By Marvis Osiobe-Eterigho
The Primate, Church of Nigeria Ang. Communion, Most Revd. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, last Tuesday inaugurated Ozoro Diocese and Enthroned the Pioneer Bishop, Rt. Revd. Ewomazino Benjamin Idume as its pioneer Bishop.
Rt. Revd. Idume (Centre) with other newly elected bishops
Rt Revd. Idume who was elected on September 18th, 2025 and consecrated November 19th, 2025 at the Cathedral, Church of Emmanuel, Okesa, Ado-Ekiti and the Cathedral, Church of Advent, Life Camp, Abuja respectively, is a native of Aviara, Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State.
Most Revd. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba
According to sources, he is a seasoned, dynamic and charismatic church leader; a visionary man with deep passion for church planting, growth and the unity of God’s church.
Rt. Revd. Ewomazino Benjamin Idume
Delivering a sermon during the service, the new Ozoro Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Ewomazino Benjamin Idume , anchoring his message on John 9:4, stated the need for Christians to do the work of God while alive, with emphasis that “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: night cometh when no man can work”.
“As we begin this journey as a Diocese, we must ponder and meditate on the very words of Jesus, who have no other manifesto or agenda than the ministry of God.
“Nothing can be more important to us at this time as we begin our journey than to remind ourselves that God has called us together to fulfill a mission, which is taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to the whole world.”
The Bishop, citing Biblical examples, including the story of the children of Israel who God gave commandments, stated that “God assured the people of Israel His presence at all times as long as they obey His commandments. Whenever the children of Israel disobeys God, they face consequences. Whenever they follow God’s commandments, they prosper in all their ways.”
He commended the three Primates whom he have been under in his 21 years as a clergy man including The Most Revds Peter Jasper Akinola, Nicholas D.O. Omoh and Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, adding that it has been the grace of God all through the years.
Also speaking during the service, The Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Ibadan, Most Revd Joseph O. Akinfenwa admonished the congregation, saying “Today is a very happy day, it is a dream come true after a lot of hard work and challenges.
“New Dioceses are created because we want the work of evangelism to reach deeper and deeper into the nations. The goal is to win the entire nations to Christ.”
Continuing, he stated that the journey of the new Bishop is an eventful one, adding that “From student unionism to student fellowship leadership to politics in school and now to church leadership.”
Speaking further, he charged the new Bishop not to love the world according to 1st John 2:15-16, that “To do this work well, is to embrace a life of sacrifice from now. It is to embrace the life that carries the cross daily.
“Pioneering a diocese is a lot of work. In a new diocese, you pick something from the ground and lift it up.”
Highlight of the service was the choral presentation by St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, Aviara choir.
Personalities present were Hon. Johnson Erijo, Hon Godwin Ogorugba, Hon Friday Ovoke Warri, Rt. Revd. John Usiwoma Aruakpor, Anglican bishops and clergymen, parishioners and other guests.
