Kubwa Diocese records double Episcopal victory as Abasi, Udom emerge Bishops-Elect

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Association of Methodist Conference Awardees, Diocese of Kubwa, has congratulated two senior ministers of the Diocese, Very Rev. Kufre Abasi and Very Rev. Dr Emmanuel Udom, on their election as Bishops-elect of Okobo Diocese and Calabar North Diocese, respectively.

According to the Public Relations Officer,
Association of Methodist Conference Awardees, Diocese of Kubwa, Sir ‘Tunde Babalola KJW, the group described the emergence of the two ministers as a significant achievement for the Diocese of Kubwa, the Abuja Archdiocese and the Methodist Church Nigeria, saying their election was a recognition of their dedication to the growth and advancement of the Church.

Very Rev. Abasi, who currently serves as Presbyter of Gwagwalada Circuit, and Very Rev. Dr Udom, who also serves in the Diocese of Kubwa, were elected Bishops during the recently concluded 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, hosted by the Ibadan Archdiocese at the Methodist Cathedral of Light, Agodi, Ibadan.

In a congratulatory message issued by the Association, its President, Sir Emmanuel S. Audu KJW, and Secretary, Sir Dr Christian Chukwuma Agomoh KJW, described the election of the two clergymen as a source of joy and pride to the Diocese.

The Association also commended the leadership of the Prelate and Head of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Oliver Aba, JP, assisted by the Secretary of Conference, Rt. Revd. Dr Babatunde Taiwo, TFG, for recognising the qualities, commitment and contributions of the two Presbyters and finding them worthy of episcopal elevation.

According to the group, the decision further demonstrated the commitment of the leadership of the Methodist Church Nigeria to identifying and promoting ministers who have distinguished themselves through dedicated service to God, the Church and humanity.

The Association further congratulated the Bishop of Kubwa Diocese, Rt. Revd. Dr F.A.G. Onoja, DCF, describing the emergence of two Bishops-elect from the Diocese at the same Conference as a remarkable accomplishment.

The Conference Awardees said the achievement was a reflection of the leadership and spiritual environment within the Diocese, noting that the two Presbyters had distinguished themselves through commitment to evangelism, church planting, administrative excellence and infrastructural development.

The group observed that the elevation of Very Rev. Abasi and Very Rev. Dr Udom was not merely a personal achievement but also a testament to the collective efforts of the Diocese in developing ministers and advancing the mission of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

It noted that their records of service, particularly in the areas of evangelism and church expansion, had contributed to the growth of the Church and demonstrated their capacity to provide effective leadership at the episcopal level.

The Association also congratulated all the newly approved Conference Awardees from the Diocese of Kubwa whose names were passed during the Biennial Conference.

It expressed confidence that the new Conference Awardees and the Bishops-elect would continue to uphold the values and traditions of the Methodist Church Nigeria while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of the Church.

The group prayed for divine wisdom, grace, strength and greater anointing upon the Bishops-elect as they prepare to assume responsibility for their respective Dioceses.

In the statement signed by the Association’s Public Relations Officer, Sir ‘Tunde Babalola KJW, JP, the Conference Awardees expressed optimism that the new Bishops-elect would build on their previous achievements and provide visionary and people-oriented leadership in their respective Dioceses.

The Association urged members of the Methodist Church Nigeria and the wider Christian community to continue to pray for the Bishops-elect as they embark on their new assignments.

The emergence of the two Bishops-elect has therefore further placed the Diocese of Kubwa in the spotlight, with the Association describing the development as a demonstration of the Diocese’s contribution to the leadership and growth of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

The group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Church’s leadership and celebrating ministers and members whose contributions advance the mission of the Methodist Church Nigeria.