PROFILE: Venerable Hanson Bernard, Bishop-Elect, Diocese of Ahoada

  • Korede Akintunde
  • September 16, 2024
  • 0 Comments

Ven. Hanson Onyejiuwanaka Bernard was born on Sunday, 11th March, 1979 to the family of Late Mr. Bernard Ikechukwu and Late Mrs Janeth Obutor Omelame (Nee Edema) of Odhiaje Community in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

EDUCATION:
Ven. Hanson Onyejiuwanaka Bernard had his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1991 at Government Primary School, Ahoada; and Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) in 1997 at Western Ahoada County High School, Ahoada.

He had his Ordination training at St. Paul’s University College, Awka (Affiliated to University of Nigeria, Nsukka) from September, 2000 to May, 2004, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion (UNN) and Diploma in Theology (SPUCA). He also holds a Bachelor of Theology (B.Th) Degree from Institute of Theology, Paul University, Awka in 2023. He holds a Master of Arts (M.A.) Degree in Old Testament Studies from University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State in 2023. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Old Testament Studies in the same University.

ORDINATION AND PREFERMENT:
Ven. Hanson O. Bernard was ordained Deacon in 2004; and Priested in 2005 by the Rt. Rev. Clement Nathan Ekpeye, pioneer Bishop, Diocese of Ahoada.

In 2008, he was preferred and installed Canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ahoada and collated Archdeacon in the year 2020 by the Rt. Rev. Clement N. Ekpeye, DSSRS, JP, AP.

MINISTERIAL POSTINGS:
Ven. Hanson’s ministerial postings include:

Vicar, New Covenant Anglican Church, Omoku (2004 – 2007).

Canon-in-Residence, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Ahoada (2008-2011).

Rector, St. John’s Anglican Church Deanery, Ihuowo (2012 – 2015).

Rector, St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Odiemerenyi (2016 – 2019).

Vicar & Archdeacon, St. Peter’s Anglican Church Parish, Ogbo (2020 – 2022).

Vicar & Archdeacon, Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, Ahoada (2023 till date).

ECUMENISM:
Ven. Hanson Bernard was a one-time Treasurer, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ahoada East L.G.A. Chapter.

He was Secretary, Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Ahoada East Chapter.

He was an Area Executive member of Scripture Union, Ahoada Area; and currently Patron, Scripture Union, Ahoada Zone.

Hanson is the current Area 1st Vice Chairman of Bible Society of Nigeria (Rivers/Bayelsa Area).

CHURCH LIFE:
Baptism and Confirmation:
Hanson was baptized as an infant on 8th February, 1981 by Rev. Agala Akor; and confirmed on 17th November, 1996 by Rt. Rev. Samuel O. Elenwo.

He got Born-Again as a Student in 1993 through the Scripture Union Nigeria.

MINISTRY GIFT:
He is a gifted Teacher, Liturgist, Counsellor, Evangelist, Preacher, Church Builder and an Administrator.

TRAINING COURSES ATTENDED:
Scripture Union Nigeria Youth Missionary Training … 1999.

Evangelism Leadership and Missions International Institute (ELMI) Training … 2000.

The Church of Nigeria Senior Clergy Management Course at Ibru Ecumenical Center, Agbara – Otor … Aug. 2014

POSITION:
Hanson is the Clerical Synod Secretary, Diocese of Ahoada since 2011 till date; and the current Prolocutor, Church of Nigeria.

He served also as Niger Delta Provincial Prayer Coordinator from 2007 to 2014.

MARRIAGE:
Hanson is married to Lay-Reader Glad Umatu Hanson-Bernard (Nee Ugoji) from Omoku Community in Rivers State.

Glad, a Business Woman, holds a Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Agricultural Science from Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku.

The marriage is blessed with four beloved children: two girls (Chineme Obusor and Chilowetu Heoma) and two boys (Chimechenimeuma Chukuladi and Chigwushimegbaka Ebube), to the glory of God.

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