The stage is now set for the third session of the fifth synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ogbaru. The three-day synod will take place at Saint James’ Church, Iyiowa Odekpe. According to the Diocesan Clerical Synod Secretary, Venerable Edozie Onwunyi JP, there was synod opening service yesterday, while Saturday, May 22nd is the presentation and launching of the Bishop’s charge by 10am.

The synod will be rounded off on Sunday, May 23, 2021, with a special thanksgiving service and cutting of the cake by 9am. A Medical Doctor and an Archdeacon in Nsukka Diocese, Venerable Moses Omeke, is the synod preacher.

The synod theme, “Soul Wining, the Heartbeat of God”, was carefully chosen by the President of the synod and the Anglican Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese, Right Reverend Prosper Afamefuna Amah, to draw the people back to their creator.

This is because the current situation in the country calls for sober reflection and soul searching. The high rate of insecurity, herdsmen/farmers clashes, COVID-19 pandemic and other socio-political problems should not make the people lose focus in their faith in God. As Christians, we need to thank God for every situation we find ourselves, hoping that one day, all the problems will become history.

This year’s synod of Ogbaru Anglican Diocese is expected to draw many dignitaries, including Governor Willie Obiano, top government functionaries and legislators. People should donate towards more development and rural evangelism in Ogbaru Diocese.

Obviously, Ogbaru is a rural area and one of the food baskets of the state, which normally experiences flood at the peak of any rainy season. During such deluge people can no longer attend to their businesses, schools and even church services.

 Thus, the Diocese is appealing to the federal government to come to their aid. They can do by dredging River Niger. The people of Ogbaru are calling on the government to please come to Macedonia and help them. Public spirited individuals are equally urged to assist in the development of the Diocese.

Historically, the Anglican Diocese of Ogbaru was inaugurated on March 16, 2007, by the then Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of all Nigeria, the Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola with the Right Reverend Samuel Chukwudi Ezeofor as the pioneer Bishop, who was later translated to Aguata Diocese on April 3, 2018.

His translation paved way for the election, consecration and enthronement of Right Reverend Prosper Amah as the Bishop of Ogbaru Diocese.

Since its inauguration, Ogbaru Diocese has recorded series of achievements, especially in the areas of grassroots evangelism; building an ultra-modern Basilica of Saint James the Great Cathedral, modern hall with guest rooms known as Emmanuel Castle of Refuge, Bishop’s Court; establishment of convent and seminary schools known as Elshadai Convent; New Heaven and the Kings Ambassador Seminary, Atani.

Also, many churches have been built and dedicated, to the glory of God. The Diocese, under Bishop Prosper Amah, built a modern secretariat and a new Bishop’s Court to give room for the expansion of the seminary school. The Bishop’s Court is nearing completion. The Bishop’s wife, Dr. Uche Amah, and Diocesan officials need to be commended for their support to the Diocesan.

Odekpe Archdeaconry, which is hosting the 2021 Ogbaru Diocesan Synod at Saint James Church Iyiowa-Odekpe, the headquarters of the Archdeaconry, is made up of four parishes and eleven churches. This year’s synod, as usual, will bring more blessings to the people of the area.

So, as the Right Reverend Prosper Amah, presides over the synod, the archdeacon of Odekpe Archdeaconry, Venerable George Chukwudum Anekwe and members of the synod planning committee are assuring the Diocesan synod delegates and guests of  a successful outing.

WRITTEN BY SIR CHINEDU IKE

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