By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu Archdiocese of Enugu Methodist Church Nigeria, has urged the federal and South East Geo Political Zone governme
By; KELVIN OKPARA, Enugu
Archdiocese of Enugu Methodist Church Nigeria, has urged the federal and South East Geo Political Zone governments to as a matter of importance, prioritize justice and good governance, saying they should let equity, transparency, and rule of law guide their leadership.
It averred that a nation that neglects justice invites instability, stressing that security and protection of lives should be the watch word of any responsible government.
The church, expressed worries that the South East zone and nation at large, has continued to suffer from all manners of insecurity, raging from kidnappings, violent extremism, and socio-political unrest.
Addressing a press conference on Saturday at the Holy Trinity Dome Enugu, as part of activities marking the celebration of the 50th years Anniversary,
Archbishop in charge of the Archdiocese who is also Bishop of Enugu Diocese, His Grace, Most Revd Barr. Christopher Ede, called on those in authorities to rise up to their responsibility.
“We call for a coordinated, ethical, and community-engaging approach to national security.
“Today we celebrate, fifty years of purposeful existence, spiritual exploits, ecclesiastical expansion, and transformative leadership” he declared.
“As a church with deep historical roots and widespread influence across the South East, we use this moment to urge the government of Nigeria and the governments of the Southeastern states to prioritize the following:
“Investment in Education and youth Empowerment. “As a church, we invested in education, we urge state and federal governments to commit to quality education and skills training.
“Empower the youths to become solution-bearers, not victims of economic hopelessness. Respect for religious freedom: Let every faith community worship without fear.”
He maintained that education and human capital development remain key to the upliftment of any nation, noting that, “education has been a major cornerstone of Methodist mission in Enugu”, disclosing that plans are afoot by the Archdiocese to establish a university of global standard in Enugu.
The Archbishop, who was joined at the media briefing by bishops of various dioceses within the Archdiocese, said “We ask for increased protection of places of worship and support for interfaith harmony.
“We encourage sustained investments in roads, power, rail, and agricultural processing facilities across the Southeast to curb youth migration and promote economic self-reliance.
“The Methodist Church Nigeria stands ready to partner with governments in moral advocacy, community development, peace building, and leadership ethics. We are not only preachers of salvation but partners in nation-building.
Archbishop Ede, who announced the Anniversary celebration programme of event, hinted that 24th of August 2025 will be for the
awards service,1st -8th September -Prelate’s Apostolic visit, while there will be a colloquium on 5/9/2025 and 8/9/25 has been set aside for Thanksgiving service.
“As the 50th Anniversary of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Archdiocese of Enugu draws near, several landmark events have been scheduled to mark this Golden Jubilee celebration with dignity, reflection, and renewed commitment.
“These events reflect the spiritual, intellectual, and communal dimensions of the Church’s mission and vision.
“This address is not only a celebration but an academic reflection on our journey of faith, the sociocultural contexts that nurtured our growth, the theological implications of our mission, and our strategic vision for the future.
According to the programme, the Archdiocese will receive the Methodist church prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Alli Abbah, on 1st of September 2025, in a grand welcome ceremony at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (Cathedral of Light), Ogui Enugu.
“This historic visit sets the tone for the Jubilee celebrations and signals the beginning of an apostolic tour across the Dioceses under the Archdiocese
“The Methodist Church Nigeria stands ready to partner with governments in moral advocacy, community development, peace building, and leadership ethics. We are not only preachers of salvation but partners in nation-building.
Archbishop Ede, who went down memory lane on the historical background of the church in South East Nigeria, further stated that despite all odds, Methodist has continued to grow from strength to strength, adding that the Archdiocese with 230 churches and preaching stations presently, is proposing to further plant a total of 100 new churches by 2030.
The Church leader equally listed some of the land mark achievements of the Archdiocese in the last fifty years, which cuts across various sectors, such as education, health, infrastructure, agriculture amongst others.
He disclosed that the Golden Jubilee Colloquium will take place on Thursday, 5th September 2025 with the Theme: “Neo-Religious Practices and the Challenge of Faith: Implications for Security, Ethical Values, and the Economy of Ignorance Land”Focus:
“This colloquium will address the rising concerns about neo-religious practices such as Oke-Ite, Ezenwanyi cults, and the growing influence of self-proclaimed prophets.
“These practices have raised deep questions about the erosion of traditional Christian doctrines, public morality, and the vulnerability of the uninformed population.
“Keynote Speakers will include, Rev. Fr. (Prof.) Igwebuike Onah, a
Theological Scholar and Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, former Chairman of Enugu state Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzo, and Prof. Amadi Chukwuemeka, Erudite Scholar and policy strategist.
” Expected Guests, are, leaders of all Christian denominations, Governors and representatives from all South East states, Traditional rulers and custodians of culture, Representatives of the Civil Society and NGOs, Security agencies and policy makers, amongst others.
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