PREAMBLE
The 2nd Session of the 11th Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Nsukka was held at St. John’s Church, Edem-Ani, Nsukka LGA, Enugu State, from Wednesday, 22nd to Sunday, 26th October 2025, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Synod was presided over by The Rt. Rev. Dr. Aloysius EzeAgbo (JP), the Bishop of Nsukka, ably supported by his wife, Mrs. AnthoniaIfeomaAgbo (JP), President of the Women Ministry.
Also in attendance were Mrs. RoselineIlonuba, wife of the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese; the Diocesan Legal Team led by the Chancellor, Hon. Justice Pearl Enejere; as well as numerous clergymen and members of the House of Laity.
The Synod received goodwill messages from sister Dioceses, including Enugu, Enugu North, and others.
The official opening ceremony marked the official declaration of the Synod by the Bishop and a courtsey call to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Sir Ikechukwu Asadu (Igwe Ogadagididi), the traditional ruler of Edem Ani accient kingdom.
The Synod was graced by many distinguished guests, including His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Sosthenes Eze (JP), Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Enugu North; the Bishop of Udi, Rt. Rev. Dr. ChijiokeAneke; the bishop of Eha-Amufu, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya; and the Bishop of Agwu/Aninri, Rt. Rev. Dr. Benson Chukwunweike. The Bishops of Awka, On the Niger, Enugu, Oji and Ngbo sent delegations. The Moderator of Enugu Synod of the Presbyterian Church, Most Rev. Prof. Ezichi Anya Ituma and the Moderator of NsukkaArea of the Presbyterian Church, Rt. Rev. Prof. OmakaNgene were among the Bishops from other denominations that graced the occasion including the Chairman of CAN, NsukkaLocal Government Area, Bishop Vincent Diolu.
Notable political leaders and traditional ruler that attended the synod include Hon. Barr.Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Hon.Engr. Jude Asogwa, Executive Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area, HRM Sir Ikechukwu Asadu, The Traditional Ruler of Edem Ani Acient Kingdom and The Rt. Hon. Chidi Mark Obetta, (Member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South in the House of Reprsentatives) ably represented by Engr. EmekaEze.
FELICITATIONS
The Synod warmly congratulates the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Ortuanya, on his well-deserved elevation, acknowledging his distinguished record of service and leadership in the academic and public spheres. The Synod equally rejoices with His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Sosthenes Eze (JP) on his election and presentation as the Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, praying for greater grace and wisdom as he continues to shepherd God’s people. The Synod as well appreciates the entire people of Igbo Nsukka Cultural Community for the grand reception given to Archbishop Sosthenes. In the same vein, the Synod felicitates with Professor Emmanuel Ibezim, who was appointed the Vice Chancellor of the European University of Nigeria, celebrating these milestones as marks of divine favour and commendable excellence. The Synod prays that God will strengthen and guide them in their respective callings to serve humanity with integrity, vision and dedication.
The Synod finally felicitates with the Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Henry ChukwudumNdukuba, and also signifies its firm support for the Church of Nigeria in its principled decision to separate from the Church of England, the superintendence and/or authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lambeth Conference, the Anglican Consultative Council (AACC) and the Primates Meeting. This decision reflects the Church’s unwavering dedication to the authority of the scripture, historic Anglican orthodoxy, and the pursuit of unity grounded in truth and mission. The Synod commends the Church’s leadership for its courage, clarity, and vision in safeguarding the faith once delivered to the saints, while working for genuine communion and witness within the Global Anglican Communion.
THE SYNOD THEME
Under divine guidance, the Synod examined the theme:“The Apostles’ Blueprint for Maturity: A Pathway to Spiritual Growth” (Acts 2:40–47).The theme underscores the centrality of Doctrinal Grounding; Fellowship; Sacramental and Relational Communion; and Prayer (Personal and Corporate) as the Apostolic Roadmap for Maturity. All believers are charged to pursue Maturity in Christ. Christian leaders should model and mentor humility, authenticity and consistency; while churches are to intentionally build discipleship structures that move people from conversion to Christ-like character.
STATE OF THE NATION
The Synod congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on completing two years in office and urges him to “redouble his efforts to fulfill the promises made to Nigerians.” It cautions against the early focus on 2027 politics, reminding all elected leaders that “meaningful governance that transforms lives will be the strongest endorsement of all.” The Synod calls for a renewed commitment to good governance, national unity, and people-centered leadership that prioritizes results over rhetoric.
Further on the state of the nation, the Synod laments the worsening economy, rising cost of living, and selective war against corruption. While acknowledging some bold reforms, it notes that “macroeconomic stability without human impact is empty progress.” The Church calls on government to adopt humane economic policies, cut incessant and reckless borrowing, and ensure transparency in the management of recovered funds. It equally expresses concern over deepening insecurity, insisting that “no government can claim success while its citizens live in fear and displacement.” The Synod further lends its voice to the sustained calls for the release of MaziNnamdiKanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose continued detention, in defiance of several court orders, has resulted in intractable security challenges in the entire Southeast region.
The Synod further strongly condemns the ongoing and senseless killings of Christians and other innocent citizens across parts of Nigeria, which amount to a systematic persecution and silent genocide against vulnerable communities. The Synod aligns fully with the position of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in decrying these atrocities and denouncing the alarming culture of impunity that emboldens the perpetrators. It calls on the Federal Government and all security agencies to act decisively and impartially to stem this tide of bloodshed, bring all culprits to justice, and protect every Nigerian irrespective of faith or ethnicity. On the same vein, The Synod commends president Donald Trump and the American legislatures for voicing out and supporting the fact that there is genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
On national institutions, the Synod stresses that “the process of getting into power is more important than power itself,” urging the new INEC Chairman, Prof. JoashOjoAmupitan (SAN), to champion electoral reform and restore credibility to Nigeria’s elections. It calls for decisive action to end insecurity, flooding, energy sabotage, and recurrent ASUU strikes, emphasizing that “Nigeria’s healing lies in justice, accountability, and compassionate leadership that puts the people first.”
ENUGU STATE
The Synod acknowledges that Enugu State shares in the broader national challenges but commends the government under His Excellency, Dr. Peter NdubuisiMbah, for her courage to end the Monday sit-at-home. The Synod also commends the state Governmentfor her impressive infrastructural development, and several innovative reforms. The Synod notes particularly the 260 Smart Green Schools Project,Type II Primary Health Centres, as well as ongoing improvements in security through the AI-enabled surveillance centre. The completion of key projects such as the International Conference Centre and Hotel Presidential is seen as a sign of renewed economic vision for the state.
Rising Burden of Taxation
The Synod, however, expresses concern that the standard of living of the average citizen remains low, as the rising burden of taxation is not matched by improvements in public services and social amenities. It notes that “taxation should be a tool for development, not a weapon of oppression,” condemning reports of harsh and aggressive collection methods by some state agencies. The Synod calls on the government to pursue a more balanced, humane, and transparent tax regime, ensuring that revenue generation goes hand in hand with accountability and public welfare.
Nsukka International Market
The Synod commends the Governor’s initiative in building the Nsukka New Market at Obimo to resettle traders displaced by the Ogige Market demolition. This, it observes, demonstrates empathy and a willingness to restore livelihoods. Nonetheless, it urges the state government to compensate affected traders fairly by granting them the option of first refusal and to guard against political or union exploitation in the allocation of shops.
Urbanization of Nsukka and Road Network
The Synod draws attention to the flooding menace in Nsukka and calls for a comprehensive redesign of the town’s road network, incorporating modern drainage systems and dual carriageways, especially along Total–Odenigbo Junction and Beach Junction–Obimo routes.
Insecurity
On insecurity, the Synod commends both the Governor and local government leaders—especially Hon. Barr. ChijiokeEzugwu of Uzo-Uwani LGA—for their resilience in tackling violent attacks. However, the Synod laments the murder of Rev. Fr. Matthew Eya, describing it as “a tragic reminder that our communities remain vulnerable.” It calls for stricter oversight in the recruitment of Forest Guards, full professional training, and adequate welfare support to ensure a motivated and effective security network across Enugu State.
Smart Green Schools
Regarding the Smart Green Schools initiative, the Synod applauds the vision behind the construction of 260 model schools but raises concerns about sustainability, transparency, and long-term management. It recommends strategic partnerships with missionary agencies—such as the Anglican, Catholic, and Methodist Churches—who have a proven record in education management. Such collaboration, the Synod insists, will help prevent systemic corruption and guarantee that the schools “remain beacons of excellence, not relics of abandoned ambition.”
CONCLUSION
Arising from its deliberations, and in reflection of the theme, “The Apostles’ Blueprint for Maturity: A Pathway to Spiritual Growth” (Acts 2:40–47), the Synod calls on all Christians to rekindle the values of faith, integrity, fellowship and service that characterized the early Church. The Synod affirms that genuine maturity comes from a commitment to personal discipline like a soldier, rigorous training like the athlete and perseverance like the farmer; thereby producing a community of God’s people united in purpose, steadfast in service, and guided by truth and love, just like the model of the early Apostles.
Beyond the Church, the Synod urges all citizens—regardless of creed or station—to embrace the virtues of truth, justice, compassion, and shared responsibility in building a peaceful and progressive society.
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Ven. Kingsley S. E. Obeta Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Aloysius EzeAgbo (JP)
Clerical Synod Secretary Bishop of Nsukka
