Archbishop Ibezim (middle); his wife, Dr.Mrs. Martha Ibezim, with the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr Ibezim, and other bishops and guests, cutting the cake, during the synod.
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu Awka
The Third Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Awka, (Anglican Communion), convened under the guidance of the Holy Spirit at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, from Thursday, 8th May to Sunday, 11th May 2025, has ended with Synod expressing grave concern over Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, marked by soaring inflation and rising food insecurity.
The Synod calls on the Federal Government to act with urgency and compassion by stabilising the economy, combating corruption, and implementing targeted relief measures to ease the suffering of the masses.
The Synod, with the theme “Repositioning the Church for the Future: A Focus on Children’s Ministry” (Matthew 19:14; Proverbs 22:6; Proverbs 29:17), was presided over by His Grace, The Most Rev. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, PhD, Archbishop, Province of the Niger, and Bishop, Diocese of Awka. Accompanying him was his wife, Dr Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim (Mama Province and Mama Awka), President of the Mothers’ Union, Women’s Guild, Girls’ Guild, and Young Wives Fellowship.
In attendance were 3 Archbishops, 19 Bishops, 6 representatives of Bishops, including the Synod Arrival/Thanksgiving Service Preacher, The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Olusola Ajayi, Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, and The Bible Study Facilitator- The Right Revd Godfrey Ifeanyichukwu Ekpenisi, Bishop, Diocese of Ika. Also in attendance at the Eucharistic Thanksgiving Service were Prof. Charles Soludo (Governor of Anambra State), ably represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, and other government and religious functionaries.
On the theme of the synod:
Reaffirming the Centrality of Children
The Synod reaffirms that children are not only the Church’s future but its living foundation and a vital force in national transformation. Accordingly, Synod directs all Dioceses, Archdeaconries, Parishes and Churches, to reposition the Anglican Children’s Ministry (ACM) as a frontline mission arm, central to evangelism, discipleship, and character development in the Church.
According to the Communique, “Synod mandates the ACM leadership at Diocesan, Archdeaconries and Parish levels to review, restructure, and relaunch their operational frameworks to reflect the current theme. This process must be completed within six months and should result in context-relevant, Scripture-based, and mission-driven strategies tailored to today’s children.
“Shifting from Activity to Discipleship
Recognising the need for spiritual depth, Synod instructs every ACM unit to move beyond program-based activities and adopt structured discipleship models. Every Parish and Diocese must implement age-specific curricula that integrate biblical teachings, Anglican values, and holistic child development by the end of the next Synod year.
“Expanding Outreach and Strengthening Safeguarding
In light of increasing risks facing children, Synod charges all Dioceses to expand ACM outreaches to marginalised and unreached communities. Furthermore, Synod requires the enforcement of robust child protection policies in all ACM activities, ensuring that every environment is safe, inclusive, and nurturing.
“Embedding ACM in Strategic Church Planning
To institutionalise ACM’s impact, Synod resolves that every Diocese and Parish must integrate ACM into their strategic plans, with clear goals, annual budgets, measurable outcomes, and reporting systems. All ACM leadership teams are accountable for submitting biannual progress reports to their Diocesan Synods or Standing Committees.
On hunger and economic hardship, the Synod expresses grave concern over Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis, marked by soaring inflation and rising food insecurity. The Synod calls on the Federal Government to act with urgency and compassion by stabilising the economy, combating corruption, and implementing targeted relief measures to ease the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
“Insecurity and National Stability
The Synod decries the persistent and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, evident in killings, kidnappings, and mass displacement. While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, the government’s slow and fragmented response is unacceptable. The Synod demands coordinated, community-based action to restore peace and protect lives. Special attention must be given to children, many of whom are traumatised, displaced, and denied education. Synod warns that without decisive intervention, Nigeria risks raising a broken generation and jeopardising its future.
“Domestic Violence and Family Breakdown
The Synod strongly condemns the rising tide of domestic violence, ncluding spousal abuse and child endangerment. Such violence
threatens family stability and damages children’s emotional and psychological development. Synod urges families to cultivate peace, forgiveness, and mutual respect. Churches must intensify family life education and counseling. A nation that fails to protect its homes cannot build stable citizens.
“Fire Disasters and Infrastructure Neglect
The Synod is alarmed by recurring tanker-related fire disasters caused by poor roads, reckless driving, and weak regulatory oversight. These tragedies often claim the lives of innocent citizens, including children. The Synod calls on the government at all levels to urgently rehabilitate road infrastructure and enforce strict safety regulations to prevent further loss of life. Public safety must become a national priority.
“Children as the Foundation of National Renewal
The Synod reaffirms that children are not only Nigeria’s future but also the present and the foundation of lasting national transformation. Synod calls on the Nigerian government to take decisive steps to prioritise every Nigerian child’s spiritual, moral, and holistic development. This includes enacting and enforcing child-centred policies, scaling up investment in early childhood education, healthcare, and psychosocial support, and strengthening child protection frameworks. The Synod urges all levels of government to actively collaborate with faith-based organisations to reach vulnerable children and underserved communities.
“Synod Resolution on the State of Anambra
Commendation of Governance and Free Education Policy
The Synod commends His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, for his visionary leadership and developmental strides in Anambra State. The introduction of free education at the primary and secondary levels is especially praiseworthy, as it aligns with the Church’s mission to invest in children. This policy ensures that no child is denied access to knowledge and spiritual formation due to poverty, thereby advancing societal progress and the Church’s mandate.
The Awka Diocesan Synod appreciates the investment in Youth and Human Capital by the Anambra State government and
Synod acknowledges the administration’s continued investment in digital literacy, vocational training, and teacher recruitment. These initiatives lay a strong foundation for equipping children and youth with essential life skills, promoting both personal development and responsible citizenship. Strengthening the education system supports the Church’s work of raising spiritually rooted and future-ready children.
“Insecurity and the Protection of Children
Despite commendable progress, Synod expresses serious concern over persistent insecurity, particularly kidnapping, cultism, and armed violence, that threatens children’s safety and access to learning. Synod welcomes the establishment of a state security outfit and urges the government to adopt child-focused security measures that safeguard schools, churches, and homes. Protecting children is foundational to securing the Church’s and society’s future.
“Institutional Accountability and Justice
Synod calls on the State Government to investigate alleged abuses by some state agencies and uphold a culture of accountability, justice, and transparency. Public institutions must reflect the values the Church teach—fairness, integrity, and compassion—especially in shaping the moral compass of future generations.
“Synod commits Anambra State into the hands of Almighty God, praying for divine wisdom and strength for the Governor and his team. May peace, righteousness, and justice prevail in the land, creating an environment where children flourish in faith, knowledge, and purpose.
The synod statement concluded: “Re-election of His Grace, The Most Revd Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim as Archbishop of the Province of the Niger.
The Synod thanks God for the re-election of His Grace, The Most Revd Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim as Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, acknowledging it as a divine affirmation and renewed mandate for spiritual leadership and mission advancement. Synod commends His Grace’s visionary leadership and commitment to Church growth. As he begins this new tenure, the Synod urges all clergy and laity to support him through prayer, cooperation, and active engagement.
Golden Jubilee of Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim
The Synod received with great joy the news of the 50th birthday celebration of Mrs. Martha Chioma Ibezim, beloved wife of His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese. Synod recognises her unwavering support for the Archbishop’s Ministry, her exemplary role as a mother in the Church, and her impactful contributions to women’s, youth, and family ministries. With deep gratitude to God, Synod extends heartfelt congratulations and prayers for continued health, grace, and fruitfulness in her life and Ministry”.
