Rev. Owen Ukafia enthrones Bishop of Uyo Cathedral

Rev. Owen Ukafia enthrones Bishop of Uyo Cathedral

By IFIOKABASI ABIA

It was a moment of glamour and fanfare amid pump and pageantry as Rt. Rev. Owen Amos Ukafia was enthroned to administer and discharge service to the people of God, as the fourth Bishop of Uyo Diocese, Cathedral of All Saints.

The enthronement service held March 23, 2024, at Cathedral of All Saints Uyo, Church of Nigeria , Anglican Communion. 

Speaking at the enthronement service, The Primate of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion , Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba in his Goodwill Message congratulated Rt. Rev. Owen Ukafia and charged him to be focus, compassionate and dedicated to the service. Dr. Henry Ndukuba who was represented at the occasion by Most Rev. Dr. Blessing Eyinda, Bishop of Ikwere .

Ndukuba admonished the newly enthroned Bishop to render selfless service and be ready to serve. He called on the leadership of the State and tasked them on good governance, justice and quality leadership for the benefit of the citizens.

According to him, "It is about providing good leadership and you will have good followership. He called the church to support him. Also, charged Rt. Rev. Owen Ukafia to continue from where his predecessors stop and bring lofty programmes to keep inspiring and edify the church.

He called on the Government of Akwa Ibom State to support Rt. Rev. Owen Ukafia to succeed.

 

The Archdeacon enthronement led by Ven. John Uzoma while enthroned and proclaimed Rt. Rev. Owen Ukafia added that it is right time and right things happen to the right Cathedral of All Saints.

In his proclamation "by permission , Lord Primate of All Nigeria, install and enthrone you, The Right Reverend Father in God Owen Amos Ukafia elected, confirmed, and consecrated into the real, actual and corporeal  possession of the Bishopric, with all the singular, the right, dignities, honours privileges and appurtenance thereto belonging and place you in the Episcopal seat in the Cathedral in the named of our Lord Jesus Christ."

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"Right Reverend Father in God, in the present of the Clergy and the laity of this Diocese , I now present to you the Pastoral staff which is the symbol of your office.."

"May the people honour thee and God, may He support thee. Show thyself worthy , show thyself just, lowly and steadfast, a true Apostle of Christ God establish thee in righteousness and to the peace  that knows no ending, through our Redeemer Jesus Christ, who liveth with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God without end, " Ven. John Uzoma declared with fanfare.

In a sermon delivered by Rt. Rev. Owen Amos Ukafia shortly after being enthroned, He took a scripture reading from the book of Isaiah 32:15-16 (KJV)  "Until the spirit be poured upon us from on high, and the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for a forest."

"Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field."

 Ukafia reiterated that a nation cannot do without God. it's the spirit of God to lead and direct. the spirit of God bring Peace, prosperity, 

whether you are Hausa, Fulani, Igbo, Efik, Annang, Ibibio and whatever tribe you're invited to come and build the Cathedral of All Saints, Uyo.

According to Rt. Rev. Ukafia, said, "we need leaders with love for justice and unity, Adding that, wherever you are return to the Lord and He is returning to pick his own. 

Governor Umo Eno called on the church to show love and support Rt. Rev. Owen Ukafia. The Governor who was represented by the immediate past CAN Chairman and Special Assistant on Religious Matters,  Rev. Ndueso Ekwere highlighted on the need to protect the church ministers, "don't tell me about the evil of the former minister of God today so that tomorrow you will not tell another about me".

The history of consecration of the Bishops in the Anglican Diocese of Uyo were enumerated namely: Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Ebenezer Nglass consecrated first Bishop on September 16, 1990. Rt. Rev. Isaac Enenibiyo Orama was elected second Bishop on September 16, 2006. Rt. Rev. Prince  Asuquo Edet Antai elected third Bishop on September 16 2014 and Rt. Rev. Owen Ukafia elected fourth Bishop on March 8, 2024. Consecrated on March 19, 2024 and enthroned March 23, 2024.

High point of the enthronement service was songs renditions by various chorale Voices like Obolo praise band, hyms, prayers, among other inspiring messages.