With gratitude to God Almighty and expression of unquantifiable joy in me and by extension the entire Ika Diocese, I feel elated and grateful to have been privileged to host this vital meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

I appreciate and receive His Grace The Most Revd. (Dr.) Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and his lovely wife Mrs. Angela Ndukuba (Mama Nigeria), to Ika Diocese. I also welcome Archbishops, Bishops and other distinguished delegates and we salute the Local Organizing Committee, sub- committees and the entire house of Clergy and Laity of Ika Diocese for their cooperation towards the preparation of the 2024 Standing Committee.

The hosting of this meeting is coming at a time when the economy of this nation Nigeria is waving leading to the skyrocketing of both materials and food prices. However God has been faithful in the supply of our needs.

We want to assure you that your stay in Ika Diocese will be peaceful without feeling any form of nostalgia. Everything has been put in place to ensure your comfort. The environment is friendly and Ika nation is receptive and hospitable. And so, there is no cause for alarm.

However, if you are facing any challenge, please meet the relevant sub-committees.

The hosting of this Standing Committee has encouraged us to work harder in the development of our Diocese. Our Retreat Centre is functioning to its full capacity, the Anglican Community Center which houses the Cathedral and our schools, has taken a new look. Also, our water factory and hospitable and functioning effectively.

Once again, I welcome everyone to the Diocese of Ika for the 2024 Church of Nigeria Standing Committee, and we pray that God Almighty will fill the venue with His presence and enable the meeting to be fruitful. Remain blessed.