INTRODUCTION

The   Standing  Committee  of the   Church  of Nigeria  (Anglican  Communion) under  the  guidance  of the   Holy  Spirit and  the  leadership  of the   Most  Rev. Nicholas  D.  Okoh,  Archbishop,  Metropolitan  and  Primate  of All Nigeria,  with his wife Mrs.  Nkasiobi  Okoh,  President of the  Women and  Girls’  Organisations, met at the  Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, Anambra State, from  19th-23rd September, 2016. One Hundred and Forty Bishops, One Hundred and Sixty clergymen  and  Eighty-Two  members of the  House  of  Laity  were present.  At the   opening  ceremony,  the  Standing  Committee  welcomed  His  Excellency, Chief  Dr.  Willie   M.  Obiano,  The  Executive  Governor  of Anambra  State,  the former Vice President,  Dr Alex Ekwueme as well  as the  Roman  Catholic Bishop of Awka, The Most Rev’d  Paulinus Okafor, who  delivered goodwill messages.

THE THEME OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE

The  theme  of the   Standing  Committee  was  ‘Who  is on  the  LORD’s  side?’

(Exodus 32:26). At the  end, the  following Communique was  issued:

Given  that the  Church,  the  Nation  and  the  World   have  continued  to  grapple with   so   many  challenges   leading  to   increasing  attitude   of  compromise, corruption and  the  likes, which  separate us from  the  living God, the  Standing Committee reaffirms as well  as reminds the  Church and  all Christians:

• To always  be  guided by  the  scriptural  stance  which   provides  that all true Christians  must take  a stand  with  God  in  response to the  question: who is on the LORD’s side? (Exodus 32.26)
• That  standing   on  the   fence   or  between   opinions   is   as  good   as  not standing  with  God  which   carries  with  it  disastrous  consequences.  (1Kings  18.21)

• That all who  have truly believed,  as they stand with. God, must speak out and engage the world as SALT and LIGHT against evil, darkness and championing the extension of Christ’s kingdom  on earth.

  “CHANGE BEGINS WITH ME” CAMPAIGN

  The  Standing Committee commends the  Federal  Government on  her efforts towards  bringing  attitudinal   change   that  will   help   our  nation   progress positively,  and  calls  on  all  Nigerians,  particularly the  Church,  to  ensure the success  of this  initiative. We must restore queuing culture, healthy disposal  of waste, healthy driving culture, etc.

  COMMENDATION: ANAMBRA STATE

  In  appreciation  and   recognition  of  the   good   works  being   done   by  the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Dr. Willie  M.  Obiano, in faithful payment of salaries, agriculture, infrastructure and  economy  of the  state, the Standing  Committee  joyfully  commends  His  Excellency  and  calls  on  other States to take  a cue from this testimony.

  ANGLICAN COMMUNION

  As  parts   of  the   Anglican   Communion   continue  to   pursue   a  revisionist theological agenda and  negate the  place  of God Word written, the  Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion restates its position that Christian marriage is a lifelong union  between a man and a woman. That homosexuality and same sex relationships  are not  acceptable  alternative  or  lifestyle,  as  our  Church  is  a Bible  believing  Church.   In  many  parts  of the  Anglican  world,  apostasy  is  the new orthodoxy.  The Standing Committee believes  now  is the  right time to ask the  Anglican  world,  “who  is  on  the  LORD’s  side?”  Therefore  the  Standing Committee  resolutely and  unanimously supports  the  Primate  of all Nigeria  as he confronts ungodly and unbiblical developments within the Anglican Communion  and  calls  all  Anglican  Christians,  lay  and  ordained  to  a life  of repentance, holiness and  faithful  dedication to the  Lord Jesus  Christ.  No voice that speaks   in  anyway contrary to  this  faith  from  within  Nigeria or abroad speaks in the name  of this church.

  ON NATIONAL SECURITY AND HERDSMEN

  In spite of the  promise made  by the  President that the  herdsmen and  similar threats will be firmly and  decisively checkmated, the  continuing menace  and terrorizing  of vulnerable communities  have  remained  unchecked all around the country. Accordingly, the Federal Government is hereby urged, as a matter of urgency, to go a step further to disarm herdsmen, so that Nigeria can return to a state of peace.

  CONFLICTING JUDGMENTS

  The  Standing  Committee  is  disturbed by the  spate  of conflicting judgments from  courts of coordinate jurisdictions on cases  with similar facts and  issues. This issue has  lingered for such  a long time; it has  damaged the  image of the judiciary.  The  National Judicial  Council  (NJC)  is,  therefore,  called  upon  as  a matter  of  urgency  to  take   a  critical  look  at  these   anomalies  and   apply sanctions where applicable.

  ON MILITANCY AND NATIONAL ECONOMY

  That  our  national  economy is  being  adversely  affected  is  no longer  a secret. That oil production has nose-dived by 50% as a result of militancy in the Niger Delta can no longer be dismissed.  Consequently,  the  Standing Committee calls on  the   Federal  government  to   endeavour  to   review  and   strengthen  its strategies  in  addressing  this   deteriorating  situation  while   the   aggrieved groups  are enjoined to embrace dialogue  and lay down  their arms.

  THE VALUE OF NAIRA AND THE NATIONAL ECONOMY

  Considering  the  fact  that the  value  of the  Naira  against  the  US   Dollar  has continued to  decline, the  Standing Committee calls  on the  relevant agencies, namely:   CBN,   the   Ministry  of  Finance  and   the   Economic  Team   at  the Presidency  to  critically  reappraise  their  current  strategies  and  actions  for better results, so as to arrest the current economic  depression.

  THE ISSUE OF UNPAID SALARIES ACROSS THE NATION

  The  Standing  Committee  notes  with  displeasure  the  great  embarrassment caused   by  the  huge   proportions  of salaries,  gratuities  and  pensions   owed across  the   country  and   the   unbearable  hardship  it  creates;  the   Standing Committee pleads  with the  Federal and  State Governments to as a matter of national emergency  attend to and clear the backlog of salary arrears.

  ON CASES OF COLLAPSED BUILDINGS

  The  Standing  Committee  has   observed  with  pain   the   use  of  substandard materials and the  non-enlistment of the services of professionals in the construction industry thus  leading to cases  of repeated collapsed buildings  in Nigeria  with  its  attendant loss  of innocent  lives.  All  the  relevant  authorities are  accordingly   called   upon   to   fully   implement   the   existing  laws   and regulations  pertaining to  construction  industries  in  order to  curb  this  ugly trend.

  ON TRANSPORT  AND AVIATION

  Undoubtedly, the  crisis in the  Aviation sector is  compounding the  economic situation  of our  nation.  The  attendant result is  that pressure  is  put on  our roads   with  its  consequential  increase  in  loss  of lives.  It  is  therefore  most urgent that attention be  given  to this  sector and  action be  expedited on the President’s promise of a new National Carrier. Opening our water ways for the movement of goods  and  services will be a great blessing to our Nation.

• ECONOMIC RECESSION

  While  identifying  with  the  entire  citizens  of this  nation  on  the  challenges associated with  economic recession as is  being  witnessed  by all and  sundry, the  Standing  Committee  calls for  a careful  planning and  proper  management of individual and  national economy to be  able  to  come  out of these  difficult times.  The  Standing Committee  advises  the  Federal  Government not to  sell National  assets  which   are  difficult  to  replace,  but  to  appeal   to  Nigerians, individuals,  companies,  etc.  to pay  freewill  tax to the  Federal  Government,  to raise  funds.

  THE STATE OF THE FEDERAL ROADS

  Having  known   that good   and  accessible  roads   are  critical  for  agriculture, communications, commerce and  development, the  current deplorable state of roads  across the  nation has remained a matter of grave concern. The Standing Committee  hereby  calls   the   attention  of  the   Federal  Ministry  of  Works, Housing and  Power to give a fresh  attention to this matter most urgently.

  ATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS

  The Standing Committee expresses with deep  concern the  plight of Christians who are suffering in the hands  of Islamic extremists in Nigeria and around the world,  e.g.  Kano,  Katsina,  Kubwa,  Zamfara,  etc.  This  increase  in  hostility towards  Christians  is  preventing  some  of  them   from   freely   engaging   in worship  and  Christian  ministry.  The  Church  of Nigeria respectfully asks  all Christians  to pray faithfully for God’s grace and  protection for those  who are persecuted and  calls  on  all governments to  ensure freedom of worship and where necessary,  the  protection of Christians who are under pressure around the world.

  CONCLUSION

  WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE? “That the  trial of your faith, being  much  more precious  than   gold  that perisheth,  though it  be  tried by  fire,  might  be  found unto  praise and  honour and  glory  at the  appearing  of Jesus  Christ.”  (lPeter

  1.7).   As a Church and  as  a nation, let us take  our stand in righteousness and integrity  so  that here and  hereafter,  we  would remain  on  the   LORD’s  side; Amen.

   

   

The Most Rev’d Nicholar D. Okoh,
Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

Download: PDF

communique-from-the-standing-committee-meeting-of-the-church-of-nigeria-anglican-communion-held-from-september-19th-23rd-2016-at-the-cathedral-of-st-faith-awka-anambra-state.

Ven. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi

The new General Secretary for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has been presented to the Standing Committee meeting. He is the Ven. Dr. Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, former Rector of Archbishop Vining theological college, Akure.

In an interview soon after his presentation, Dr. Fagbemi said his focus is to pursue with pragmatic zeal the vision of the church as spelt out by the primate to be adequately implemented for the church to move forward. He called on Nigerians to stand firm on what is right and be on the Lord’s side, adding that the Church should not compromise and be counted for what is good.

The new General Secretary observed that what is in the micro is in the macro, noting that income and giving has been pretty low in the Church because salaries have not been paid to workers from whom we source to feed the Church. He added that people of God should give in faith because according to him, God is faithful and will always provide for his people and meet all their needs.

He called on all governments at federal, state and local to provide good governance to reduce people’s agitations and listen to their grievances to avoid these threats and trouble from time to time.

GAFCON movement and friends from Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and Chairman, the GAFCON Primates Council

To the Faithful of the GAFCON movement and friends from Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and Chairman, the GAFCON Primates Council

My dear people of God,

As I write, GAFCON is about to launch a project which I believe will be very significant for the future of the Anglican Communion. Under the leadership of Director Dr Samson Mwaluda, the recently retired Bishop of Taita Taveta in Kenya, the GAFCON Bishops Training Institute begins its first conference in Nairobi on 29th September for some twenty recently consecrated bishops drawn from GAFCON affiliated provinces. We already have a waiting list for our next conference!

I thank God that we are taking this step because the potential of leadership, for good or for bad, is very great. We see this truth in the life of Jesus. Much of his earthly ministry was devoted to teaching and training disciples and his most severe warnings of future judgement were spoken to religious leaders who twisted the Scriptures and served their own interests.

Jesus himself is the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11) and he is our example, in contrast to the hired man who runs for safety when the wolf attacks (John 10:12). Jesus is also the chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4) to whom all those of us who are entrusted with the care of God’s people will have to give account, but as Anglicans who hold to the historic episcopate, we look especially to our bishops to set wholesome examples as shepherds and overseers of the flock of God.

Along with Christ-like character, we also expect our bishops to be able to teach and preach the Word of God fearlessly and faithfully. They are to guard the apostolic inheritance not only through the ministry of the word, but also by ordination as they entrust that ministry to those ‘who will be able to teach others also’ (2 Timothy 2:2) after sound and thorough training.

When we remember the New Testament’s requirements for those who have oversight, it is shocking to recall that the current troubles of our beloved Communion began with some of its bishops. Those tasked with defending the Church from false teaching actually promoted it. They refused to accept the collegial mind of the Communion when the biblical teaching about marriage and sexuality was reaffirmed at the 1998 Lambeth Conference and ever since have worked tirelessly to overturn it.

Ungodly bishops have caused grievous tears in the fabric of the Communion, but godly bishops are being raised up to enable a reformed and renewed Anglican future with Bible at its heart. The GAFCON Bishops Training Institute serves this vision by equipping newly consecrated bishops to be courageous and discerning guardians of the faith.

So please join with me in praying for good shepherds will not stand idle or be distracted while there are lost sheep to be rescued or when the flock is being attacked and scattered. Let us call upon the Lord to use the Bishops Training Institute as an instrument of his eternal purposes and raise up those who will truly exercise the ‘cure of souls’ by word and deed, faithfully teaching and preaching the unchanging Word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Most Revd Nicholas D. Okoh

Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria and Chairman, the GAFCON Primates Council

Peace of the Lord.

To encourage effective communication to the outside world, the Department of Communication, Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion is organizing a three-day seminar for all our Diocesan Communicators from Wednesday October 26^th to Saturday 29^th, 2016.

THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS “RELEVANCE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION.”

The 3-day Seminar will be declared open by the Primate of all Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Thursday 27^th October, 2016 at 9am.

It is the aim of this conference to brainstorm and share ideas and create rapport with a view to equipping the participants for optimum performance. The conference is looking at having tips on the latest in Communication skills acquisition and modern techniques, a purveyor of news must possess to function effectively. We hope to intimate them on how to function as intermediary between the Diocese and the Anglican Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN) with a view to patronizing the Television. Erudite scholars have been penciled down as resource persons for this all important conference.

The Conference fee is Twelve Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N 12,500), which is inclusive of feeding, conference costs and materials.

ARRIVAL DATE:                WEDNESDAY, 26^th October, 2016

REGISTRATION:               TIME 5:00PM

PROGRAMME STARTS:   THURSDAY, 27^th October, 2016

SLEEP:                               (3 nights)

DEPARTURE DATE:          SATURDAY, 29^th October, 2016

ACCOMMODATION:         IBRU INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL CENTER AGBARHA-OTOR,                                              DELTA STATE

COST IMPLICATION:       3 Nights- N 9,000.00 (to be shared by Two People.This is optional)

We are looking forward to a highly illuminating conference where your Diocesan Communicator will be in attendance. This is for your information and approval, Sir.

My warm Regards.

In His Service,

The Venerable Foluso Taiwo

Director of Communication

Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

Abuja.  

For conference Enquiries: 08033856751,08051313111
Download  REGISTRATION& QUESTIONAIRE FORM 
church-of-nigeria-communicator-registration-form-2016
church-of-nigeria-communicator-registration-form-2016

It was a glorious day in Osun North East Diocese when God’s power was made manifest in our midst.

The Most Rev’d Dr. Nicholas D. Okoh, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, to the Glory of God dedicated four (4) landmark multi-million naira structures in the diocese and pronounced Primatial blessings over the Anglican Village from the Mountain of Visitation.

The projects are:

A block of 10 classrooms constructed in honour of Chief Adebisi Akande for Evangel College, Otan Ayegbaju (the Diocesan secondary School), a multi-purpose, multi-million Naira events center, constructed in honour of Olori Ololade Oyinlola, the mother of Osun State former Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a block of 4 classrooms constructed by the Women and Girls’ organisation of Osun North East Diocese for God of Glory Nursery and Primary School, Otan Ayegbaju (Diocesan Nursery & Primary School) and an imposing prayer tower on the Diocesan Prayer mountain of Visitaion, named after Dr. Nicholas D Okoh.

In attendance were the Executive Governor, of Osun state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs).Grace Laoye-Tomori, the Speaker of the state house of assembly and a host of Dignitries from all walks of life.

Most. Rev Dr. Segun Okubadejo, the Archbishop of ibadan Province, Most Rev Michael Akinyemi, Archbishop of Kwara province, and Most Rev J.O. Akinfenwa, the former Archbishop of Ibadan province led over 30 Bishops, retired Archbishops and Bishops to the epoch making event.

We congratulate His lordship, The Rt. Rev’d Dr. Humphrey Olumakaiye and Mama Osun North East Prof. (Mrs) Funke Olumakaiye on these giant strides made within these seven (7) short years. It’s the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.

The Nigeria Anglican Roman Catholic Commission (NARCC) held its annual conference at the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) Port Harcourt from October 11-13 2016. It continued its exploration on plausible ways of walking and working together between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in Nigeria.

The Port Harcourt Conference, had as its theme  “The Church as Communion, Local and Universal” It was chaired by the Anglican Co-Chairman, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev Dr Ikechi Nwachukwu Nwosu.

In his Goodwill message to the Conference, the Primate of All Nigeria, the Most Rev Nicholas D, Okoh, noted that “the church is grossly bedevilled with divisions, tensions and marred communions, not only in core beliefs, but also in essential Christian practices” and charged the conference to “come out with pragmatic road chart and concrete action plans for unity and sincere friendship relationship between Anglican Church and Roman Catholic Church in Nigeria”.

The conference started with a co-celebrated service of the Anglican and Roman Catholic Church. There was also a paper presentation on the theme and discussion of issues constituting obstacles to the communion of the two churches.

Nigeria Anglican Roman Catholic Commission (NARCC) is the Nigeria’s version of the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) which is geared towards stepping down the Anglican-Roman Catholic ecumenical dialogue at the global level to Nigerian context and enhancing the bilateral relations of the two churches in Nigeria. It has nine delegates from each of the two denominations. The delegates from the Anglican Church are: Most Revd Dr Ikechi Nwosu (Co-Chairman); Rt Rev’d A. Buba Lamido; Rt Revd David K. Bello; Rt Revd Duke Akamisoko; Rt Rev’d Prof. Andrew Igenosa; Ven. Feyi Ojelabi; Arc. Okey Chukwuogor; Mrs B. O. Williams and Ven. Dr Princewill O. Ireoba (Co-Secretary)

(BY NGOZI ADIGHIBE)

“Baptism is a rite of admission into the household of God.”

This was the submission of the Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh at the service of Baptism for Great Ifeanyichukwu Prince Akunna, son of the Ven. and Mrs. Ifeanyi Akunna, which was held at the Chapel of the Advent, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. The Primate observed that these days there were several doctrines and teachings that have brought confusion into the Church, hence the need for a sermon during infant baptism. He described the Holy Baptism as an initiation into a new life with Christ and death to sin, adding that the position of the Anglican Church is to baptize a child at a young age. He pointed out that Baptism is equivalent to the circumcision done in the Old Testament and similar to the time in the New Testament, where Jesus laid hands on the children that came to Him and blessed them.

The head of the Anglican Church in Nigeria noted that oftentimes people focus on developing the physical aspects of a child and neglect that of the spiritual, which has produced individuals in the society who are not balanced. He said that they forget that when God created man, He made man to have a body and a spirit and therefore when one aspect is neglected that individual becomes incomplete. Primate Okoh explained that when one focuses on building the physical aspects of a child that child will be carnally minded, lacking understanding of the spiritual things of God that can only be spiritually discerned. Thus, he advised parents to not only train their children physically, in terms of education, dressing and the likes, but also train them in the things of God.

The Cleric emphasized the importance of baptism in the Church, pointing out that without it being done, an individual is not recognized as an authentic member of the Church. According to him, baptism is done to bring in the child into a new life in Christ and to prepare the child for the journey ahead. Archbishop Okoh stated that several decisions are made for a child at infancy and yet, when it comes to spiritual things such as infant baptism, people claim that the child needs to be allowed to grow up and make that decision. He said that baptism is essential, so that the child can be introduced into the Church and thereafter be brought up in the faith by the parents and God parents. Primate Okoh concluded his message with a warning to parents not to think that baptism rules out their role to live exemplary lives for their children, because according to him, a child will imitate what he or she sees in his or her environment.

The service also had in attendance priests and members of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja who had come to rejoice with the family of one of their own. The Ven. and Mrs. Ifeanyi Akunna are currently serving in the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life camp, Abuja and the Ven. Akunna is also the personal secretary to the Primate of all Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the entire Church received with delight, relief and optimism the news of the release of 21 of the Chibok girls that we had long been praying for in the last two years.  This was particularly heartening at a time when hope was almost fading about whether these girls would return again.  And while the release of these 21 girls is heartwarming, one hopes that it is an indication that the rest will be released in due course at which time the joy of the entire nation can be full.

We wish to commend the Federal Government and its agencies, especially the security outfit for all the efforts that have produced this outcome.  We congratulate the parents while commiserating with all those who lost their children or relations owing to the dastardly acts of the Boko Haram.

We plead with government not to relent in its efforts to ensure the safe release of the remaining captives in no distant time. It is only natural to expect the parents and families concerned to be anxious and continually disturbed by the continuing captivity of their children with all the uncertainty surrounding it. This is the feeling of people up and down the country.

We urge all to continue to pray for guidance for our security outfit and the government for success and safe return of the girls and also for economic recovery for our country at this time.

We wish our country and its leadership God’s grace, wisdom and guidance at this particular time in its history.

The Ven. Dr Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi

General Secretary, CON

17 October 2016

Download PDF  :PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CHURCH OF NIGERIA (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) RELEASE OF 21 CHIBOK GIRLS

The participants are also exposed to modern techniques of news gathering to ensure effectiveness on the job performance and higher contributions to the Anglican Cable Network Nigeria, the satellite TV Station of the church.

Bishop of Ikwerre Anglican Diocese, the Right Reverend BLESSING ENYINDAH, declares the meeting open on behalf of the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, the most Reverend NICHOLAS D OKOH.

In a paper presented to the gathering, Bishop EYINDAH analyzed News sources to include Documents, Interviews personal observation and the internet.

He called on the communicators to embrace the social media platform to project the activities of the church, he counselled that information source from the internet should be subject to serious checks to determine the accuracy.

In a paper on Effective practice social media use for church communications (Broadcast, Engineer KOREDE AKINTUNDE stressed the need for the church to take a look at youths and tap their potentials in the area of ICT.

He submitted that the church would achieve better results in evangelization through the social media at a cheaper cost, compared to other media.

The conference which is the 8^th in the series is featuring presentation of technical papers by expects and tutorials. It is packaged by the Director of communication of the church headed by the Venerable FOLUSHO TAIWO.

WELCOME ADDRESS PRRESENTED BY THE VEN FOLUSO TAIWO
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION CHURCH OF NIGERIA ANGLICAN COMMUNION ON THURSDAY OCTOBER 27, 2016

PROTOCOLS
His Grace, the Primate of all Nigeria the most Rev. Nicholas. D. Okoh, the Rector Barrister Ernest Onuoha, the chaplain all delegates of the conference including those who are attending for the first time. We thank God for the IBRU international Ecumenical Centre donated by to the Communion by the late Alex ibru, a man of vision, mission and industry. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
We also commiserate with the IBRU family on the demise of the Head of the IBRU Family OLOROGUN MICHAEL IBRU Who was called home recently May the good lord comfort the family he has left behind. Since our last outing at the University of Ibadan, a lot of water has passed under the bridge one of us COMRADE SAM ISICHEI of Diocese of Asaba passed on after a brief illness. Let us all stand and observe a minute silence in honour of the dead.
Let me quickly recall and remind us that at the closing ceremonies of the 6th diocesan communicator’s conference in 2014 the primate of all Nigeria suggested that we take the conference to a neutral ground instead of always meeting in Abuja. He recommended two institutions of higher learning the premier university, university of Ibadan and TV College Jos. The consensus was the ever shinning highly reputable university of Ibadan and we want to thank God for huge success recorded at our last conference. We looked round this and decided to use another reputable institution, we decided to patronize our own IBRU an ecumenical center of excellence. We thank the Rector and his team who has put things together for us to have a hitch free conference.
The choice of our theme this year, RELEVANCE OF DIGITAL TECNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA IN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION was informed by the new digital media landscape and the digital communication technologies have exploded across the world, the explosion is awesome and have transformed every area of the information and media landscape organizations for are addressing the implications with a view to managing its consequences and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the new digital communications platforms, and the emergence of the social media platforms in particular. It is the intention of this conference to expose us to how we can improve communications skill in a digital world
In your own view do you think that with this increasing digital world communication has become easy more than erer to effectively communicate and engage with friend’s peers groups and customers. Which camp do you fall into­­­­­?
In this conference erudite scholars would ask a few questions. How important is the Digital communication in your life.
We would look at it from a personal point of view, the valuable part of building relationships and friendship using words, body language and other non-verbal cues.
We will also look at the business world where communication is an extremely important component of success.
From an interpersonal prospective we shall look at how healthy positive communication is this, this is with a view to improve communication skills in a digital world.
The social media is taken as one of the best opportunities for effective communication in the digital world. It is often regarded as the best way to build or grow relationship on the internet. To improve your digital communication skills social media is an excellent place to start.
We shall look at the most effective social media platforms for professional communication like Facebook twitter and the rest.
Communication is important regardless of how you handle or let the digital world be an advantage by investing, prioritizing the use of digital platforms, to engage, educate and gain insight from your community, the church.
We should not rest on our oars, because we expect that creativity and experimentation on these new platforms would emerge and technologies evolve. Our resource persons are reputable professional with many years of experience. I want to assure you that this conference is going to be another fulfilling experience you will have a lot to take home to share. In the name of God almighty we welcome you to the 8th diocesan communicators conference holding at this time at the IBRU international, ecumenical center, Our own resort center, please enjoy your stay.

CHURCH OF NIGERIA

 (ANGLICAN COMMUNION) 

THE COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE 8^TH DIOCESAN COMMUNICATORS CONFERENCE HELD AT IBRU INTERNATIONAL ECUMENICAL CENTRE, AGBAHRHA-OTOR, DELTA STATE, FROM WEDNESDAY, 26^TH TO SATURDAY, 29^TH OCTOBER, 2016

PREAMBLE:

The conference of the Diocesan Communicators of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at IBRU International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, 26^TH to 29^TH October, 2016, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and mandate of His Grace, the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, MA, fss, mss, LLD, Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria.

The conference had thirty one participants in attendance and was declared open by the Primate’s representative.

APPRECIATION

The conference expresses her deep appreciation to His Grace, the Most Rev. Nicholas D. Okoh, for his robust support of the conference of Diocesan Communicators. It also commends him for diligently steering the affairs of the church under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit, thus, making the church take her rightful place in the comity of churches. It also appreciates the resource persons: Bishop of Ikwere Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Blessing Enyindah, Acting Manager of the Anglican Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN), Engr. Korede Akintunde and Dame Benedicta Ehanire of the Department of the English and Literature, University of Benin, for their illuminating presentations.

THEME OF THE CONFERENCE

The conference deliberated on the theme “Relevance of digital technology and social media in effective communication,” and sees it as apt at a time when the church yearns to use the social media and other relevant platforms to spread the gospel of truth. Having brainstormed on the theme of the conference and equipped with the latest in communication skills and modern techniques in the art of news gathering and dissemination in a fast changing world, and the craving to function more effectively to bring the Good News as well as other activities of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and our various Dioceses to limelight, the following recommendations were reached:

1. That Diocesan communicators and the church should use every available information and communication media to propagate the gospel in consonance with the Great Commission and other Anglican concerns.
2. That viewed against the backdrop of moral decadence, loss of ethical values and the pervasive use of the New Media channels to preach, spread heresies and falsehood, the church is called upon to cue into the social media channels to correct the wrong doctrines and to uphold the orthodoxy of the Holy Bible.
3. That the hierarchy of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) should evolve a deliberate strategy to ensure that the Dioceses patronize and partner with Anglican Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN) for sustenance, ease of growth and greater global reach.
4. The churches are encouraged to improve on their social media communications such as live streaming, upholding of videos and providing the wherewithal to remain online.
5. It calls on the Diocesan communicators to appoint point persons to be exposed to the rudiments of journalism for wider coverage and reportage of happenings at the parish and Archdeaconry levels.
6. It urges the church to attach premium to voter education of members, to ensure active participation at elections, and emergence of credible leaders to build a more virile, just and egalitarian society.
7. The conference enjoins the Federal Government to take more proactive measures to halt the economy from further depression to put smiles on the faces of the suffering masses. It equally calls on Federal Government to check prevailing acts of impunity and lopsided battle against corruption.
8. The conference notes the effort of the Federal Government in rehabilitating broken down infrastructures and calls on it to urgently fast-track the repair of other dilapidated roads across the country.

COMMUNIQUE TEAM:

1. Dame Lizzy Wilfred Fombo – Chairman.
2. Canon Dr. Nelson Iluno – Secretary.
3. George Best Okoro – Member.

SIGNED:

VEN. FOLUSO TAIWO

Director of Communication,

Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

‘’There is no gainsaying the fact that the church is passing through tough times. There are many oppressive tendencies now than ever before that could be regarded as satanic. Also the situations in our country today tend to create fear in the lives of Christians: Political unrest, insurgency, kidnaping, herdsmen attacks and so on. In the midst of these the message of God remains, unchanging ‘’Fear Not’’.

The Primate of all Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Most Rev.Nichola D.Okoh re-iterated this in His welcome address to the 6^th edition of the Divine Commonwealth Conference 2016 holding at the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja.

Primate Okoh said it is not Surprising that we are being Confronted with fear on daily basis, but he quickly added that God the master planner has gone ahead to prepare a shield for his people. No wonder then, he said, that there are 365 ‘Fear Not’ in the bible meaning that one ‘fear not’ is received for each day in the year.

He implored delegates to the Conference not to allow distractions so that the beautifully packaged talks, Seminars, Bible Study and revival hours designed for Spiritual uplifting of delegates are not wasted.

 INTERVIEW WITH THE RT. REV. TUNDE ADELEYE, BISHOP OF CALABAR ANGLICAN DIOCESE AND CHAIRMAN OF DIVCCON PLANNING COMMITTEE

• THE RT. REV. TUNDE ADELEYE, BISHOP OF CALABAR ANGLICAN DIOCESE AND CHAIRMAN OF DIVCCON PLANNING COMMITTEE.

  This is your first outing as the chairman of DIVCCON Planning Committee; so, could you tell us things that have been put in place and new things we should expect?

Well, I think the most important thing is that when you take over an activity what is best in administration is for you to first of all look at what is on ground, because when you know what is on ground you will be able to compare that vis-à-vis the vision of those who began DIVCCON – What was the vision, the plan and what they wanted to achieve? When you compare the vision and you look at what has been done, until those basic areas have been looked into, you are not likely to be able to start thinking about what to do next. So, I will say most sincerely that we have understood the vision of DIVCCON and the Primate has also made it very clear the direction of DIVCCON.

The spiritual aspect of it, which is purely evangelical with an aim to enrich the Church, to enlarge the spiritual horizon of the Church, to touch the individuals in the Anglican Communion spiritually and even materially because when God answers our prayers, our material establishments shall increase and improve. DIVCCON like the name suggests which is Divine Commonwealth Conference, is largely heavenly minded and a Godly outing to reach every participant.

Then, we also need to look at the administrative positioning; what do we need to get DIVCCON appropriate, to get the vision out. Spiritually, we need Bible based preaching; we need God centered revival; we need very prophetic spiritual exposition, which will affect every hearer in the Church and DIVCCON to the extent that they will not look back or be looking for alternatives or substitute for the Anglican Church. We need to implant the word of God in the hearts of the people. Like the Psalmist said, “Thy words have I hid in my heart that I may not sin against you.” So, we need to implant the word of God in the minds, lives and hearts of the people and when this is done, they can like our blessed Lord, be able to combat the devil’s beckoning and temptations. They can say, “No” to the devil and “Yes” to God.

Physically, we need a DIVCCON Centre. As of now, we are holding the conference at the Ecumenical Centre, which though comfortable and convenient is extremely costly to manage and to use. You need to pay for so many things and this cost is too high. If the Lord permits and we know He will permit, we want to get a DIVCCON Centre in a central part of the country. The attendance to DIVCCON without exaggeration can be close to millions, but as of now only those who can pay the hotel bills and foot the cost of so many other things can come. So, this is part of the physical areas that we need, but other things can follow such as public address system, lightings, audio-visuals – both recording and projection. We also want a situation where we can minimize intra-city transportation because all these will reduce cost and therefore, make the conference less burdensome and make it more interesting. All these things I have mentioned are what we are going to focus on.

So, what I have done so far is to keep consulting, having had a fair idea of what is on ground because I’m not sure we can say we have known it yet. But, we cannot bring our bearings out in other to decide what to do next or where to go next.

We also need to evaluate and that is what we are doing; evaluating what we have, are they good enough, bad, do we need to add more or subtract or do we need to add value? And I must confess that our Primate is very visionary about this project, totally committed and fully convinced that this is a calling from God; that this is a thing that the Church should be doing for now. It is part of the spiritual growth of the Church and is to help ensure that in the Church, whether at the local level or national level, we are not just involved in jamborees but we are involved in concrete issues that matters, which have eternal value.

• What informed the theme of this year’s conference, “FEAR NOT?”

When we were trying to look at the theme for this year, we were informed by the situation in the country, the tension, fears, restlessness, uncertainties, oppressive manifestations in the country, poverty, hunger, disease, frustration and so on. You cannot even decide that what is your own is your own, because it can be taken away from you. For example, the herdsmen whose cows destroy other people’s farmland and eat their food. So, there is cheating in the land and there is lopsidedness in the distribution of goods and services in the country. So, we felt that at this time the Church should come in to save and encourage the people and make them know that in the face of all these things, for the believer there is hope and therefore, they do not need to fear what they see. In fact that is what you will find out in the passage we chose in 2 Kings 6:16. We can see the battle is fierce; we can see the fighters in numbers; we can the enemies increasing, but we don’t need to fear because He that is in us is greater than the whole world. He will help us to go through all the hassles and apparent present tears. So, the theme is to allay the fears of everyone, including the Church.

• So, what is your brief message to the delegates attending this year’s DIVCCON?

We welcome delegates to the conference, we have been waiting for you. They should please make the best use of this DIVCCON, because this particular DIVCCON will not come again. Hereafter there will be another DIVCCON, but it won’t be this one. So, make the best use of it; pay attention to the talk, join them in the prayers because you need it to become an overcomer. I want to tell them that there is a fight to be fought and a victory to be won and if you are wearing the garment of fear, you cannot fight this battle. So, I want the delegates to pay attention to what is happening, pray along, obey the word, get the messages for yourself and whatever prophetic utterances that will be made during this DIVCCON, let it be for you. Don’t look left, right and center! Get the messages, put them in your life, pattern and profile, so that you will be able to overcome as time goes by. And then, they should not let the message of this conference be short-lived; let it be an everlasting gain in our lives.

• What are your prayers for the delegates at this conference?

My prayer is that God will put us over and above the fearful situations around us. God will give us a testimony of victory. God will lift us up over and above limitations because we are born to be unlimited, we are born to be great. I pray that fear will decrease and faith will increase. After this conference, we are protected by the shield of our faith and the sword of the Spirit, so we are not afraid. Amen

• Could you tell us a bit about the preparations for this year’s DIVCCON?

This year’s DIVCCON By the time we started, we were a little bit afraid even though the theme of this year’s conference is “FEAR NOT.” But, because of the economic situation of the country, we were a little bit timid; because of the way people were registering, we did not know that the crowd will be as much as this. But, thank God today, we can record a good number of people attending this year’s conference and if this year can have this number of people, DIVCCON has come to stay and nothing will bring it down.

• Could you give us an estimate of the number of delegates to expect this year?

As at the time we closed our portal for online registration, the total number that have registered is 5,964 and outside this number some people have been calling us that they have paid in the bank, but are having challenges getting pin in the bank. Some of them have paid long ago, but they are yet to register. And with the number that will come to All Saints Church for registration, hopefully at the end of this DIVCCON, we will be recording nothing less than 7,000 delegates attending this year’s conference.

• Please, tell us a little about the theme that has been chosen for this year’s DIVCCON?

The theme for this year is “FEAR NOT.” Personally, I think it is apt; it is a theme that can address our situation as Nigerians, a Church and a people, because there is fear in the land – fear of what to eat, who to marry, where to go because of the kidnapping everywhere, fear of the future, and the unknown, And if people can pay close attention to this theme, “FEAR NOT,” I want to believe that their lives will not remain the same again. Therefore, “FEAR NOT” is so germane in a time as this and I want to believe that God who has prepared people to expose this word to His people in a time like this will give them grace to understand and to go home refreshed in Jesus name, Amen.

• What should delegates expect this year?

As usual in a conference like this, people will come and be busy buying things, roaming the street and yet when they left their houses they told them that they were going for DIVCCON. But, I want to encourage  delegates, who have left their places; some have travelled far, some have spent a lot of money to buy ticket to travel on land, sea and air, so they should not come here and be gallivanting or roaming around, they should come here with the mindset of meeting with God. Therefore, they should be fully prepared to come for this conference. They should prayerfully attend all the sessions – the Bible Study, seminars, talks and all the spiritual programmes that have been aligned for this conference. I want to encourage them that they should under God, prayerfully and patiently attend every session. It is by so doing that their coming will not be in vain.

15^th November, 2016

To: All Archbishops, Bishops, Clergy & Laity

Church of Nigeria

For the sake of our Nation–Prayer and Fasting (November 16 – 21, 2016)

I am directed by the Primate, The Most Rev’d Nicholas D. Okoh, to notify you that we are to join the Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) in observing prayers & fasting for Nigeria, our country, for God’s intervention in its affairs.

The programme of prayers & fasting is to take place from November 16 – 21, 2016.

Please kindly ensure that this information is passed on to every parishioner of the Church of Nigeria(Anglican Communion).

May the Lord answer our prayers.

Yours in His Service,

The Ven. Dr Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi

General Secretary

Download Pdf Link:for-the-sake-of-our-nation-prayer-and-fasting-november

‘Whereas marriage is a divine institution. Celibacy is not ordained by God’’. This was the submission of his Grace the Most Revd. Dr. George Latunji Lasebikan the Archbishop Ecclesiastical province of Ondo (Anglican Communion) at the holy solemnization of former Miss Esther Oke now Mrs Adefala, a staff of the Anglican Cable Network Nigeria (ACNN TELEVISION) held at Christ church Cathedral Ijero – ekiti, Ekiti state.

His Grace the Most Revd. Dr. George Latunji Lasebikan the Archbishop Ecclesiastical province of Ondo

The learned cleric said that by the joining of Samuel and Esther Adefala, God’s ordinance is being fulfilled. He spoke vehemently against the folly of the madness of joining homosexuals in marriage, according to him it is evil and it will end in destruction as it happened in the days of yore.

According to the erudite scholar, marriage is against loneliness, adding that the wife must not be abandoned vice versa. He said the company must be shared for iron to sharpen iron. Marriage he said is like a 3 – legged race which requires the agreement between the two lest they fall. He said marriage is a test of their obedience, faith and love for God.

He reminded the new husband that to be the head is for him to give himself for his wife. He cautioned that the husband should be very careful because according to him, some heads are bad as we have in the Nigerian nation today. He said that there are many irresponsible heads who loves grabbing and siphoning the commonwealth to foreign banks because their love for illegal wealth is insatiable.

Most Revd. George Lasebikan opined that the woman is not a beast of burden, not a donkey nor a horse, she is part of the body of the man hence she should be treated like an egg adding that when the husband takes care of the wife, the wife will naturally submit.

The bishop of Ondo diocese explained that to be a Christian is very tough but quickly added that marriage demands giving and receiving which means it is reciprocal with the law of doing things together, share together, sleep together, talk together saying nothing should be too big that they cannot share together. He said there was no way the king would have known Esther’s mind until she spoke out. According to the cleric, marriage is meant to be enjoyed and not endured adding that the wife may be the one to make the mistake, the husband will be the one to ask for forgiveness.

Most Revd. Dr Lasebikan prayed that no hindrance will stop the new couple from praying together adding that their marriage shall be in compliments and the devil shall fail. Bishops, the Clergy and the Laity, well wishers from all walks of life graced the occasion as witnesses to the Holy solemnisation, It was glorious.

A cleric has opined that walking by faith in God is living by external consequences. The Rt. Revd. Sunday Adewole bishop of Jebba Anglican diocese made this opinion while preaching at this year’s revival flagging off the diocese of Abuja annual evangelism programme Carnival for Christ at the All saints church Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Bishop Adewole said to walk by faith means to fear God more than man because all work done to please man will never be rewarded but trusting God absolutely brings miraculous wondrous works.

The cleric opined that walking in faith can make the believer enjoy the Apostolic power, the divine empowerment. The preacher said Christians should not allow the harassment of the devil because they are unstoppable adding that they must always belief, behave and have the holy spirit for the invincible to do the impossible. He called on all believers in Christ to have personal encounter with the Lord and be strong hearted.

Bishop of Jebba Anglican diocese admonished Christians not to negotiate with the devil but take audacious step of faith with complete obedience to the word and will of God. According to him, God will not avenge the cause of a believer until his obedience is total.

The 2016 carnival for Christ was specially packaged in a weeklong of activities which the family day, a marriage programme was the cynosure of all eyes. Hosted by the Christian Men’s fellowship of Abuja Anglican diocese, it was led by the guest minister and facilitator the Rt. Revd. Abiodun Olaoye bishop of Osun North diocese with a team of discussants.

Rt. Revd. Abiodun Olaoye bishop of Osun North diocese.

In his lead presentation the Rt. Revd. Abiodun Olaoye said Satan is not pleased with the home hence he planted foxes like deceit, diabolical acts of unforgivness, fabricated lies and all immoral acts and atrocities. He added that by that singular act of invitation to the wedding at Cana of Galilee Jesus brought sweetness to wedding as an institution. He opined that marriage should always be like a new wine which is indissoluble but full of so many spices like affection, appreciation, constructive argument, trust, honesty and where all sorts of trials are faced with humility and prayers.

In his own contribution, the Galadima of Lokoja Dr G.T.N Ajakpo reiterated that mutual love and respect is Germaine in marriage where spouses always appreciate one another and not on festive occasions alone. He submitted that when couples work together and have time for themselves, with truthfulness, spiritual focus, integrity and diligence as their watchword the relationship will not hit the rocks. Dr Ajakpo said sex and sexual relationship among married couples is the reset button God has brought into marriage.

Dr and Mrs Kalu warned against undue interference in marriage. They said many marriages have hit the rocks because they were built on wrong foundations. They advised that spouses should have constant renewals of vows and support each other when convenient and when not convenient.

Ven. And Mrs Ukaejiofo were of the strong view that children should not rush into marriage because of the resultant effect of rushing out of it. It was their considered opinion that we should go back to the days of yore where some investigations are done in to the families of the proposed marriage before they get hooked. They said this will go a long way to have a blissful marriage. The cleric and his wife agreed that marriage is inseparable union while wedding is just a celebration.

The wife of the bishop of Osun North Mrs Tessy Olaoye spoke extensively while admonishing her fellow women. She spoke against anger, bitterness, jealousy, rashness and nagging which she said some women are made of. According to her two wrongs can never make a right hence women should learn to be quiet when the man of the house is angry and raging. She raised a question that there is no fire without a smoke and that something must have aggravated the anger of the man and most of the times it is the nagging of the woman. She said for peace to reign supreme in the house and marriage, women must be quick to listen and slow to respond adding that they must see what they have as belonging to their husbands vice versa.The highly illuminating programme was an eye opener and hundreds of people that attended it at the All Sainte Anglican Church Wuse zone 5 Abuja were better for it.

The Rt. Revd. James Odedeji bishop of Lagos – West Anglican diocese

Speaking on the theme ‘your faith has made you whole’’, the Rt. Revd. James Odedeji bishop of Lagos – West Anglican diocese submitted that God is God of possibilities and can do undeniable testimonies, undeniable miraculous increase and pull surprises.

He made this submission at the power night, a monthly convocation of Anglicans in the diocese of Abuja at the Basilica of Grace church Gudu district, Apo Abuja. He dwelt on the power of the spoken word which he described as wonderful and tremendous adding that with God the believer is unstoppable.

He opined that the power night programme is the fulfilment of the word because according to him, the presence of the Lord is greatly felt where there is liberty, fulfilment and abundance of joy leading to working in favour of many devoted hearts.

The cleric described the heart as the seat of possibilities and impossibilities; hence it must be guided jealously without allowing fear, because according to him, with God all things are possible. He reiterated that believers should not allow limitations so that faith can be effective for God to make way where there seems to be no way.

The ebullient preacher added that faith is so fundamental and it must be rekindled so that the just can live by faith to move mountains and fill the valleys. He posited that moving faith is great. He corroborated with wonderful biblical passages without prejudice to satanic manipulations.

He used all emphasis to expose the antics and pranks of the devil using Genesis 3:6 to prove the lust of the eyes and of the flesh is cancerous. He said this hydra headed word SIN makes man to major in the minor and unless the people walk with the Lord, trusting and obeying him.

He admonished that believers in their Christian journey must be above board or else they may not be able to attain the height that has been patterned and purposed for them. The panacea according to him is for them to obey and accept Jesus as their Lord and saviour. He said the Nigerian situation where the economy has nosedived not withstanding there is light at the end of the tunnel because God can use setbacks to lift and move his people forward. He urged the congregation to have complete faith and confidence in God adding that ‘faith cometh by hearing, hearing the word of God’’.

The staccato way of passing his message across in preaching and praying intermittently was employed. He laced spiritual passages with aggressive prayers and believing living testimonies. He prayed that God will stir up the faith of his people.

The Basilica of Grace church, the venue of the November edition of the power night was filled to capacity. Never a dull moment, many souls were touched and won for Christ with wonderful testimonies. What a glorious way to flag off this year’s 2016 carnival for Christ programme of the diocese of Abuja (Anglican Communion)

A ghastly motor accident that claimed three lives with others still lying critically ill in the hospital has thrown the entire St Francis College of Theology Community in Wusasa Kaduna State into mourning.    As a result of this development, the Primate of all Nigeria Anglican Communion the Most Rev Nicholas D okoh quickly arranged and dispatched a Primatial condolence visit to St Francis College of Theology Wusasa.  The team representing the Primate was led by the General Secretary Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Ven Dr Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, Accompanied by Ven Ben Idume  and Ven Syrenius Okoriko both directors of the Church.

Primatial condolence visit to St Francis College of Theology Wusasa. The team representing the Primate was led by the General Secretary Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) the Ven Dr Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, Accompanied by Ven Ben Idume and Ven Syrenius Okoriko both directors of the Church.

Delivering the message of condolence, the General secretary expressed the pains on the heart of the Primate when he heard about the demise of the three members of the community in the accident where others also sustained serious injuries. He assured the entire community that they are in the thought and prayers of the Primate and the entire Church. The Primate’s representatives also met with the entire community to encourage and prayed for them.

On hand to receive them was the Dean of the college the Rt Rev Praises Omole-Ekun, the members of the faculty and the entire college community. Bishop Praises appreciated Primate Okoh for sending the delegation and highlight their immediate need most importantly looking after the widows and the children the deceased has left behind, the loss of the college bus to the accident among other challenges of the college.

A closed door meeting was held with faculty members on behalf of the Primate. The general secretary of the Church of Nigeria Ven Dr Ayodeji Fagbemi appreciated and encouraged them for their services to the college and the Church as a whole.

It will be recalled that a team of representatives of the college travelled with the college bus to attend a function in Gwagwalada where the unfortunate incident happened.