Amid growing hardship, insecurity, hunger, and uncertainty across Nigeria, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, has declared that the country will overcome its present challenges and rise stronger.
Speaking during the first session of the 13th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Abuja, the Anglican leader urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair despite the nation’s worsening economic and security situation.
The Synod, themed “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” brought together bishops, clergy, and hundreds of delegates to reflect on the Church’s role in national healing and social transformation.
Addressing participants, Ndukuba said the Church must become a source of comfort, healing, and hope for citizens weighed down by hardship and fear.
“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.
The Primate acknowledged the painful realities confronting Nigerians but maintained that the nation’s future would not be defined by its present difficulties.
“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 stated.
His message comes as many Nigerians continue to struggle with rising living costs, insecurity, and widespread anxiety over the country’s direction.
Ndukuba urged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and become actively involved in supporting struggling families, uplifting vulnerable communities, and restoring hope to society.
According to him, the Synod represents more than a routine church gathering, describing it as a moment of spiritual reflection and renewed commitment to service.
Also speaking, renowned diplomat and statesman Godknows Boladei Igali described the Synod as a crucial platform for preparing Christians to become agents of national transformation.
Igali said the gathering remains the highest spiritual and decision-making assembly within the Anglican tradition, bringing together bishops, clergy, and lay delegates to deliberate on the future direction of the Church and its contribution to nation-building.
“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,” he said.
He noted that Abuja’s position as Nigeria’s capital city gave the gathering added national importance, especially as prayers focused on the government, leadership, and the country’s future.
“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,” Igali added.
According to him, discussions during the Synod would centre on how believers and the Church can become more relevant in addressing societal problems and promoting 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 said.
Igali also expressed pride that St. James Anglican Church Asokoro is hosting the Synod, describing the church as strategically located near the Presidency, National Assembly, and the Judiciary.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Emeka Etiaba, said the Synod offers the Anglican Communion an opportunity for reflection, evaluation, and future planning.
“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,” he said.
Etiaba expressed optimism that the gathering would leave a lasting spiritual impact on the Diocese and strengthen the Church’s mission.
Also speaking, Court of Appeal Justice Sybil Nwaka Gbagi thanked God for the opportunity to witness the Synod and prayed for divine wisdom and protection for Church leaders 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 Synod continues with deliberations focused on the Church’s role in promoting peace, moral leadership, social responsibility, and national renewal in Nigeria.
“Nigeria Will Rise Again” — Anglican Primate Offers Hope Amid Hardship, Insecurity
