WITH a view to interacting with stakeholders in the 14
provinces under the Church of Nigeria, Primate of Nigeria (Anglican Communion),
Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, on April 26-27, 2010, paid an Episcopal visit to Jos,
the Plateau State capital.
To receive the Primate was the Archbishop of Jos Province,
Most Revd Benjamin Kwashi, who led an array of Bishops under Jos province, from
Gombe, Bauchi, Yola, Jalingo, Damaturu, Bukuru, Pankshin and Lantang. Also in
attendance were wives of the clerics and a large turnout of Anglican faithful.
The first point of call was the office of the Governor of
Plateau State, Dr. Jonah Jang, where the Primate paid a courtesy visit.
Okoh, told the Governor that he chose Jos as first on his
Episcopal tour because it had become his second home, having served there, at
different times, during his military career. He added also that he wanted to
encourage and wipe tears off faces, following the crisis.
He prayed that God would strengthen Jang in the task of
governance, calling on the people to live at peace, work, and support the
government to achieve lasting peace.
Jang described the visit as a morale booster and thanked the
Primate for making Jos the first point of call on his Episcopal visit. He
appreciated the Anglican Church for rising in defense of Christianity, family
values and orthodoxy of the scriptures. According to him, the position taken by
the Anglican Church has made people to stand and defend the gospel in spite of
all odds.
At St. Pirams Church, Jos, the Anglican Christian Community
had an interactive session with Okoh and his team. The Primate also visited the
Christian Institute established by the Diocese of Jos, where he encouraged
students and commended the Diocese for its vision at building and expanding the
capacity of future church leaders.
Also visited was the Holy Trinity Church, which was burnt
during the crisis and Dogo Na Huwa village, which witnessed an attack by armed
men. Okoh assured of the church’s assistance towards rebuilding the community
and succour to the bereaved and orphans.
The Primate demonstrated this gesture by donating two
pumping machines and cash gifts to the community. He said the church would rely
on data to be able to give future support, promising also that the Anglican
Church will support their spiritual growth.
On the Primates entourage were his wife, Mrs. Nkasiobi Okoh;
her daughter; Bishop of Kubwa Rt. Revd Duke Akamisoko; General Secretary, Ven.
Michael Farohunbi; Director of Social Welfare, Ven. Nnamdi Okpuno; Director of
Missions, Ven. Syrenius Okoriko and the Primate’s personal assistant, Ven. Festus
Nwafili.
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