The first session of the sixth synod of Aguata Diocese, Anglican Communion, will take place at Saint John the Divine Church, Oko from Wednesday 26th to Sunday, May 30, 2021. According to the Clerical Synod Secretary, Reverend Canon Decency Chine JP, delegates will move to Saint John the Divine Church Oko on Wednesday 26th for registration to be followed by synod opening service by 2pm.

Thereafter, the Anglican Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor JP PhD, who is the president of the synod, will lead Diocesan officials and some synod delegates to a courtesy call on the traditional ruler of Oko, Igwe Professor Lazarus Ekwueme.

Friday, May 28th, 2021 is the presentation and launching of the Bishop’s Charge by 10 am, while Saturday 29th May is the recognition of Heroes of faith. The synod will come to its crescendo on Sunday, May 30, 2021 with a special thanksgiving service, cutting of cake and launching of development fund by 9am.

The Anglican Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Right Reverend Aloysius Agbo, is the Synod Guest Preacher. The theme of the Synod is, Divine Principles of Transformation Discipleship.

This year’s Synod is the second to be hosted by Oko Anglican community since the inauguration of Aguata Diocese in September 4, 2005. It is a home coming for Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor, who hails from Oko.

Aguata Diocese has recorded series of achievements. The pioneer Bishop, Most Reverend Christian Ogochukwu Efobi JP, set the ball of development rolling and later passed it to the incumbent, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor. Aguata Diocese can boost of All Saints’ Seminary, now named Archbishop Christian Efobi Seminary at Ekwulobia; Saint Mary the Virgin Convent at Ufuma; Saint Catherine’s Comprehensive College, Nanka; Diocesan Hospital at Igboukwu and Umunze with annex at Ogbunka, which Bishop Ezeofor renovated and refurbished for efficient service delivery.

Bishop Ezeofor constructed an ultra-modern secretariat at Ekwulobia. The project has been completed and dedicated to the glory of God. Another project completed and dedicated by Bishop Ezeofor is the Gosife Micro Finance Bank at Ekwulobia. Plans are in top gear to commence work at the Diocesan Conference and Retreat Centre at Ndikelionwu as well as building of more churches in the hinterland.

Bishop Ezeofor, who is the National Chairman of the Evangelical Fellowship in the Anglican Communion (EFAC) Nigeria, has introduced series of programmes. They include Worship and Word Conference; Fresh Grace from Above; Aguata Night of Glory; Single and Sensible for the youths, among others. The President of the Women’s Ministry, Mrs. Chinyere Ezeofor, Nnechukwunyere, should be commended for her support to the Diocesan Bishop.

Oko embraced Christianity in 1909, through a church teacher from Ogidi, Mr. Mathias Anwuruebo, who recruited an Oko indigene, Mr. Egbevu Izuako, to assist him in spreading the gospel. They paid courtesy calls on the local chieftains, who agreed to give them land for the spread of the gospel.

The present Saint John Church building, where the synod is taking place, was dedicated by the then Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, Most Reverend Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye.

Oko community has produced many priests and prominent people, including the pioneer Bishop of Asaba Diocese, late Right Reverend Rowland Nwosu, the pioneer Bishop of Ogbaru and now Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Ezeofor. Others are a former Vice President of Nigeria, the late Dr. Alex Ekwueme, former President-General, Joint Council of Knights and President Aguata Council of Knights, Sir Isaiah Eze Ezika, among others.

As Oko community hosts the first session of the sixth synod of Aguata Diocese, the Archdeacon of Oko Archdeaconry, Venerable Steve Nnadi, Ph.D and members of the Planning Committee have opened their arms to receive Diocesan officials and delegates. May God bless you as you come.

Aguata Diocese, Lampada Christi.

No related posts.