The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)
Dr. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba has called on Christians across the country to return to God, remain steadfast in His Word, and embrace the leading of the Holy Spirit in order to positively transform lives, families, communities, and the nation at large.
He made the call while delivering his address at the first session of the 13th Synod of the diocese in Abuja.
The Primate said the gathering was designed to examine how Christian ministry and faith can effectively impact society while equipping believers to fulfill their responsibilities as part of the priesthood of all believers.
According to him, “Service to God must have visible impact on the lives of people and society.
“Believers must first experience the transforming power of the Word of God in their own lives before they can effectively minister to others.”
The cleric emphasized the need for Christians to recommit themselves to the study of God’s Word and remain open to the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, which he described as essential for fulfilling God’s purpose on earth.
“We must return to God and to His Word. Beyond studying the Word, believers must also submit themselves to the leadership of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to touch lives, transform families, and influence nations through the power of God,” he stated.
The Primate expressed confidence that the Synod would strengthen participants spiritually, deepen their commitment to evangelism, and prepare them for effective ministry despite prevailing social and economic difficulties confronting the nation.
He urged Christians not to lose hope in the face of challenges, stressing that the Church must continue to stand firmly in prayer while proclaiming the truth and counsel of God without compromise.
“Our prayer is that as we rise from this conference, we will be better equipped to proclaim the Gospel, teach His Word faithfully, and serve God even in difficult times. The light of hope must not go out,” he added.
The Anglican leader also offered prayers for divine intervention in Nigeria, expressing hope that God would grant peace, healing, and restoration to the country while strengthening believers to remain instruments of hope, righteousness, and transformation in society.
On his part, the National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum, Ambassador Godknows Igali, called on Christians and Nigerians at large to return to God, uphold righteousness, and remain steadfast in faith as the nation confronts growing social, economic, and security challenges.
Ambassador Igali said the Church must continue to play a central role in shaping moral values, strengthening national unity, and promoting peace and justice across the country.
According to him, “The Church has a critical responsibility to guide society through the power of God’s Word and the influence of the Holy Spirit. True service to God must produce visible impact in the lives of people, communities, and the nation.”
He stressed the importance of believers returning fully to the teachings of the Bible while allowing the Holy Spirit to empower them for effective Christian service and nation-building.
“We must not only study the Word of God, but also submit ourselves to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that we can become instruments of transformation, hope, and healing in our society,” he stated.
The PANDEF chairman noted that the Synod provided an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the role of faith in addressing national challenges and strengthening the spiritual foundation of the country.
He urged believers to remain committed to prayer, evangelism, and righteous living despite prevailing economic hardship and insecurity, adding that the Church must continue to speak truth boldly and stand as a beacon of hope for the nation.
Ambassador Igali further expressed optimism that the conference would strengthen participants spiritually and equip them to impact their communities positively through service, leadership, and commitment to God’s purpose.
“Our prayer is that the Church in Nigeria will remain strong, united, and unwavering in proclaiming the Gospel. We believe that God will heal our nation, restore peace, and help us overcome the challenges confronting the country,” he added.
The Synod brought together bishops, clergy, delegates, and members of the Anglican Communion from across Nigeria to deliberate on spiritual growth, national development, and the role of the Church in promoting peace and social transformation.
The theme for this year is “The Priesthood Of All Believers: Equipping God’s People For The Work Of Ministry
