PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State – The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has elected four new bishops to provide episcopal leadership in four dioceses across the country, following the conclusion of its Episcopal Synod held during the Advance Episcopal Consultation in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, at the close of the synod’s deliberations held at Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt.
The newly elected bishops are Ven. Dr. Godwin Tersoo Simon Yakela, Bishop-elect for the Diocese of Makurdi; Ven. Dr. Kingsley Ogbonda, Bishop-elect for the Diocese of Uyo; Ven. Dr. Julius Oyediran, Bishop-elect for the Diocese of Ekiti Oke; and Ven. Dr. Olayemi Fatusi, Bishop-elect for Awori Diocese.
Primate Ndukuba said the elections followed extensive prayers and deliberations by members of the Episcopal Synod, describing the process as one guided by divine direction and the collective discernment of the bishops.
He announced that the bishops-elect would be consecrated during the forthcoming General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, scheduled to hold in September in the Diocese of Remo.
The Primate noted that the emergence of the four bishops-elect represents another milestone in the Church’s mission of expanding the Gospel and strengthening episcopal leadership across its dioceses.
He said the bishops-elect would be entrusted with the spiritual oversight of the faithful, the promotion of evangelism and the continued growth of the Anglican Communion within their respective jurisdictions.
He urged members of the Church to uphold the bishops-elect in prayer, asking God to endow them with wisdom, strength, humility, good health and the grace to faithfully discharge the responsibilities of their new offices for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
The announcement was conveyed in a statement issued by the Director of Communications of the Church of Nigeria, Ven. Raphael A. Aderinwale.
