The Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has elected seven new bishops to fill vacant positions in seven of its diocesan churches and four archbishops for its provinces.
The Church’s Communication Officer, Korede Akintunde, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday, August 13, and made available online.
According to the statement, the church’s Episcopal Synod took place on July 30, 2024, at St. Matthew’s Anglican Church in Maitama, Abuja, where the elections were also conducted.
The Primate of the church, Dr. Henry Ndukuba, announced the elections at the conclusion of the synod.
Congratulating the newly-elected bishops and archbishops, the primate prayed for wisdom, strength and good health to manage the affairs of the people of God in their respective dioceses and provinces.
“He, however, called on all members of the church to pray and support the newly-elected bishops and their families, as they go into their new places of assignments after the due processes, training and consecration.
“He also called on those newly elected into various offices to pray and seek God’s face for the power of God in their new roles.”
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 has been set aside for the consecration of the Bishops-elect and the presentation of the Archbishops-elect, as part of the church’s Standing Committee Meeting being hosted by Nike Diocese in Enugu State.
The seven elected bishops are Ephraim Gongdem for Jos Diocese, John Obinali, who has been posted to Okigwe Diocese, Sam Ike to Enugu Diocese and Godwin Odubena for Ijebu North Diocese. Others are Bernard Hanson (Ahoada Diocese), Titus Alkali for Wusasa Diocese and Samuel Ifeyemi who is to report at the Osun North Diocese.
Elected Bishops Sosthenes Eze – Bishop of Enugu North Diocese under Enugu Province, Israel Amao who is to report at the New Bussa Diocese, Kwara Province as it's new Bishop, Williams Aladekugbe who is to take charge at Ibadan North Diocese, Ibadan Province as Bishop and Daniel Yisa, Bishop of Minna Diocese in Lokoja Province.
Appreciating the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion on behalf of the newly-elected bishops, Venerable Israel Amao of the Diocese on the Niger in Anambra State now bishop of New Bussa Diocese in Kwara Province, pledged to instill more hope and love amongst the people of God and help in youth empowerment to subdue crime.
