REPORTER: IFEOMA AMUTA
The 2026 Synod of the Enugu Diocese of the Anglican Communion has ended with a call on security agencies to intensify efforts to address the country’s worsening insecurity.
The Anglican Bishop of Enugu Diocese, the Right Reverend Professor Samuel Obiajulu Ike, made the call while speaking with journalists shortly after the successful conclusion of the Third Session of the Nineteenth Synod, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Ogbete, Enugu.
Bishop Ike urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen measures aimed at protecting lives and property across the country.
Earlier in his Bishop’s Charge, Professor Ike congratulated President Tinubu on the reported improvements in the nation’s economy, citing the IMF’s projection of a 4.2 percent GDP growth in 2026, which is expected to position Nigeria as Africa’s third-largest economy with a nominal GDP of about 334 billion dollars. However, he expressed concern that poverty could rise above 62 percent this year, noting that many Nigerians still lack access to food and shelter.
The Bishop also described the education sector as being at a crossroads. While highlighting the Diocese’s commitment to improving education, he appealed to the government to increase funding for the sector and prevent industrial actions, warning that prolonged disruptions could expose children to recruitment by terrorist groups.
During the service, a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Committee was inaugurated to help address cases of gender-based violence within the Diocese.
Speaking on the inauguration, the host of the Synod, Venerable Kenneth Ugwuagu, condemned all forms of violence against persons, stressing that both women and men could be victims of gender-based violence. He also urged Nigerians to vote out corrupt political leaders in the 2027 general elections.
Delivering the Synod sermon, former Minister of Power and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Venerable Professor Chinedu Nebo, called for a total revival of the Church through humble and committed hearts capable of transforming society.
Speaking on the Synod theme, “Revival Labours: A Prepared Heart to Study, Do and Teach the Word,” drawn from Ezra 7:10 and Isaiah 66:2b, Professor Nebo lamented the moral decay in the country, attributing it to numerous societal challenges that require spiritual revival beginning with the Church.
According to him, true revival is only possible for people whose hearts are prepared for God. He emphasized proper parental upbringing, the sanctity of the pulpit, and total obedience to the Word of God. He also encouraged church workers to become modern-day Ezras, describing them as committed witnesses needed by God in this generation.
Professor Nebo prayed that God would raise a generation within Enugu Diocese that would genuinely reverence Him, while cautioning those living fraudulent lives within the Church to repent.
In an interview, the Chairman of the APC in Enugu State and a Knight of the Church, Dr. Martins Chukwuike, commended the organisers of the Synod and the choice of theme. He called for revival among political office holders, applauded Governor Peter Mbah’s developmental strides, and urged citizens to participate actively in future elections.
Dr. Chukwuike also expressed optimism that Nigeria would conduct free and fair elections in the coming electoral cycle.
The First Lesson at the service was read by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Offor Amucheazi, while the Second Lesson was taken by the Bishop’s wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Ruby Ike.
