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By Adebowale Johnson
For more than a century, the United African Methodist Church (UAMC) has expanded its ministry across Nigeria through evangelism, discipleship and community service. On Saturday, June 27, 2026, that long history entered a defining chapter as the Church formally inaugurated the Diocese of Lagos and enthroned Most Reverend Moses Jesuyon Toyi as its pioneer Archbishop.
The colourful ceremony, held at the United African Methodist Church Cathedral, Ebute-Metta, was more than an ecclesiastical event. It represented the birth of the first of three newly approved dioceses—Lagos, Badagry and Ogun—signalling a new phase in the Church’s organisational growth and missionary outreach.
Church leaders, bishops, clergy, government representatives, traditional leaders, trustees, members of the National Executive and hundreds of worshippers gathered to witness what many described as a landmark in the history of the denomination.
Welcoming guests to the historic occasion, Acting Chairman, DioceseofLagos, Elder Adeyemi Ajayi, described the inauguration as evidence of God’s faithfulness and the fulfilment of years of prayer, sacrifice and vision.
“The creation of the Diocese of Lagos marks a new season of growth. It is proof of God’s faithfulness and the labour of our fathers who went before us. Today, a seed is being planted that will yield generations of transformed lives across Lagos and beyond,” he said.
Ajayi thanked the Primate, bishops, clergy, trustees, the Lay President, government representatives and members of the Church for their support in making the inauguration a reality. He also pledged the unwavering support of members to the newly enthroned Archbishop.
The spiritual tone of the day was set by the Primate of the UAMC Organisation, His Eminence Joseph Adedayo Ojaoba, who preached from Nehemiah 2:17–18 under the theme, “Arise and Build.”
Drawing lessons from Nehemiah’s determination to rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem, the Primate reminded the congregation that the establishment of a new Diocese should not be viewed merely as the creation of another administrative structure but as a divine assignment to strengthen the Church and expand God’s Kingdom.
He challenged the leadership of the new Diocese to pursue five enduring priorities: a clear divine vision anchored on faithful preaching and discipleship; unity among believers; holiness and faithfulness in ministry; investment in future generations; and unwavering commitment to evangelism.
“The work before us is not simply to build structures but to build lives and strengthen the Church for the glory of God,” he charged.
A defining moment of the ceremony came when the Lay President of the United African Methodist Church, Barrister Adeyanju Ogunlewe, formally declared the Diocese of Lagos inaugurated after confirming that every constitutional requirement and ecclesiastical rite had been fulfilled.
The declaration was followed by the presentation of the Certificate of Inauguration, officially bringing the Diocese into existence.
Reflecting on the journey, the Lay President recounted the conception of the Diocese, the approval process and the years of planning that culminated in its formal inauguration. He also outlined the constitutional responsibilities and operational expectations of the new Diocese within the UAMC Organisation.
Immediately afterwards, the Primate conducted the enthronement of Archbishop Moses Jesuyon Toyi, installing him as the pioneer spiritual and administrative leader of the Diocese.
In his acceptance address, Archbishop Toyi described the occasion as both a privilege and a sacred responsibility.
While expressing profound gratitude to God, his family, trustees, clergy and members whose sacrifices made the Diocese possible, he outlined an ambitious vision that extends beyond church administration.
“The inauguration of this Diocese is not merely the creation of an administrative structure; it is a call to greater spiritual, social and human development,” he declared.
According to him, the Diocese will pursue programmes that promote spiritual growth, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and community development while serving as “a beacon of hope, promoting excellence, integrity and selfless service to humanity.”
The Archbishop stressed that evangelism would remain the heartbeat of the Diocese, drawing inspiration from the Church’s motto, “I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
He called on members to become “missionary disciples” whose lives reflect the Gospel through justice, compassion and service, while promising expanded pastoral care for widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Recognising young people as the future of both the Church and society, Archbishop Toyi pledged to prioritise youth development through mentorship, educational support, scholarships, chaplaincies and leadership opportunities designed to prepare a new generation of Christian leaders.
He also addressed the nation’s security challenges, expressing concern over insecurity, kidnapping and violence while urging Nigerians to embrace peace, justice and reconciliation.
“We call upon all citizens to reject violence and embrace peaceful coexistence regardless of ethnic, religious or social differences,” he said, while commending government and security agencies for their efforts and advocating stronger collaboration between religious institutions, community leaders and public authorities.
For many worshippers present, the inauguration represented far more than the establishment of another Diocese. It symbolised renewed hope, fresh opportunities for ministry and a commitment to taking the Gospel closer to the people through more effective pastoral oversight.
As hymns filled the Cathedral and prayers were offered for the pioneer Archbishop, one message echoed throughout the day’s proceedings: the Diocese of Lagos has been born with a mandate not only to grow the Church but also to transform lives, strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to national development.
With the inauguration complete, the Diocese now begins the work envisioned by its founders—building a Church rooted in faith, united in purpose and committed to serving both God and humanity.
