Chief Ikechuku Egbochuku with Ven. Nelson Emeonu
By Ebere Akuma
Chief Ikechuku Jasper Egbochuku, a retired Superintendent of Police and prominent elder of the Nnewi Anglican Diocese, offers an insightful on the just concluded 2025 Synod held in Oraifite, Anambra State. Celebrated as a watershed event marked by cultural grandeur, spiritual fervor and impressive infrastructural developments, the Synod underscored the dynamic leadership of the Bishop, Diocese of Nnewi, Rt. Rev’d Ndubuisi Obi.
Chief Egbochuku commends the Bishop’s bold initiatives, which blend entrepreneurial innovation with deep spiritual commitment, driving growth not only within the Diocese but also creating significant socio-economic opportunities for the community.
Excerpt;
Sir, May We Meet You Officially?
My name is Chief Ikechuku Jasper Egbochuku, a retired Superintendent of Police.
What Transpired in Your Home Church, St. Luke’s Church, and Your Country Home, Oraifite? How Would You Describe the 2025 Synod?
What happened was the celebration of the 2025 Nnewi Diocese Synod, held in Oraifite town at three venues;My parish, St. Luke’s Church (City of Blessings), All Saints Church, Irefi and St. Jude’s Church. It was a trailblazer. It was a homecoming and a blessing to the land.
The Synod commenced as scheduled with a visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Igwe Dr. Dan Udoji, where the Bishop, Rt. Rev’d Ndubuisi Obi, and his wife, Mrs. Amaka Obi, were warmly received by the Igwe and his cabinet members. The Bishop prayed and blessed the land and the entire Oraifite community. He was honoured with a royal welcome and banquet.
From there, a ceremony unlike anything witnessed before unfolded. The Royal Troupe led a marching dance with the Bishop from the palace to the gate of St. Luke’s Church, Ibollo Oraifite, where the Boys Brigade began their ceremonial parade. They welcomed the Bishop and his wife, fondly called Papa Nnewi and Mama Nnewi with full honours and salutes.
The Bishop delivered a powerful speech at the church’s premises before entering the church. It was colourful, ceremonious and full of grace.
How Do You Feel Seeing All These Happenings in Your Church and Hometown? And What Is the Synod All About?
I’m double happy because it all started from my church.The Synod is a time when the Bishop gives a comprehensive account of his stewardship spiritually, physically and financially. He gives a total rundown of the Diocese’s affairs. In many ways, it resembles what happens when a Governor visits a local government the entire place is given a facelift. We do a lot of painting and building.
At St. Luke’s, the Bishop commissioned a brand-new toilet facility, the likes of which have not been seen anywhere in the Diocese. We used to refer to a good one in Nnewi, but this new one surpasses everything in terms of modern technology. After easing yourself and washing your hands, you don’t use tissue paper,you use a hand warmer. It’s the best of its kind, built by a young man who loves the things of God.
Then, we commissioned our church hall, which had existed for ages but was revived through the visionary leadership of our Vicar, Archdeacon Nelson Emeonu. He piloted all these developments. Starting from the altar, which is now magnificent with heavenly lighting and painting, to the compound lighting, everything speaks to his exceptional taste and divine vision. You can’t enter that place without knowing that something happened . I admire him deeply,he is a real man of God and a man of integrity.
How Do You Assess and Rate the Work of the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Ndubuisi Obi?
I rate him above 100%, if such is possible. He shouldn’t be addressed just as a Bishop. He should be called Rt. Rev’d Dr., Investor, Entrepreneur and Businessman because he is a rudiment, a compendium and an encyclopedia of investment.
From Ufuma to Anambra West, we now have rice mills, garri mills and at Okija, an oil mill. I must confess, if all the Bishops before him had done even one-third of what he’s doing, the Anglican Church would be one of the most sought-after religious institutions in Nigeria.
He has lend millions upon millions of naira to small churches so that they can purchase land. I haven’t seen that kind of generosity before. Just tell him you’re a small church with land nearby and he’ll release the funds. I’m not surprised,he was a businessman before answering the call of God and he’s manifesting his calling with excellence. I am deeply thrilled. He is a role model for businessmen,he sources money and money comes.
He is not selfish like others who pursue personal gain.
He’s importing American entrepreneurial modernity into Nnewi Diocese. We are expanding into Ehemufu and Anambra West, acquiring 100 to 200 acres of land. His Reverends, Canons and Vicars are excellent,they work with diligence and integrity.
They are not only expanding the Kingdom of God but also creating job opportunities. Between last year and this year alone, I can confidently say they have employed more than 1,000 people, more than the Anambra State Government has employed in the same period. The Bishop is doing marvelously well.
Do You Think There Are People Who Made the 2025 Synod a Success? Anyone You Would Like to Appreciate?
Absolutely. First, Sir Dr. Emeka Offor deserves special recognition,we call him Address Oraifite. He has done tremendously well in the welfare, protection and projection of Oraifite not just in Anambra, not just in Nigeria, but globally.
We also have Sir Dr. Emeka Okwuosa, another financial giant and philanthropist, who supports with millions and billions of naira. Then we have Somnwa, our PG Emeritus and our current PG, Sir Vin Dike, among many others which time and space wouldn’t allow me to mention.
I must also thank Venerable Nelson Emeonu, the Archdeacon of Oraifite West Archdeaconry, who made St. Luke’s Church a spiritual Mecca during the Synod. The moment you step in, you can tell something extraordinary has happened. He and others spearheaded a great turnaround. We also had numerous indigenes who donated and supported the building and other preparations. The entire Synod was a huge success and opened doors for more major projects to be financed.
Sir, one of the key roles of the Synod is to deliberate and make decisions on matters such as the creation of new Archdeaconries and Dioceses. During the 2025 Synod, there were mentions of certain Archdeaconries and elevations of some priests. Can you clarify whether any new Archdeaconries were officially created during this year’s Synod?
There was no creation of new Archdeaconries during the recently concluded 2025 3rd Synod. The Archdeaconries mentioned;Oraifite West Archdeaconry, Oraifite East Archdeaconry and Oraifite Archdeaconry had already been in existence prior to the Synod. What did take place was the promotion of priests ; from Reverend to Canon and from Canon to Archdeacon. These promoted clergy are people who have contributed significantly to the Diocese spiritually, as well as through their efforts in beautifying and expanding the work of the Church.
What were some of the key activities that built up to the 2025 Synod?
There were several memorable highlights leading up to the Synod. These included a visit to the Igwe’s palace, a grand Brigade of Honour presented by the Oraifite Anglican Boys’ Brigade, the reading of the Bishop’s Synod Address, the cutting of the 2025 Synod Anniversary Cake, among many other notable events.
