Interviewer: Thank you very much, Your Grace. Please, can you introduce yourself to us?

Archbishop: Thank you. I am the Most Revd Dr Israel Afolabi Amoo, Pioneer Bishop of New Bussa Diocese, and I also serve as the third Archbishop of Kwara Province. I am grateful for this opportunity, and it is a pleasure to meet you all.

Interviewer: Thank you, Sir. We are honoured to have you with us. Kindly share with us your experience as a Boundary Bishop.

Archbishop: My experience as a Boundary Bishop has been one of mixed feelings. This is so because when we first arrived, the situation was quite challenging. At the beginning, we had only five churches and six priests. We were fully aware that as Boundary Bishops, God called us to pioneer the work. Even our Cathedral, being our first church, was not attractive or encouraging in appearance. Notwithstanding the challenging situation, by the grace of God, we did not lose hope.

Interviewer: How did you navigate those early challenges?

Archbishop: We started afresh from the very beginning with strong commitment, determination, and faith in the Lord. God also surrounded us with people who were willing to partner with us and who understood the need for growth and development.

Interviewer: What is the current state of the diocese today?

Archbishop: By God’s grace, the diocese has grown significantly. Today, we have forty-five churches and forty-seven priests actively working, along with evangelists. The work continues to expand daily.

Interviewer: What would you say is the major challenge facing the diocese now?

Archbishop: The major challenge is manpower. We still do not have enough hands to carry out the work effectively. As the mission continues to grow, this remains a significant concern, and we trust God for more labourers in His vineyard.

Interviewer: Your Grace, can you briefly describe the coverage of your diocese?

Archbishop: Our diocese covers parts of Niger State, the Republic of Benin, and Kwara State. All these areas are within the northern regions of the coverage areas. We also have five churches in Oyo State. Whenever we need to minister in Oyo State, we write formally to indicate that we are part of that jurisdiction. We continue to adjust accordingly.

Interviewer: We are truly encouraged by what you have achieved despite the humble beginnings of your diocese. As you reflect on your episcopal journey, what aspects of this journey will you miss the most?

Archbishop: Thank you very much. What I will miss most is the fellowship, having served as a Bishop for the past twenty years.

Interviewer: Finally, Sir, do you have any plans or intentions for life after retirement from active ministry?

Archbishop: We belong to SupraWest, and we have maintained that affiliation for a long time. Through it, we have faithfully contributed our quota, including pension pledges and related commitments.

Interviewer: May the Lord bless you in retirement, in the name of Jesus. Thank you for your grace and your time. We pray that your retirement will be peaceful and filled with God’s presence, in the name of Jesus.