By David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
The Anglican Diocese of Nnewi has marked its 30th anniversary with a call for stronger government collaboration to enhance its expanding social and humanitarian interventions.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Cathedral Church of St. Mary, Uruagu, the Bishop of the Diocese, Ndubuisi Obi, urged government at all levels to partner with the Church in delivering impactful programmes that uplift communities and improve livelihoods.
Reflecting on the Diocese’s journey since its inauguration on February 14, 1996, Bishop Obi recalled that it began with three archdeaconries, Nnewi, Amichi, and Ihiala, comprising 28 parishes, 86 churches, 38 priests, and three mission schools.
Today, the Diocese has grown remarkably to 25 archdeaconries, 78 parishes, 173 churches, and 273 priests. In the education sector, it oversees 78 returned private schools, 36 mission schools, 23 mission secondary schools, and 25 returned secondary schools, bringing the total number of returned schools to 103, alongside one seminary and two convents.
Bishop Obi noted that beyond infrastructural expansion, the Diocese’s most significant achievement lies in its spiritual growth, describing it as immeasurable. He highlighted the role of its radio and television stations in spreading the Gospel and strengthening faith across communities.
Over the past three decades, the Diocese has also deepened its social interventions, including the establishment of a rehabilitation centre for drug addicts and the mentally challenged. It has invested in agriculture to help reduce the cost of food items, producing rice, yam, garri, and okro in commercial quantities, and is currently setting up a garri processing plant in Nnewi.
In addition, the Diocese has ventured into human capital development through a digital centre for coding and robotics, ADON College of Health Technology, and the ADON Vocational and Technical Academy, empowering youths with practical skills aimed at curbing crime and unemployment.
Expressing gratitude to God for the transformation recorded over the years, Bishop Obi paid tribute to the pioneer Bishop of the Diocese, Godwin I.N. Okpala, and his wife, Eugenia Okpala, for their leadership, mentorship, and steadfast support.
He prayed that government authorities would recognize the Diocese’s efforts and join hands with the Church in touching lives and bringing renewed hope to the common man.
