Chinedum Elekwachi
Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has disclosed that there would not be further creation of new dioceses from the Diocese on the Niger till further notice.
The bishop dropped the hint in his charge at the 1st session of the 33rd Synod of the Diocese, held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Ojoto, with the theme, “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory”.
He said the decision was necessary for the nurturing and stability of the dioceses created.
It will also help further development of the diocese which is presently consolidating its new medical and educational institutions.
According to the Bishop, “The decision of the Diocese on the Niger concerning the creation of further Diocese from the Niger still stands.
“After the creation of three dioceses from the Diocese on the Niger in the recent past, namely: Ogbaru, Niger West and Mbamili (now Niger East) it was agreed that there would be a STAY for the time being on further creation of new dioceses from the present Diocese on the Niger to help in the nurturing and stability of the dioceses created.
“This is also necessary for further development of the Diocese on the Niger, which is presently consolidating it’s new medical and educational institutions established and acquiring more lands for the newly planted churches.”
The Bishop added that all requests should follow due process as basic requirements have been placed on ground for any new Diocese to be carved out.
“Niger remains the way it is, pushing for the placements of critical mission infrastructures on ground and leading the people in the march to ports of salvation,” he added.
Foundational failure caused DMGS Centenary building collapse
On the collapsed DMGS Centenary building in Onitsha, Nwokolo clarified that the Diocese on the Niger inquiry concluded that the likely cause of the collapse was foundation failure due to poor soil conditions.
He stated that technical review had concluded the internal inquiries into the collapsed building.
According to him, the foundation for the new building had been laid on January 25, 2025.
This, the Bisbop noted, symbolized a new beginning with an increased focus on safety and quality.
He also commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for employing thousands of teachers to boost the educational sector and to abate unemployment.
Bishop Nwokolo further praised him for dualizing some major roads and decongesting some areas in major markets across the state.
The Prelate appreciated God for making the University on the Niger a reality.
He said the institution has been specially packaged to become the Star of the East among Ivory Towers in Africa.
He expressed delight that his recent Trans- Atlantic mission shuttles to Europe and America was yielding good results as Niger Diocese and the UniNiger now partner with some institutions and establishments overseas.
This will help to consolidate his programs and projects designed to better mankind in this part of the world.
Synod timely for Diocese, Nigeria
Earlier, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Henry Ndukuba, praised the vision and purpose of the Synod.
He emphasized its timeliness for both the Church and the nation, amid widespread despair.
Archbishop Ndukuba reminded believers that this hope is rooted in the living Christ, His resurrection, humility and ever presence.
Ndukuba expressed joy that Bishop Owen has set new targets on his incredible record of achievements taking his Episcopacy to new levels.
“These milestones underscore your unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of humanity,” he stated.
Also speaking, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim thanked God for his blessings upon the oldest diocese in Nigeria with a solid foundation in the establishment of educational institutions.
He appreciated Bishop Owen’s vision of making the UNINIGER a leading tertiary institution in achievement of excellence in knowledge dissemination, character building and leadership for the production of entrepreneurial and globally competitive graduates for national development.
