PREAMBLE:

The 3rd Session of the 7^th Synod of the Diocese of Okrika, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), was held at St James Anglican Church, Ogoloma, Okrika Archdeaconry in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State from Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th May, 2024, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and was presided over by the Rt. Reverend Enoch Atuboyedia, Bishop, Diocese of Okrika.

GUEST PREACHER: The Guest Preacher for the synod was The Most. Revd. Dr. Blessing Enyindah, DSSRS, (JP) Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Archbishop Niger Delta Province and Bishop of Diocese of Ikwerre.

Synod received with gratitude the Dean and other visiting Bishops who graced the occasion. Synod also received goodwill messages from various Dioceses across Nigeria.

Theme: I See Grace Isaiah 30:18

1. ON THE THEME OF THE SYNOD:

Synod notes that the theme is very suitable as we often lay heavy burdens upon ourselves struggling more than we need to, refusing to accept God’s desire to help, heal, and show mercy to us. The verse that forms our theme in this Synod brings Grace and compassion together as a unit. “It is God’s Grace, longing and desire to show His intentions to us. God is a God of Justice, but we are weak and vulnerable. He created us to need and depend on Him and Him alone and in doing so He knows how much we need His grace and compassion hence the theme “I see Grace.”

Synod studied and analyzed thoroughly the Bishop’s Charge, Bible Study Outlines, Sermons, Seminar presentations and Discussions, and notes the following;

1. The theme of Synod emphasizes that all have sinned and merit God’s righteous judgment but Grace has been made possible because of Jesus’ death on the cross which paid for our sins.
   1. God’s grace gives us the strength and determination to rise again. This is total dependence and it is in this total dependence we find the power to persevere despite each stumbling block this world throws at us.
   1. Many people do not understand or receive the compassion and Grace God offers us. Some of us do not just feel that we deserve it because of our past sins, but God offers Grace to a people whom He purposely created to need this Grace. It is more than favour; it is what we need to get through every moment of each day.

2:    AROUND THE DIOCESE:

1. Synod commiserates with Okrika Kingdom on the death of His Gracious Majesty King Dr. Alfred Semenitari Abam, Ado IX, Amanyanabo of Okirka and Clan Head of Okrika Kingdom and also with the people of Koni Ama kingdom on the demise of HRH King Nelson Oputibeya, Amanyanabo of Koni Ama, who have since been buried. We pray for God’s Grace for their families and the fortitude to bear these huge losses.
2. Synod appreciates the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for the elevation of the stool of the Amanyanabo of Okochiri to first class status. And also congratulates His Majesty King Dr. Michael Ateke Tom Amanyanabo of Okochiri Sekuro of Niger Delta for his elevation.
3. Synod appreciates His Royal Majesty King E.T.I Obudibo, Ikwo V, Amanyanabo of Ogoloma, Chiefs, Elders and people of Ancient Ogoloma Kingdom who have made very generous donations to the Local Organising Committee of the Synod and continue to support the Diocese. Synod in particular noted the warm reception accorded the President of Synod Rt. Rev Enoch Atuboyedia , the clergy, guests and delegates to the Synod by the good people of Ogoloma and prayed for continued protection and peace of the kingdom.
4. Synod appreciates and commends Okrika Archdeaconry, Vicar and the faithful of St James Church Ogoloma and the Local Organising Committee for a very successful Synod.
5. Synod notes with appreciation the support of the Rivers State Government towards the successful hosting of the National Anglican Youth Fellowship Conference by the Diocese of Okrika.
6. Synod notes with thanks the presence and support of the Rivers State Government during the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the Diocese. Specifically, Synod wishes to thank the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS and the Deputy Governor Prof Ngozi Odu, DSSRS, for honouring our invitation and prays for God’s Grace to continue to keep them and grant them wisdom to govern our beloved state.
7. Synod places on record its profound gratitude to the Governor of Rivers State Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS for the rebuilding of Okrika Grammar School noting that the gesture is an answer to many years of travail in prayer. Synod prays that the grace and peace of God will carry him throughout his administration and that God will grant him wisdom.
8. Synod notes that the Diocese of Okrika (Anglican Communion) Church of Nigeria, will not be involved or engage in partisanship in any kingship/chieftaincy matters. Synod advises parties engaged in chieftaincy disputes not to disrupt the worship of God or desecrate the Temple of the Most High God.
9. Synod commends the Diocesan Christian Men’s Fellowship for the completion and dedication of the first phase of its project at Otueke, Bayelsa State.
10. Synod notes that though the Anglican Church today is faced with manifold challenges, however, amid these challenges, there are multiple opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and teaching which will ultimately lead to growth and renewal.

3:      NIGER DELTA PROVINCE:

Synod congratulates His Grace, the Most. Revd. Dr. Blessing Chinyere Enyindah (JP) DSSRS, Archbishop Niger Delta Province and Bishop Diocese of Ikwerre on his election and presentation as Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

4:      CHURCH OF NIGERIA ANGLICAN COMMUNION:

1. Synod commends the successful Church of Nigeria Communicators’ conference and urges communication and media officers to use their office to propagate the gospel.
2. Synod commends the setting up of the Church of Nigeria GAFCON Trust Fund by the National church.
3. Synod notes the concern of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion on the apostasy and rebellion that seems to permeate the society and calls the church to repentance and to a continued preaching of the undiluted gospel.
4. Synod celebrates with the Church of Nigeria on its 45^th anniversary of the Anglican Communion in Nigeria.

5:       RIVERS STATE:

1. Synod congratulates the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, on the Supreme Court affirmation of his election at the polls and urges him to serve Rivers people with humility and the fear of God.
   1. Synod notes with concern the current unhealthy political rivalry in Rivers State and urges all parties to sheathe their swords and work together for the benefit of the people.
   1. Synod commends the Rivers State Government for the launching of the N4 billion matching loan scheme for nano, small and medium-scale businesses in Rivers State and urges residents of the State to take advantage of this economic empowerment initiative.
   1. Synod encourages Rivers people to be confident that we will overcome the present economic, political and social challenges as the Grace of God is sufficient to guarantee peace, unity and development in the State.
   1. Synod commends the pro-people initiatives of Governor, Sir Siminalayi’s administration noting especially the positive comments from the Civil Servants and labour unions. Synod urges the Governor of Rivers State to diligently pursue more projects that deliver basic social services to enable the State meet the SDGs

6:   STATE OF THE NATION:

1. Synod encourages all leaders to fear God, do justice, show love and kindness, and walk humbly before God shunning selfishness, personal aggrandisement and planting landmines for the future.
2. Synod notes the high state of insecurity in the nation and strongly supports the creation of State Police as a panacea to help the overburdened Nigerian Police Force in achieving its security goals.
3. Synod notes the poor state of the economy, the fluctuation of the Naira against the Dollar, and the high cost of goods. Synod appeals to the Government to implement policies that will alleviate the sufferings of the people in the short, medium and long terms.
4. Synod encourages Government to give the needed attention to a robust and all inclusive education (personnel & infrastructure), healthcare (personnel & infrastructure), basic social amenities and basic infrastructure to make life more comforting and comfortable.
   1. Synod notes the need for the government to embrace the development of critical industries like refineries, agriculture, agro-based industries, ICT, and AI development to cater for the nation’s needs and provide employment.
   1. Synod encourages Nigerians to insist on democratic ideals, the defence and promotion of good governance.
   1. Synod urges all Christians to intensify prayers for leaders; the healing of the economy of the nation and on such things as the Lord will lay in their hearts.

7:      THE WORLD TODAY

1. Synod notes that the global economic recession and hardship is becoming alarming and notes that it is important for the church to be a place of succour. 
2. Synod notes the declining value system and moral decadence and urges parents and the church to be vigilant and provide direction and loving correction.
3. Synod prays for God’s intervention in the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the war between Israel and Hamas.

8:       CONCLUSION:

Synod is thankful to God as it is only His Grace that shall continue to help everyone go through these times as We See Grace.

    DAME IBIM SEMENITARI                                                 VEN. OBIKABO BROWN

   DIOCESAN COMMUNICATOR                                     CLERICAL SYNOD SECRETARY

RT. REVD. ENOCH ATUBOYEDIA

BISHOP, DIOCESE OF OKRIKA

MEMBERS OF COMMUNIQUÉ COMMITTEE

1. DAME IBIM SEMENITARI – Chair
2. SIR WILBERFORCE DERIKOMA – Deputy Chair
3. SIR CHIEF IYALLA SOMIARI [ESQ.] – Secretary
4. SIR. TAMS NGERI
5. DAME MARTHA IRUENE
6. VEN. DR. BENNETT TAMUNOBELEMA
7. VEN ORANGO R. SUNDAY, KSC
8. REVD SAMUEL OGAN
9. ENGR HARCOURT STANLEY
10. MR. WALTER AMAKIRI

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