By Ibru Ecumenical Centre

The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba has dedicated the Golden Jubilee projects of Aba Diocese among which were Primate Henry Ndukuba Complex, Anglican Boys Seminary, Egbelu-Eziukwu, Aba; and a three-storey classroom block/hall at Dr. Lady Grace Juniorate, Ogbor-Hill, Aba, Abia State.

The Primate who arrived Abia State on October 15, 2022, paid a courtesy visit to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, at the State Government House, Umuahia, where he appreciated the relative peace in the state and also to encourage the growth of the gospel.

Responding, the State Governor, Dr. Ikpeazu, who was represented by his Deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, alongside the commissioners, permanent secretaries and other top government functionaries, assured the Primate of the governor’s unflagging support to the gospel.

Speaking at the Thanksgiving Service with the theme: “I Will Do A New Thing,” taken from Isaiah 43:19, Ndukuba enjoined faithful to remain committed to the things of God, despite the odds. He reminded them of God’s promise to do a new thing in the country.

Aba Diocese, a host to early Christian missionaries of the Niger Delta pastorate, was inaugurated as a Diocese on January 9, 1972 with the Rt. Rev. Hubert Alafuro Ibibama Afonya (now deceased) as pioneer Bishop. Subsequently, the Diocese has been administered by Rt. Reverends Prof. Augustine Onyeyirichukwu Iwuagwu (now deceased), Most Rev (Dr.) Ugochukwu Uwaoma Ezuoke and their wives, but currently under the leadership of the Rt. Rev Christian Chiodoadighi and Mrs. Ihuoma Cynthia Ugwuzor, as fourth Bishop and President.

At 50, the Diocese has sired Ukwa, Arochukwu, Ohafia, Ikwuano, Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Isiala Ngwa, Aba Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa Dioceses, which make up today’s Aba Province. The celebration featured among others, Holy Communion service and prayers across the Diocese; Knighthood investiture; schools cultural dance; football matches and a talk on the relevance of education in the 21st century; march pasts across all Archdeaconries; lectures and launching of N500,000,000; Aba Diocesan Trust Fund; Jubilee Praise Choir Day; posthumous awards; Bible quiz, and dedication of church.

The occasion, which also witnessed presentation of a book titled: “The History of Aba Diocese at 50” and the Golden Edition of Mission magazine, the Aba Diocesan Official magazine by the Diocesan Bishop of Aba, Rt. Rev Christian Chidoadighi Ugwuzor, was attended by the Archbishop of Aba Province, Most Rev. Isaac Nwaobia; Archbishop of Owerri Province, Most Rev. David Onuoha; Archbishop of Niger Delta Province, Most Rev. Blessing Enyindah; Abia State Governor represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; wife of the pioneer Archbishop of Aba, Mrs. Stella Ezuoke.

Others included Bishop of Mbaise and wife, Rt. Rev. Chambeline Ogunedo; Bishop of Aba Ngwa North and wife, Rt. Rev. Nathan and Princess Odionyenfe Kanu; Bishop of Ukwa and wife, Rt. Rev Manasses Okere; Bishop of Umuahia and wife, Rt. Rev (Dr.) Geoffrey Ibeawuchi; Bishop of Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, Rt. Rev and wife, Prince Anyim; wife of the deceased pioneer Bishop of Isiala Ngwa, Mrs. Virginia Owen Azubuike; the clergy from Aba and sister Dioceses and other denominations.

Inclusive were royal fathers, members of the political class, government functionaries, noble knights/their ladies, and choir members.