(BY VEN. FOLUSO TAIWO)

Another landmark in the history of milestone projects in the transformation of the Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion) took place when His Grace, the Primate of All Nigeria the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh turned the sod of new buildings of St. Silas Learning Academy, Chapel and a Clinic at St. Silas Church, Kobi in Kobi Deanery Abuja.

The service of foundation laying was led by Archbishop Okoh who reiterated that the Church is a movement, with great achievements that will impact on the people in her vicinity, for the betterment of the community.

He said the metropolis (FCT) is far from the area, so the Church is so relevant that it should more close to the people and the down trodden, with a view to granting them good provision of life even though they are in the outskirts of the Federal Capital Territory.

He prayed that the triple projects would be completed at a record time. This was backed with a promise from the supervising priest of Asokoro Archdeaconry and St. James Church, Asokoro, the Ven. Andrus Ukaejiofor.

After the foundation was laid by him with the assistance of the General Secretary Church of Nigeria, the Ven. Dr Paul Dajur and Ven. Dr Nnamdi Okpuno, the Primate solicited for financial contribution from Churches in the Diocese by leading them with a handsome donation on behalf of the diocese. Others followed suit with generous donations, including the sole financial of the project St. James Church, Asokoro in their goodwill messages.

Prince Audu on behalf of the head of the Kobi Community lauded the great strides of the diocese of Abuja Anglican Communion for the kind gesture of reaching to the grassroots, and promised to contribute generously to the completion of the three in one project.

Also, Hon. Paul Samuel, a Councilor representing Garki Ward of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) commended the efforts of the Diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion) noting that this monumental project is assisting the AMAC and it will go down in history. He assured the gathering that the Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council whom he represented would lend great support for the projects.

On his own part, Hon. Paul Samuel promised to contribute his quota to the quick completion of the projects.

In attendance were the members of the Clergy of the diocese and the members of the community, the retired Ven. Olukayode Okunromade and the congregation of St. Silas Church, Kobi in Kobi Deanery.