Former Archbishop of the Province of Kaduna and Bishop of Kebbi Diocese of the Anglican Church, The Most Rev Edmund Akanya, has urged church leaders to stay away from sexual temptations, greed for money and the influence of powerful people if they truly want to carry out the task of reaching souls for Christ
He gave the warning at the consecration service of 15 New bishops of the Anglican Church on Sunday, November 9.
The event, which took place at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Gwarinpa, Abuja, was presided over by the Primate of the Church, Archbishop Henry Ndukuba. It had in attendance many notable Anglicans, priests and bishops from across the country.
The election and consecration of the bishops for the 15 new dioceses is part of the church’s drive to spread the gospel and reach more souls for Christ.
The Bishops
The consecrated bishops include Venerable Dr Ebenezer Familoni (Missionary Diocese of Oyo South Missionary), Venerable Dr Adewole Ajayi (Diocese of Lagos South West Full-fledged), Venerable Dr Paul Dajur Missionary Diocese of Keffi-Karshi Missionary, Venerable Bode Otenaike (Missionary Diocese of Idanre Missionary), Venerable Francis Bankole (Diocese of Ekiti South Full-fledged) and Venerable Samuel Ogunmiluyi Diocese of Irele/Ese-Odo Full-fledged (Vacant See)
Also consecrated were Venerable Boma Briggs (Diocese of Kalabari Full-fledged), Venerable Richard N. Okpara (Diocese of Omoku Full-fledged), Venerable Dr Benjamin Idume (Diocese of Ozoro Full-fledged) and Venerable David Michson Missionary Diocese of Ikom Missionary
Others include Venerable Dr Luka B. Allu (Missionary Diocese of Nasarawa Missionary), Venerable Ifeanyi Akunna (Missionary Diocese of Ogoja Missionary) , Venerable Solomon Adewumi (Missionary Diocese of Oyun Missionary), Rev Canon Rika G. Ibrahim (Missionary Diocese of Takum Missionary) and Venerable Dr Ayuba Kanta Missionary Diocese of Zuru Missionary.
Message
In his message, Akanya, who emphasised the need for church leaders to shine their light, said the duty of every preacher of the gospel is to impact lives and bring change to society through the preaching of the Word.
Taking his message from Matthew 5:13-16, Akanya said Jesus’ message to His disciples was very clear and unambiguous. “He called those who are sent to influence the world for the Kingdom of God the salt of the earth and the light of the world, revealing both identity and responsibility.
“Salt serves both preservative and enhancing purposes. It prevents decay and enriches flavour. In the same way, the Christian, and especially the Bishop, is called to preserve godliness and enhance the spiritual life of the Church. “
While noting that salt in Scripture is also a symbol of covenant and agreement, he said, “To be a good servant of God, one must be trained in His Word of faith. We cannot influence the world positively if we are not formed, fed, and strengthened by Scripture and sound teaching. We are called to be influencers, as salt in the world, affecting our environment for Christ rather than being shaped by it.”
He stressed that church leaders should not in any way allow sexual temptation, love for money to deter them from doing God’s purpose.
“Do not allow money, sexual temptation to destroy your integrity or diminish your spiritual authority.” He warned.
He also warned the bishops and indeed all preachers of the gospel not to allow people to derail them.” You can’t be effective as a preacher of the good news if you’re under the influence of people. Your gospel will be compromised if you allow so-called powerful people to influence you.. You must stand out and stand for the truth,” he said
He added, “As Bishops, if you cannot add to the spiritual fire of the place where God is sending you, at the very least, do not diminish or quench the one that is already there. In three to five years, there must be visible results of revival, growth, healing, and spiritual strengthening.”
He also warned the new bishops to refrain from going to fight people in their stations.”Do not go into your Diocese to fight the people; go to heal, restore, and encourage the broken, the wounded, and the spiritually weary.”
Akanya further pleaded with them to guard their spiritual relevance while urging them to shine continually.
According to him, both Bishops and all children of God are called to shine as light in the world.
He noted however, that the Church is becoming worldly, while the world is becoming churchy. “The lines of distinction are getting blurred. Therefore, let your life shine clearly and boldly for Christ, standing for truth, purity, humility, love, and holiness.
Familoni: Grace at work
In an interview with Church Times, one of the new bishops, Venerable Dr Familoni Ebenezer Olufemi, Bishop-Elect of Oyo South Missionary Diocese, expressed great thanks to God for his grace and love.
He believes the new assignment given to him by the Church of Nigeria is a challenge and that only the Holy Spirit can help him carry out the task. ‘It’s a missionary diocese. I believe with the help of God, the diocese will experience tremendous growth and progress. My main vision is to carry out rigorous evangelism and also work towards deepening the faith of the people in the diocese.’
Profile
Born on 22nd January 1966 to the family of Pa Gabriel Ibitoye Familoni of Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Familoni holds a Master of Business Administration in Human Resources Management, a Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Theology, among others.
He has, over the years, demonstrated exceptional capacity for institutional development and organisational transformation. He was an Altar Server (Acolyte) for over 25 years before he was ordained as a Priest.
As Pioneer Vicar of St. James’ Anglican Church, Peace Estate, Amuwo Odofin, he transformed a small congregation of less than five people into a flourishing parish, acquiring prime land, building a fully furnished air-conditioned church, vicarage, and Vehicle for the parish.
He established multimedia and e-payment systems, among others, for the church. He donated a two-bedroom flat to the church to accommodate the assisting priest.
Familoni served in many other parishes of the church and had a significant impact on them. His leadership footprint includes the establishment of ultramodern worship centres, the acquisition of strategic assets, the implementation of computerised accounting systems, and innovative empowerment programs for youths, widows, and indigent scholars.
Over the years, as a priest in the Anglican Church, he has pioneered parishes, expanded infrastructures, and spearheaded multi-million-naira investments that not only advanced the Church’s spiritual mandate but also enhanced its financial sustainability.
Professional attainment
Beyond his pastoral duties, Ven. Dr Familoni is a Fellow of multiple professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM), the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (FCIPM), and the Chartered Institute of Administration (FCIA), Fellow of Lagos Anglican Seminary (FLAS).
His recognition as a thought leader and resourceful administrator reflects his ability to blend theological depth with managerial dexterity, qualities that continue to inspire growth, capacity building, and institutional excellence.
A philanthropist and humanitarian at heart, he has donated properties, the most recent is the donation of an ultra-modern Church building in memory and honour of his late father and mother, funded scholarships, sponsored trips of priests to the Cliff College, Manchester and supported widows and orphans, thereby creating lasting social impact within and beyond the Church.