2025 Laity Convention: Energizing Niger Anglican Province
A cross section of members of Council of Laity in the Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion
By Uzo Ugwunze
There are high hopes that the Council of Laity in the Province of the Niger, Anglican Communion, is on the path to becoming a vibrant, effective, and efficient body.
This transformation is envisioned through the inclusion of capable men, women, youths, and even children across all Anglican churches in the Province.
This renewed sense of purpose was sparked by the recently concluded 2025 Provincial Laity Convention held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Faith, Awka. The Convention carried the prophetic theme: “Dry Bones Shall Rise Again” (Ezekiel 37:1–14).
In his address to the delegates, the President of the Provincial Laity Council, Pharm. Sir Chris Ukachukwu, described the theme as “both prophetic and powerful,” capturing not just a vision of spiritual restoration, but a divine promise of renewed life, strength, and purpose.
Sir Ukachukwu interpreted the biblical “dry bones” as symbols of spiritual apathy, weakened commitment, lost vision, and scattered efforts.
He further contextualized this within the Anglican Laity:Disengagement of laypersons from active Church ministry,Decline in Bible study and spiritual formation,Marginalization of lay voices in Church affairs,Spiritual coldness in families and communities and Lack of leadership succession planning, especially among the youth
To reverse these trends and ensure that “the bones rise again,” Sir Ukachukwu outlined five guiding principles for the revival of the Laity in the Province:Prophetic Reawakening through the Word,The Word of God must be the lamp to the feet and light to the path of every layperson,Intentional Discipleship and Training,Just as bones come together in structure, the Laity must be trained, mentored, and mobilized for service,Unity and Reconnection of the Body,Disunity is a major challenge. The Laity must reconnect across dioceses, lay organizations, and age groups to foster collaboration, Breath of the Spirit: Prayer and Revival,No structure or council can thrive without the Holy Spirit. The Laity must return to being a people of prayer,Raising the Next Generation and No revival is complete without effective succession. Young people must be spiritually, intellectually, and economically empowered to take their rightful place.
In a prophetic charge that echoed with conviction and urgency, Sir Ukachukwu declared:“Let us rise from this Congress with renewed zeal. Let the bones of indifference give way to the muscles of participation. Let the breath of God enter our dioceses, our parishes, and our councils.Let it be said that from this Congress in the Province of the Niger, a great army of Laity arose—anointed, equipped, and aligned with God’s purpose “Ọkpụkpụ a ga adị ndụ ọzọ ” These bones shall rise again.”
Delivering the homily, the Bishop of Niger West, Rt. Rev’d Dr. Johnson Ekwe, said that the Laity comprises all members of the Church congregation, excluding the ordained clergy.
He prayed for God’s mighty hand to uphold the Laity through the Convention and urged lay members to be empowered by Scripture in order to advance the mission of the Church.
Sir Raymond Arinze, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, acknowledged the challenges encountered in organizing the Convention.
However, he noted that these challenges were seen as opportunities for growth, laying the groundwork for a stronger, more impactful Convention in 2026.
The Convention, themed “Awka 2025,” was well attended and included the installation of the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, GDMA, JP, and his wife, Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim, Ph.D, JP, as Grand Patron and Grand Patroness respectively.
During the event, notable recognitions were conferred. The Executive Beacon of Excellence Award was presented to the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Sir Ifeanyichukwu Ibezim, KSP, while the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sir Somtochukwu Udeze, KSC, received the Beacon of Excellence Award.
Several other awards were also given in various categories, including Pillar of Laity, Community Service, Philanthropy, and Excellent Service, honoring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the growth and effectiveness of the Anglican Laity.
