Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta West Celebrates 25th Anniversary: Plentiful Joy

Joan Inaingo Ogu, a contributor writes Anglican Diocese of Niger Delta West Celebrates 25th Anniversary: Plentiful Joy.

In every society, when people come together in pursuit of a doctrinal ideology with the sole purpose of achieving a common goal rooted in their belief and faith, marvelous things happen. Unimaginable deeds, endless grace, abundance and increased levels of favors begin to flow.

So, is the story of the 25years old Diocese of Niger Delta West which started like the little mustard seed that grew into the giant Iroko tree. Going by the historic account of how the Diocese was birthed it is nothing short of an act of GOD just like that of Bayelsa State at creation.

Infact, it is said that God Almighty had entered into covenant with the Anglican faithful of the Diocese of Niger Delta West at its inception with the gift of three Episcopal patriarchs namely Bishop Amabebe representing biblical Abraham, Bishop Oko-Jaja for Isaac and Bishop Enekeme is likened to Jacob.

No doubt, 25 years down the road, the Diocese of Niger Delta West has grown in leaps and bounds surpassing all expectations.

Diocese of Niger Delta West came into existence 25 years ago with late Right-Reverend Adolphus Amabebe as pioneer Bishop. He was enthroned and inaugurated on Sunday, November 28, 1999 at the Cathedral Church of St. Luke, Nembe, Bayelsa State by Primate of all Nigeria, His grace, the Most Reverend Joseph Adetiloye.

As an infant diocese, a lot was done under the tutelage of the then Bishop Adolphus Amabebe and his wife Mrs. Diasy Amabebe laying the spiritual framework and the administrative structure upon which the Diocese took off in1999.

They administered the Diocese with 4 Archdeaconries, 8 members of the Council of Knights and few priests but despite the myriads of challenges encountered they forged on with high spirit and determination.

Then came Dr. Emmanuel Oko-jaja, second Bishop of the Diocese together with his wife, Dr. Chinyere Oko-Jaja took the Diocese to another enviable height in 12 years. They exhibited uncommon faith in God, humility, wisdom, knowledge by embarking on soul winning with sheer determination to succeed against all odds.

To his credit, human, capital, infrastructural, intellectual and spiritual developments brought in by Bishop Emmanuel Oko-Jaja blossomed as more Archdeaconries, Deaneries and improved Cathedral status were added to the fast rising diocese. His era set the tone for reinvigorated evangelism activities, annual crusades, and Church planting while accountability became signature policies of the diocese.

Next came BISHOP NIXON AKPOTUNUMBOFA ENEKEME as the 3rd Bishop of the Diocese

Right-Reverend Enekeme and his wife, Dr. Ayibatari Enekeme assumed the office of the Bishop by divine providence upon their election, consecration and enthronement on the 21st of December, 2022. Among his several attributes is the flair for prophetic evangelism, grassroot engagements, Youths mobilization, Clergy education, welfare and general well being.

Strategically, this has placed Dr. Nixon Enekeme the Diocesan to cater for the 21st century needs and shepherding of the flock toward a glorious future.

It is against this backdrop, that the faithful of this diocese are euphoric, excited and jubilant as they prepare to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of the Diocese of Niger Delta West. With hearts full of joy, Sunday 1st December 2024 is the climax and Grand finale of the 4-month programme of activities of the Jubilee year.

Saint Peter’s Deanery Yenagoa as the proud host must open their doors and hearts to welcome Guests from far and near to this thanksgiving event to conclude the Jubilee anniversary.

Sir Olaowei Indiaomaowei Chairman Silver Jubilee Central Planning Committee and his team have done excellently well, working hard to package the Jubilee activities. One of the major highlights of Sunday 1st December 2024 thanksgiving service is award to friends and well wishers of the Diocese ranging from Platinum, Diamond and Gold plaques.

The award recipients include Governor Douye Diri, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo the State Deputy Governor; Chief Abraham Ngobere Speaker Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Justice Matilda Ayemieye Bayelsa State Chief Judge and Dame Didi Walson-Jack Head of Service of the Federation among others.

Joyfully, Ambassador Godknows Boledi-Igali, onetime Secretary to the State and President-General Niger Delta Forum will chair the Occasion while King Bubaraye Dakolo, the Ibenanawei of Ekpetima clan and Chairman Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council is the royal father of the day.

On Saturday 29th November 2024 was another remarkable day in the jubilee calendar as His Lordship shared his birthday with the jubilee knights whose investiture took place same day.
As the curtain to the jubilee draws close tomorrow, Diocese of Niger Delta West must consolidate on its achievements and look ahead to the golden jubilee.

Instructive is word of advice offered by Venerable Ongonimi Gideon of Yenagoa East Archdeacon in a paper presented at the Silver Jubilee symposium at the Cathedral Nembe. According to the Cleric, the Diocese must guide jealously the faith of the Fathers if it desires to sustain the appellation of The Mother Church.