The First Session of the 32nd Synod of the Diocese on the Niger begins from Thursday, 9th June to Sunday 12th June, 2022, at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, with Right Reverend Dr Owen Nwokolo, Bishop on the Niger presiding. According to the Synod Secretary, Venerable John Nkwoemezie, Bishop Nwokolo and his wife, Elsie will on Thursday, June 9th, 2022, lead the synod delegates on a visit to the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe at his Imeobi Palace, followed by an opening service at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, and blessing of the commercial city by Bishop Nwokolo. The Synod theme is ”Go, Make Disciples of all Nations’. On Friday, June 10th, by 10am, Bishop Owen Nwokolo will deliver his charge. The Bishop will also evaluate his Vision 2030 Agenda for the diocese, as well as set new targets.
As the Captain in the Lord’s Marshal Train, Bishop Nwokolo will set another pace in the mission’s infrastructural development with the coordination of projects that touch many lives. Bishop Nwokolo’s presidential address is expected to refocus the church on her mandate. A special synod thanksgiving service will round off the program on Sunday, May 12th, 2022, with the cutting of synod cake and pooling of funds for the proposed On-the-Niger University Project at Umunya. The proposed University already has several faculty buildings nearing completion including the main administrative block. When fully completed the On-the-Niger University will become the pride of Nigeria’s Anglican Communion and the best tertiary education facility in the South East.
Bishop Nwokolo has indeed set new standards in all spheres of mission work. He has also given a further boost to Alpha Radio FM and TV Stations at Nnobi with the provision of a high definition mast and other high-tech facilities. The newly completed Niger Diocese’s Administrative Complex is a thing of beauty. In less than eleven years, since his episcopacy, Bishop Nwokolo has broken into fallow grounds in the diocese with meaningful investments in both human and infrastructure.
The bishop has floated a health insurance scheme for church workers in the diocese at the Iyienu Mission Hospital, Ogidi. He also established Theological Training and Post Ordination Training Scholarships for priests. Also, over 250 children of indigent families in parts of Niger Diocese enjoy university scholarships in several courses such as law, medicine, engineering and accountancy, courtesy of the Calvary Care Foundation domiciled at the Bishop’s Court, Onitsha. Bishop Nwokolo has also put in place non-profit loan facilities through the Akuchukwu Micro Finance Bank, for priests and other church workers of the diocese. He capped up the special welfare package for the priests with a subsidized housing scheme at Ojoto.
These reliefs and more have made the Niger Diocese the pride of the Church of Nigeria. Bishop Nwokolo has indeed set a pace in evangelism and mission infrastructural development. No doubt this year’s synod will provide Ndi Anambra another opportunity for sober reflection, especially with the security realities of the period. Bishop Nwokolo wants government and the people to take action to rescue our dear state. The 2022 Synod of Niger Diocese is critical for Ndi Anambra as Bishop Nwokolo’s visionary leadership will proffer solutions to the present socio-economoc downfall in the Nigeria as well as help reset the moral tone of the nation.
Bishop Owen and his episcopal team will, at this synod, find practical formulas that will help to protect the body of Christ for the great commission. Don’t miss this opportunity to make meaningful investments in the things of the Lord.
By OSELLOKA Offoh
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