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Synod: How N’Delta Anglicans Braved COVID-19
The Diocese of Niger Delta Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) finally held its much awaited 2020 Synod, last week.
The Synod which had as its theme: “The Lord is my Helper” took place at the St. Albans Anglican Church in Obuama, Kalabari West Archdeaconry.
It would be recalled that the Synod was twice postponed because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
However, the Synod which had over 800 parishioners from 19 Archdeaconries in attendance with strict COVID-19 protocols observance was graced by the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Dr Ipalibo Harry Banigo, the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Ralph Ebirien and the Bishop of the Diocese of Etche, Rt. Rev. Okechukwu Precious Nwala, who was also the guest preacher.
Also in attendance were the Bishop Diocese of Okrika, Rt. Rev. Atuboyedia, Bishop of Ikwerre Diocese, Rt. Rev. Blessing Enyindah, while the Bishop of the Diocese of Niger Delta North was represented.
Bishop Ebirien who declared the Synod open, said the theme of the Synod was chosen in view of the crisis across the globe.
He said the coronavirus pandemic and the EndSARS protest both presented big challenges to the Diocese this year, adding that since the coronavirus pandemic seems to have defied all human intelligence, parishioners and the entire society must look up to God Almighty as their only source of help.
The cleric also used the occasion to draw the attention of both the state and federal governments to the rising level of insecurity in the country.
In his words, “the security challenges are still on.
The Boko Haram is still destroying communities in the North East region of the nation.
“The Fulani Herdsmen are still killing and destroying farmlands, kidnapping is going on in the nation.”
He stressed the need for government to find solution to the unemployment problem facing the country.
“Unemployment rate is increasing as many young people are not engaged in meaningful employment”.
The cleric said the deplorable conditions of the nation’s roads has led to increased road accidents, while corruption is on the increase in all strata of the society.
He said that time has come for Nigerians to cultivate the virtue of honesty as well as support the government in its effort to stem the rising tide of insecurity in the country.
“We thank the Federal Government for her effort to provide security in the nation. We call on the citizens to rise up to the security challenges in the society”, he said.
The Deputy GOVERNOR of Rivers State Dr (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo was elated that the Synod held in her home town, Obuama, stressing that the situation will bring blessings not only to Obuama but the entire Kalabari kingdom.
While stressing that the community was built on the foundation of Christ, she expressed the hope that the Synod will save souls, heal lives and give breakthroughs.
The guest speaker, Rt. Rev. Nwala, said people must keep trusting in God in the midst of adversity.
Nwala who is the Bishop, Diocese of Etche said the coronvirus pandemic and the various crises facing the world has shown that true justice only comes from God.
He also stressed the need for the government to put in place policies and programmes that will improve the lot of Nigerians.
A cross section of parishioners who spoke on the significance of the Synod said they were happy that the Synod finally held despite several postponements.
For the St. Albans Anglican Church, Obuama, it was a dream come true, stressing that it was the first time the church would host a synod since its foundation 114 years ago.
In an address presented on behalf of the parish, to the Synod, the Archdeacon of St. Albans Church, Obuama, Ven. S.L.G. Nteile, thanked the Almighty God and the entire Diocese for the privilege to host the Synod.
“I must express my profound gratitude and appreciation to Almighty God and to the Diocesan Board for the grace and privilege to host the Diocesan Synod for the first time in the history of St. Alban’s Church, Obuama, after 114 years existence as the first Christian Church in Obuama Community in Kalabari Kingdom and as Archdeaconry for ten years of relinquishment.”
He described the theme as very apt, timely and relevant to us and the society at large in a challenging time like this when coronavirus disorganized almost every political, economic, and religious activity; when cultism, kidnapping, sexual abuse, heretical teaching resulting from proliferation of churches is the order of the day, many died, some kidnapped, some carried to unknown destinations.
“In all these, the Lord, our helper, helped us to be alive as a people and Diocese,” he said.
Also speaking, the Dean of the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny, Very Rev. Richard Hart, said the Synod met the standard required as far as hosting of Synod was concerned.
Hart said a Synod was an annual event of the Anglican Faith as it helps to examine the past as well as plan ahead.
On her part, the Registrar of the Diocese, Dame Ibierre Fobby, said the Synod has created the opportunity for the Diocese to, once again, energize its activities as far as spreading the gospel of Christ was concerned.
According to her, parishioners have been further commanded to carry the touch of the Anglican Faith to all nooks and crannies of the Diocese.
On his part, Amasenibo Vivian Brown thanked God for making it possible for the Synod to hold. He said most parishioners had feared that the Synod would be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brown however urged for the medical aspect of the Diocese to be improved in subsequent Synods.
Also speaking, chairman of the local organising committee, Mr. Daobu Harvest Harry, said that Obuama was happy to host the entire Niger Delta Anglican Community.
He said it was the expectation of St. Albans Church to host a Synod “for 114 years, it was our desire to host a Synod and that desire was met when the Synod was zoned to Kalabari West Archdeaconry.”
Harry expressed the readiness of the church to host more Synods if given the opportunity.
For a former Permanent Secretary in the Rivers State Civil Service, Sir Isaac harry, it was a dream come true for the church and the entire community.
Also speaking, Engr. Samuel Ned, chairman of the Synod Planning Committee, said the centre message of the Synod is putting one’s trust in God.
“The theme is very apt and the message is for all to look on to God for solutions to their problems,” he said.
Other parishioners also thanked God for His mercies on the Diocese in view of the pandemic.
Although the Synod has come and gone, the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic are still there.
That is why all the faithful must pray for the pandemic to go away before the next Synod.