a major highlight of the conference. We hereby request friends, well wishers, delegates, conference ambassadors and invitees to give generously for the support of the Women Ministry in the Diocese.

On behalf of Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim (Nneọma), the Vice Presidents and the ADWOC planning committee, I warmly welcome you to Aguluzigbo and pray for a successful 2021 ADWOC to the glory of God.

AWKA DIOCESE! VIA CRUCIS!

WRITTEN BY DAME CHIKA OSINOMUMU

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