By Chika Obi
Despite persistent rainfall, the Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Chiedozie Nwokolo, on Aug. 2 carried out an Episcopal visit to St. James’ Anglican Church, Awada, where he dedicated key developmental projects, confirmed and admitted candidates drawn from across the Awada Archdeaconry.
The bishop was accompanied by the President of the Diocese on the Niger Women’s Ministry, Dr. (Mrs.) Elsie Nonyelum Nwokolo (Mama Niger), as clergy, church members and guests gathered for the service despite the inclement weather.
Among the projects dedicated were a newly constructed borehole with an overhead water tank, a computer room for primary school pupils, a 50 seat computer laboratory for secondary school students and a prayer garden. The facilities are expected to enhance learning, strengthen spiritual growth and improve community development.
Delivering a sermon titled “What to Do as a christian to Make Heaven,” drawn from Matthew 18:1–16, Bishop Nwokolo urged christians to embrace genuine repentance, remain steadfast in their faith and pursue lives of humility, obedience and holiness.
He encouraged believers to seek the baptism of the holy spirit, emphasizing that true discipleship requires daily commitment to God’s will.
“Repent genuinely, receive the baptism of the holy spirit and remain steadfast in your faith. This is the pathway to a life that pleases God,” the bishop said.
Speaking further from Acts 8:12–23, bishop Nwokolo cautioned against every form of sin and ungodly conduct, urging christians to distance themselves from anything capable of weakening their relationship with God.
He offered prayers for the confirmed and admitted candidates, asking God to strengthen them in their christian walk and sustain them as faithful witnesses of Christ.
The Episcopal visit concluded with thanksgiving for the successful completion of the projects, prayers for the continued growth of the church and a renewed commitment by members of the Awada Archdeaconry to advancing the mission of the gospel through faith, service and community development.
Chika Obi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
