By Ebere Akuma
The 2025 Synod of the Diocese of Nnewi Anglican Communion has been hailed as a resounding success. The 3rd session of the 10th synod, themed “Fear Not, For I Am With Thee,” saw the entire Oraifite community and members of the diocese warmly welcome the Bishop, Rt. Reverend Ndubuisi Obi and his wife, Mrs. Ukamaka Obi.
Sir Chima Ofiaeli
The synod, which lasted for five days, was a historical and landmark programme in the Anglican Communion. It is held once every year and provides a platform for the church to set its direction for the future. The synod is attended by selected delegates through dedication and is where major decisions concerning the church’s faith and administration are made. It also serves as a fundraising event, raising money for the church’s annual projects.
During the closing Sunday service and thanksgiving, Ven. Dr. Chiadikaobi Emmanuel, Archdeacon and Vicar of St. Andrew’s DCC Archdeaconry, Nnewi, delivered a powerful sermon, urging the congregation to stand firm in God. He reminded them that God says, “Fear not, for I am with you,” meaning God is in charge, regardless of the situation one may be going through. He emphasized that God’s presence has a purpose to save and described the bishop’s work in the diocese as incomparable.
The President General of Oraifite, Sir Vin Dike, described the 2025 synod as remarkable, highlighting Oraifite’s unique history as one of the oldest Anglican communities, where missionaries first arrived in 1836 at the family of Igwe Dan Udoji. He noted that the synod is significant because a new diocese is in the process of being created by God’s grace and appreciated everyone who contributed to the synod’s success.
Sir Chima Ofiaeli, on behalf of the knights, thanked God for the successful synod and expressed gratitude to the Bishop for choosing the theme “Fear Not,” which he described as reassuring and timely.
Highlights of the event included a visit to the Igwe’s palace, promotion of Reverends to Canons, Canons to Archdeacons, cake cutting and other celebratory activities. The synod concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and unity among the members of the diocese.
