THE Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, hosted a memorable event focused on promoting national growth and advancing the gospel during its 2025 Standing Committee meeting.
The programme took place at St Cyprian’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and it was attended by the leadership of the Anglican Communion, including the Primate of the Church, Most Reverend (Dr) Henry Ndukuba, along with other prominent clerics from the denomination and key government officials from Rivers State, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
A significant highlight of the meeting was Archbishop Ndukuba’s call for creating a new national constitution, drafted by the citizens of the various ethnic groups in the country. He emphasized that such a constitution would address critical issues necessary for achieving peace, growth, and unity in the nation.
Speaking on the theme of the first edition of the 2025 Church of Nigeria Standing Committee Meeting, entitled “The Bond of Peace: The Core of the Life and Ministry of the Church,” the Primate urged Christians to avoid division, acrimony, and backstabbing, and to promote unity and progress within the church.
Ndukuba decried the wanton destruction of lives and properties of Nigerians in some parts of the country, calling on the Federal Government to put in place adequate mechanism to tackle the hydra-headed insecurity seen in the nation.
He also advised the Federal Government to establish a National Reconciliation Commission aimed at addressing divisions among various religious, ethnic, and socio-political groups. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of industrializing Nigeria, particularly by focusing on agro-industries to enhance food security and create employment opportunities for Nigerian youth.
The primate emphasised that the life of every Nigerian matters to God, regardless of religion, tribe, or social class. He encouraged all citizens to remain steadfast, assuring that God will bring transformation to Nigeria as a nation.
Additionally, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Blessing Chinyere Enyindah of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger Delta and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, called for support in establishing an Anglican-owned tertiary institution, which will be named Niger Delta Anglican University. This initiative aims to contribute to the development of human resources for the church and society.
The Dean praised the early missionaries who collaborated with the forebears in faith for their tremendous efforts in establishing healthcare and educational institutions.
He expressed gratitude to the primate and the Church of Nigeria for approving the province to host the 2025 Standing Committee Meeting.
Earlier in his welcome address, the host Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr Emmanuel Oko-Jaja, commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his significant support and contributions to the Diocese in hosting the meeting.
Ndukuba also expressed gratitude to God for ensuring the safety of all delegates travelling from across the country to Port Harcourt. He added that Rivers State is peaceful and safe, despite the negative narratives regarding insecurity in the state.
In the same vein, the president of the Mothers’ Union and Women’s Guild, Girls Guild of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and the wife of the primate, Mrs Angela Ndukuba, frowned against the wanton killing of girl children for rituals by traffickers and kidnappers in the society.
Mrs Ndukuba further spoke against obnoxious practices where the genital organs are mutilated and vital body parts of victims of kidnappers are harvested for devilish purposes.
She called on the government and the security agencies to take drastic action against perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
She, however, harped on the benefits of the bond of peace which is described as unity in diversity, love and compassion, effective ministry, spirituality, and physical growth.
As part of his commitment to the growth of the church, Governor Fubara contributed N500 million to the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion for its 2025 activities, as highlighted by Most Reverend Ndukuba during his address.
The governor announced the donation during his welcome speech at the event. He expressed that he felt compelled to support the church financially to help it achieve its visionary and commendable initiatives.
Fubara specifically praised the primate for the church’s significant investment in youth ministry and evangelization programs.
He emphasized the crucial role of the church in shaping society by promoting peace and supporting good governance. The governor reiterated that his administration is dedicated to collaborating with all denominations to spread the message of unity and development.
Moreover, he expressed his gratitude for the fervent prayers that the church offers for him and his government to overcome both physical and spiritual challenges. He promised to continue supporting the church in all its endeavours to ensure its growth.
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