The newly consecrated Bishop of the Ozoro Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt Reverend Benjamin Idume, has pledged to work closely with members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Isoko Chapel, while calling for sustained collaboration in the coverage of activities of the young Diocese.
Bishop Idume made the pledge at the Bishop’s Court in Ozoro, the administrative headquarters of the Diocese, when he received members of the NUJ on a courtesy and familiarisation visit. He described the media as critical partners in projecting the mission, vision and growth of the Church, especially at a formative stage.
Reflecting on the history of the Diocese, the Bishop explained that the Ozoro Diocese was carved out of the present Oleh Diocese of the Anglican Communion to strengthen evangelism and expand the spread of Christianity across the area. He dismissed claims in some quarters that the creation of the Diocese was influenced by political divisions, stressing that the decision was purely ecclesiastical and missionary in focus.
Addressing concerns about the numerical structure of the Diocese, Bishop Idume noted that while Ozoro Diocese currently has eleven Archdeaconries compared to Oleh Diocese with twenty three, the disparity would serve as motivation rather than a setback. He said the situation would energise clergy and members to intensify evangelism and establish more churches.
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The Bishop acknowledged the challenges confronting the new Diocese, particularly in the area of infrastructure, but expressed confidence that the Church would continue to grow. He said the Church of God is a progressive institution that must adapt to social, economic and even political realities in order to fulfil its spiritual mandate.
As part of his early engagements, Bishop Idume disclosed that he has commenced familiarisation visits to several Archdeaconries, including Iyede-Ame, Umuolu, Ashaka and Ofagbe, to better understand local needs and strengthen pastoral oversight. He assured journalists that more deliberate strategies would be deployed to advance evangelism, which he described as the core of Christ’s command to preach the gospel and raise believers who reflect Christian values.
Earlier, the leader of the NUJ Isoko Chapel, Comrade Emmanuel Ekebe, said the visit was to congratulate and felicitate with the Bishop on his enthronement. He appealed for a cordial working relationship between the Diocese and the media, assuring the Bishop of responsible and supportive coverage of church activities.
Members of the NUJ delegation at the visit included Comrade Michael Ilaya, Chairman of Isoko Chapel, Comrade Edede Jonadab, Vice Chairman, Unyove Matthew, Secretary, Comrade Kelvin Ohoror, Financial Secretary, and Comrade Ekemena Azaino.
