“The challenge of leadership in a time like this in the Church of God is a battle against corruption among believers and unbelievers alike, the revisionists who twist the truth of the scriptures and preach another gospel bringing gender confusion in homosexuality and other form of sexual perversion, new paganism, materialism, new movements with associated secular philosophical humanistic and antichrist ideologies”.

This was the submission of the Rt. Rev Dr. Owen Nwokolo, bishop of on the Niger at the consecration of four Bishops at All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha in Anambra State.

The preacher and Retreatant who took his text from 1 Sam 7: 8 said the battle is endless especially with modern day prosperity minded Christianity, war with Militant Islam that is bent to terrorize, wound and annihilate Christians in Nigeria with many other fronts with whom Christians battle with forces of darkness including sin the world and the devil.

The erudite scholar also gave the panacea to how the battle will be won. He said the number one solution to the challenges is for Christians to be certain of his or her call and mission to be able to make tremendous progress like Samuel. He said a leader must pay careful attention to his spiritual health and take heed of his standing before God as Paul admonished lest he falls, adding that leaders must take their relationship with God seriously and have personal relationship with Christ.

According to Bishop Nwokolo Prayer is the key and a prayer less Christian is a powerless Christian adding that like Samuel they must be of a sound mind in sound doctrine without compromising their stand but be firm building confidence and trust among the people.

He said it is unfortunate today that leaders are not found on their duty posts but are junketing all around, urging them not to give the enemy a foothold.

The ebullient preacher used emphasis at his command to reiterate that God is not unkind to forget good works.

He went down memory lane to substantiate his claim when he showered encomiums on the Governor of Anambra State Willy Obiano for aligning with the needs of his people concerning security in Anambra State adding that the pragmatic efforts put in fighting security upheaval in the state worked wonders and the dividends of democracy was felt to the extent that the governor captured the whole local governments and state with a landslide victory during the last election for a second term.

He said the governor is in close touch with the needs of the people and no mountain would stand against him and all forces of darkness shall be defeated, he declared.

THE RT REV DR OWENS NWOKOLO …MADE IN ALL SAINTS …. A MADE IN NIGERIA BISHOP

The uniqueness of All Saints Cathedral Onitsha was brought to fore in the life of the incumbent Bishop of Diocese of on the Niger, the Rt Rev Owens Nwokolo who was also the retreatant and preacher on the auspicious occasion of the consecration of four Bishops, in the Anglican Church.

The Rt. Rev Dr Owens Nwokolo in his preaching, recalled with nostalgic feeling how he was born and bred into Priesthood with the divine steps of God happening in succession at the Cathedral of All Saints Onitsha in Anambra State. From Diaconate ordination to Priesthood, from Canonry to Venerable and moving up to become the sub-dean of the Cathedral and to cap it all his consecration and enthronement as the Bishop of the Diocese of on the Niger, everything made in Nigeria, made in All Saints Cathedral Onitsha.

Bishop Nwokolo, a tall and lanky man, who can never be lost in a crowd gave glory to God for this spectacular achievements to the mammoth crowd of congregation what a great privilege.