Archbishop Ibezim Calls For Increased Security In Southeast


The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Archbishop Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, has called for increased security across the country, especially the Southeast.

The Archbishop made the call during the anniversary of his 10 years of Enthronement as bishop and one year Archiepiscopacy in the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger.
He said that there had been incidents of kidnapping and killings across the land and called on governments to address the situation by beefing up security in the country.

In a sermon on the anniversary, the Awka Diocesan Synod Secretary, Venerable Clement Mgbemena, laudable the achievements of the Archbishop’s 10 years in service to the Awka diocese, noting that 1987, 2010 and 2020 were remarkable dates in the life and history of the diocese as they recorded the birth of the diocese, the year of Ibezim’s first episcopacy and then his archiepiscopacy.
Charting the way forward for the growth of the diocese, Mgbemena advised Christians with grievances to sheath their sword and work for peace.
He also highlighted the need to build a befitting palace for Archbishops, also urging the diocese to consider adopting Paul University, Awka as its pet project.
The diocesan synod secretary beckoned on the church authority to consider creation of a new diocese so as to widen the scope of evangelism.
Speaking to the congregation, Archbishop Ibezim said that he had learnt a lot during the last 10 years and added that his testimonies were limitless as God had never failed him in his service.
He noted that his life was more precious than gifts and advised Christians to be security conscious in this Yuletide warning that the country had recorded rapid increase in crime rates and other security challenges.
Archbishop Ibezim noted that he chose a low-key celebration of the anniversary because of the situation of things in the country. He urged Nigerians to shun ostentatious lifestyle and devote their time to the service of God, reminding the congregation about the reported increase in COVID-19 cases and the need to observe the various preventive measures against the pandemic.
He said that he derived pleasure in the service of God and urged both the clergy and the laity to join him in the work in the Lord’s vineyard if they were truly servants of God.

“If you have worked with me this 10 years, work with me for the remaining years. My greatest joy is that I’m working in my father’s compound.

“I don’t want gifts from people because I have so many testimonies. It is a thanksgiving to God because God has blessed us.”




Archbishop Chibuzo Ibezim with wife, Chioma Ibezim and other clergies Cutting the Anniversary cake
Speaking with newsmen, the bishop’s wife, Martha Chioma Ibezim, said the day was remarkable to the entire family and urged the clergy and Christians, who may have encountered challenges in the course of their efforts, to propagate the gospel of God, to be steadfast and unmoved.
Recall that His Grace, Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, was consecrated Bishop on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Asaba. He was also enthroned into the ‘see’ of the Diocese of Awka on Monday, November 22, 2010.

Archbishop Ibezim was later, in 2019, elected the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos and was presented on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the same cathedral church of St. Peter, Asaba.

The anniversary was marked with a Holy Communion and thanksgiving service at Our Saviours Church, Emmaus House, Awka.
The climax of the anniversary was thanksgiving, cutting of the anniversary cake and inter archdeaconry choir competition at St. Faiths Cathedral, Awka.

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