•Obasanjo, Sanusi, Otti, Kalu, Okorocha, others praise consecration of Sunday

Ndukwo Onuoha as Archbishop, Special Duties, Methodist Church Nigeria

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu and former Senator representing Imo West, Rochas Okorocha, have hailed the consecration of Sunday Ndukwo Onuoha as the Archbishop, Special Duties, Methodist Church Nigeria.

During the ceremony, which took place at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, tributes also poured in for Onuoha from the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Oliver Ali Aba; former Governor of Imo State, Ikedim Ohakim; the Senator Representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe; the Senator Representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Augustine Akobundu; Item Traditional Royal Council and Item Development Association, among others.

Obasanjo, in his goodwill message, said the elevation of Onuoha was well deserved, even though overdue. He recalled Onuoha’s service to the nation during his tenure as head of state, saying Onuoha kept his name clean without denting his holy garment.

“Let me congratulate you on your well-deserved election to the rank of an Archbishop in the Church which is well-overdue, but God’s own time is the best.

“I have watched you for almost three decades, including your association with my late friend, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Mbang. I Know you have the calling of God in your life. You served this country as my Special Assistant on Privatization and you kept your name clean and you have not dented your holy garment. I am pleased with you.

“I have watched you and visited you in Dallas to check out your work on Vision Africa and I can say that you have shown the world that you are a good ambassador of Nigeria. I have watched you in your community leadership in Item Community in Abia State and followed you to your village to be sure that there is no hiding place and I am happy to say that you are a prophet that has honour in his home.”

Obasanjo also said he watched Onuoha as he worked with people of other faith tradition with respect, building unity and mutual coexistence in Nigeria that has diversity of faith.

“I was glad to honour your invitation together with Mr. Tony Blair for your war against malaria together with the Sultan of Sokoto and the President of CAN. I am also glad that I was part of your peace building efforts. No wonder Methodist Church has appointed you an Archbishop without borders. Just know that as long as God gives me life, I will stand with you. God knows your tomorrow, we can only pray for you,” the former president stated.

Also, in his goodwill message, Sanusi said it was with great pleasure that he received the news of the installation and presentation of Onuoha as Archbishop in the Methodist Church. The 16th Emir of Kano also said he had known Onuoha for years as a dedicated man of God, committed to the service of humanity.

“As a product of a catholic school myself, I continue to pray for the return of our country to the era of peaceful coexistence, friendship and harmony between adherents of the great Abrahamic faiths of Islam and Christianity. With leaders like you, I am certain we are on track to realizing that dream,” Sanusi said.

On his part, Otti said Onuoha’s recognition not only underscored his steadfast devotion to God’s calling upon his life, but stood as a fitting reward for his decades of faithful labour in His vineyard.

“Without question, your life embodies the quiet strength of faith and personal conviction in the principles of Christ. From your youth, when you first heeded the divine call to serve, to the present as a spiritual father across denominations, you have stood as an unwavering voice for peace, justice, and reconciliation.

“Through Vision Africa and Nigerian Inter-faith Action Association, your passionate work in interfaith collaboration has sown the seeds of understanding among diverse peoples, proving by your own life that the gospel of Christ is most eloquent when preached through the ministry of love.

“Your elevation, therefore, is not merely a personal triumph but a higher calling to more kingdom labours. You have shown, time and again, that leadership in the Church is not a pursuit of title but a vocation of service, a signal to the faithful that God still raises shepherds after His own heart. As you assume this new mantle, may Heaven enlarge your wisdom and renew your strength to remain faithful and true to the one who has called you,” Otti said.

Otti also said Onuoha’s journey inspired all to live beyond self, inviting all to walk humbly, serve faithfully, and believe firmly in the redemptive power of love.

For Kalu, Onuoha’s elevation is a well-deserved recognition of his steadfast faith, distinguished service, and exemplary commitment to God’s work and humanity.

“Your visionary leadership through Vision Africa has left an indelible mark – nurturing faith, healing bodies, educating minds, and building bridges across divides. From the planting of churches and delivery of free medical care to the establishment of Vision Africa Radio and interfaith outreach, your impact speaks volumes. You have remained a consistent advocate for peace, youth development, and national harmony, a true light in both the Church and society.

“As you take on this new responsibility in the vineyard of the Lord, I pray that divine wisdom, strength, and grace be multiplied unto you for greater exploits. May your ministry continue to flourish and impact lives for generations to come,” Kalu prayed.

Joining the array of dignitaries, Okorocha said only few years ago, they rejoiced and celebrated Onuoha’s elevation to a Bishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, not knowing that there was yet another bigger elevation to the highly exalted position of an Archbishop on Special Duties of Onuoha’s great church.

“These elevations indeed say a lot of who you are in the service to God Almighty and mankind. We, in the Rochas Foundation family of which you are one of us, wish to congratulate you on this rare but deserving elevation. We are indeed proud of you and pray to God Almighty to remain your source of strength and wisdom as you discharge the special duties to the Glory of God.

“Your appointment stands you out as a remarkable testament to your outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to the gospel, and your tireless service to the body of Christ. Through your vision, wisdom, and compassion, you have continued to inspire faith, promote peace, and champion community development.

“As you assume this sacred and distinguished office, we pray that the Almighty God will endue you with greater grace, divine wisdom, and strength to lead the Church with renewed purpose, unity, and impact. May your tenure usher in a new era of spiritual growth and excellence in the Methodist Church Nigeria,” Okorocha said.

Congratulating Onuoha, Aba said Onuoha’s elevation was surely a testimony of his unwavering dedication to the service of God and humanity.

“I can quickly recall the days when we were in the Seminary School together – none of us knew what God had planned for us in the ministry. It is surely the Lord’s doing and may His name be praised forever,” Aba said.

The prelate also said Onuoha has demonstrated that he is a man called by God with the capacity to lead and impact lives positively.

“As a versatile and resourceful person, you have given leadership to your community, Abia State, Nigeria and the International Community which has left an indelible positive impact on loads of people.

“I know you as an incredibly focused individual who has successfully led pioneering work in so many fields of human endeavour. At the time the repositioning agenda of Methodist Church took effect in 2006, you were elected the pioneer Connexional Secretary for Evangelism and Discipleship, and you laid the solid foundation, and raised the template upon which the Conference Directorate of Evangelism and Discipleship is operating upon today. I also remember the crucial role you played in the growth of Methodist Campus Fellowship, associated with the heavy risk you took. You have expanded the frontiers of our dear church through church planting, using your NGO, the VISION AFRICA as a veritable tool at no cost to the church.

“As a generous giver, for the past twenty-eight years, you have single-handedly been donating Ordination Bible to thousands of ordained ministers of Methodist Church Nigeria which depicts your philanthropic disposition and gesture.

“You have been a very versatile tool in the hands of God, representing us in global events such as the World Methodist Council, the World Council of Churches, the African Council of Churches and Interfaith activities. You have also displayed your giftedness in the area of communication through your pet project, The Vision Africa Radio.

“Given these sterling qualities of yours, we are confident that you will give an invaluable service to Methodist Church Nigeria as Archbishop in charge of Special Duties. I enjoin you to put in your best as you join hands with our new dawn administration to reposition Methodist Church Nigeria.

“May God grant you His enabling grace as you attend to your responsibility with utmost diligence,” Aba also said.

For Ohakim, Onuoha’s elevation is not only a recognition of his steadfast faith and visionary leadership, but also a divine affirmation of your lifelong dedication to the service of God and humanity.

“You have been a moral compass in turbulent times, a voice of reason and reconciliation, as well as an unwavering beacon of hope to many within and beyond the Methodist Church.

“As the ancient philosopher Plato once said, “The measure of a man is what he does with power.” Your Grace, you have consistently wielded influence with humility, wisdom, and love, qualities that inspire both the pulpit and the public sphere. In your journey, we see a living sermon, one that teaches compassion, courage, and conviction.

“This new office, entrusted to you by the Methodist Church, is both a crown and a calling, a sacred duty to which you have already devoted your life and I have no doubt that you will prove your mettle. May the Almighty God, who has begun this good work in you, grant you renewed strength, deeper insight, and rewarding tenure,” Ohakim said.

Abaribe, in his goodwill message, said the elevation of Onuoha to the enviable height in the church is by no means a testament of his good standing in the vineyard and as a consistent man of God.

“I have no doubt that you will continue to grow and persevere in the service of God and humanity with the new position as an Archbishop. I implore you not to relent, but remain steadfast in upholding the high moral and spiritual ethics expected of such revered position in Christendom.

“I and the entire people of Abia South congratulate you on this momentous occasion,” Abaribe said.

Hailing Onuoha, Akobundu said the sacred event was a culmination and worthy recognition of Onuoha’s years of unblemished service in God’s Vineyard and dedication to the cause of His people.

“I have no doubt in my mind, that you will bring your immeasurable wealth of experience, excellence, astuteness and erudition to bear on this new Office to the glory of God and for the benefit of His Church and humanity. I, therefore, urge you, most respectfully, not to rest on your laurels, but be motivated by this presentation to do more for God as a compassionate shepherd of His flock,” Akobundu said.

In its traditional royal message, the Item Traditional Royal Council said the sacred elevation is a testimony of Onuoha’s unwavering faith and steadfast service to God and humanity.

The Item Traditional Council also said Onuoha’s exemplary devotion, spiritual wisdom and pastoral care have inspired countless souls and strengthened the Church.

“As you assume this sacred responsibility, Item Traditional Royal Council prays that God will continue to endow you with divine wisdom, strength, and grace to shepherd the flock entrusted to your care in truth and love.

“May your ministry bring renewed light, unity and blessing to the faithful,” Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe and Eze Godswill Ogburafor, Chairman and Secretary respectively, Item Traditional Royal Council prayed.

The leadership of Item Development Association (IDA) and the entire people of Item at home and in the diaspora, celebrating their own, said the milestone was not only a personal achievement, but a source of immense pride for Item community.

“You have, over the years, distinguished yourself as a spiritual leader, community builder and unwavering servant of God and humanity.

“Beyond your ecclesiastical responsibilities, your remarkable contributions to the development of the church and society at large are well known. As a former President-General of Item Development Association for eleven years and currently the Chairman, Board of Trustees of IDA, your leadership has been exemplary, visionary and impactful.

“Your appointment as the first Archbishop of Special Duties in the Methodist Church Nigeria is a fitting testament to your trailblazing legacy. You have consistently broken new ground; serving as the first Bishop of Evangelism and Discipleship in the Methodist Church Nigeria, the inaugural President-General of Item Development Association and the pioneer Chairman of its Board of Trustees. Your life and ministry embody the spirit of innovation, dedication and service.

“Furthermore, your philanthropic initiatives and commitment to serving humanity speak volumes. The Agnes Onuoha Memorial Hospital, now nearing completion, is poised to become one of the largest privately owned medical facilities in Abia State; a testament to your enduring dedication to human welfare and development.

“Your Grace, we celebrate you as an illustrious son of Item, a man of deep faith, compassion and uncommon dedication. May God continue to strengthen you in this new assignment and grant you wisdom, health and grace to lead with distinction,” Onwuka Orji and Davies Emeka Eke, President General and Secretary General respectively, Item Development Association, said.