The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, has delivered a powerful message of hope, declaring that Nigeria will overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger despite the weight of insecurity, hunger, poverty, and fear on millions of citizens. Speaking at the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, Ndukuba urged the nation not to surrender to despair amid deepening economic and security crises.
Addressing church leaders and delegates during the Synod themed “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” the Anglican leader called on Nigerians to hold firmly to faith, unity, and compassion during these difficult times. He emphasized that the Church has a critical responsibility to stand with suffering citizens and become a channel of healing, peace, and hope for communities burdened by hardship.
“In a time when people are suffering, in a time of insecurity, fear, hunger, and poverty, it is necessary for us to make ourselves available not only to God but also to the people around us,” he said. Ndukuba acknowledged the painful realities facing the country but maintained that Nigeria’s story would not end in despair. “We are trusting God that the light of hope will not go out. Rather, God will strengthen us so that in the face of challenges, we will stand strong to declare the counsel and excellency of God. God will hear us, deliver our nation, and help our people,” he declared.
The Primate’s remarks come amid rising living costs, worsening insecurity, and growing uncertainty about the future among many Nigerians. He insisted that difficult seasons do not last forever and urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Ndukuba also called on believers to move beyond the walls of the church by supporting struggling families and restoring hope to the poor and vulnerable. According to him, the Synod was not merely a routine church gathering but a moment of spiritual reflection and renewed commitment to service.
Also speaking, renowned diplomat and statesman Godknows Boladei Igali described the Synod as a critical gathering aimed at preparing Christians to become agents of national transformation and service. Igali said the Synod represents the highest spiritual and decision-making gathering within the Anglican Church tradition, bringing together bishops, clergy, and lay delegates to deliberate on the future of the Church and its role in nation-building. According to him, the significance of the Abuja Synod is heightened by the presence of the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, who also serves as the Bishop of Abuja.
“The Synod is the highest gathering of the Church. The significance of this Synod of the Anglican Church, Abuja Diocese, is the fact that the Primate of the Anglican Church, the head of the Church of Nigeria, has his seat in Abuja and is personally officiating,” Igali said. He noted that the gathering attracted bishops from across the country because of Abuja’s strategic position as Nigeria’s capital city and centre of national leadership. “It is also significant because Abuja is the capital of the country. If you listen to the prayers here, they are for the government, for the president, and for the country,” he stated.
Igali explained that the Synod’s theme seeks to encourage Christians to see themselves as servants of both God and society. According to him, deliberations during the gathering would focus on how believers and the Church can become more relevant in addressing societal challenges and contributing positively to national development. “We have about 600 delegates, and in the next few days, bishops, clergy, and delegates will deliberate on what can make the Church, individual believers, better Christians, and the Church more relevant to society,” he added.
The former envoy also expressed pride that St. James Anglican Church Asokoro was hosting the Synod, describing the church as strategically important because of its proximity to the Presidency, National Assembly, and the Judiciary. “We are privileged in Saint James Anglican Church, Asokoro. I consider this our church as perhaps the most critical Anglican church because it is the only Anglican church in Asokoro where we have the seat of the Presidency, the Legislature, and the Judiciary,” he said. Igali, who disclosed that he is among the leaders of the organising committee, stressed that the Synod goes beyond church administration and reflects the Church’s commitment to national peace, moral leadership, and societal renewal.
Speaking during the Synod, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Emeka Etiaba, described the gathering as an important period of reflection and direction-setting for the Anglican Communion. According to Etiaba, the Synod offers the Church an opportunity to evaluate past activities, assess current realities, and determine priorities for the future. “This is the first session of the 13th Synod of Abuja Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria, headed by the Primate of all Nigeria, who also doubles as the Bishop of the Diocese,” he said. “Synod is a time of soul-searching for the Anglican Communion. It is a time to take account of what has gone on in the previous year, what is going on now, and where the Church will go in the next one year.”
Etiaba said members of the organising committee worked tirelessly to ensure a successful gathering and expressed confidence that the Synod would leave a lasting spiritual impact on the Diocese. Also speaking, Sybil Nwaka Gbagi thanked God for the opportunity to witness the Synod and prayed for divine guidance for the Church leadership and worshippers. “We give God all the glory that God is visiting us, and we know that this Synod will be one of the best that has ever been in Abuja Diocese,” she said. The appellate court justice also prayed for God’s continued protection and wisdom for the Primate, clergy members, and Anglican faithful in Abuja.
The Synod, themed “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” has brought together bishops, clergy, and hundreds of delegates to deliberate on the future of the Church and its role in addressing societal challenges in Nigeria.
