DND Begins Annual Conference

By: Wokoma Emmanuel

The 2022 Annual Diocesan Sunday School Conference of the Diocese of Niger Delta (DND) officially kicked-off with the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Oko-Jaja declaring the conference open.
Represented by the Dean of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Bonny, Very Rev. Richard Ibituru Hart, the bishop welcomed conferees and assured of his commitment to the growth of the Diocese.
He expressed optimism that God will give conferees a new heart and the grace to walk in his steps and prayed that members experience unprecedented miracles in the conference.

The special guest of honour and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Gabriel Toby, in his address, congratulated the Diocese for the initiative of the annual conference.
He said the theme of the conference, “A New Heart And A New Spirit”, is apt as it serves to prepare the new bishop and the new administration to face the task ahead.
He prayed that conferees would open their heart for the new spirit which will bring about a happy and spirit filled Diocese where people will be happy to contribute to its success.

Chairman of the Diocesan Sunday School Council, Sir Ishmael Blue-Jack, in his welcome address, said the teaching of sound doctrines have been ignored as only sweet messages meant to pacify the desire of members are being preached.
He said it was on that premise that the theme of the conference was opt, while expressing the hope that “speakers would do justice to the themes and bless souls in the conference”.

Highpoints of the opening ceremony included goodwill messages from, Rt. Rev. Markus Dogo, Rt. Rev. Steven Akobe, and King Dandeson Douglas-Jaja, Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom.
There were also cultural presentations by the Diocessan youths and high praise/worship sessions, as well as presentation by the Diocesan Choir and band.