By Our Reporters
The Abakaliki synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria has joined the wave of celebrations sweeping across all the Synods of the Presbyterian church of Nigeria to mark the 180 years of the Church’s existence in Nigeria.
The Annivarsary celebration which was kicked-off on April 10, 2026 at the General Assembly, the highest spiritual and administrative court of the church has continued to trend across all synods.
Abakaliki held it’s own event on Friday, June 5 at the St. Peter’s Presbyterian church, Kpirikpiri, the headquarters of Synod.
The Prelate and General Assembly Moderator of the Church, His Eminence, Most Rev’d Ekpenyong Akpanika, Ph.D, had in his address during the kick-off, charged adherents against divisive actions, adding: “we are one body, one faith, one Presbyterian family”.
He noted that the church which started like a mustard seed has grown into a mighty Christian denomination with branches and influence beyond Nigeria, and attributed the growth to “God’s unwavering faithfulness, divine preservation, guidance and relentless flow of Divne Grace”
He paid glowing tribute to the founding missionaries and indigenous fathers of the church, including the Rev. Hope Waddel, Hugh Goldie, the Edergleys, Rev. Anderson, Mary Slessor and the first indigenous Minister of the Church, Essien Ukpabio for their sacrifices which laid the bedrock upon which the church continues to grow.
The Prelate who stated his vision for the future to include strengthening the spiritually of the church, aggressive evangelism, building stronger economic base for the church, youth development, digital access and enhanced inclusive gospel among others, further enjoined adherents to continue to build upon the Church’s strong doctrine, spirituality and faith so as to leave positive legacies for upcoming generations of presbyterians.
Speaking to journalists at the Abakaliki event, the Abakaliki Synod Moderator, Rt. Rev’d Chidi Igwe who presided over the synodical celebration, expressed pride in the achievements of the church in its 180 years of existence in Nigeria. He highlighted the pioneering role of the church in stemming early primitive traditions including killing of twins which was stopped by Mary Slessor.
He further noted that the church’s pioneering efforts in education and human capital development has continued to leave in its trail tremendous evidences of excellent outcomes to the present day. He emphasised that the church with its ongoing innovations has a brighter prospect.
Earlier in a sermon, Igwe described the Annivarsary as a memorial of the work of the Church’s early missionaries who staked their lives “to bring us freedom from atrocious deeds of the past and curses which had hitherto held our destinies bound”.
Referencing some bible passages including Joshua 4: 4-12 and Psalms 118: 23 -24, among others, the moderator said the Annivarsary presented an avenue for remembrance, rejoicing and renewal.
Paying tributes to the Christian missionaries, he stressed that their mission “brought good to Africa and gave us freedom from agelong bondage, causing us to continue rejoicing in God’s providence”. He urged adherents to adopt the celebration as an opportunity to renew their covenant with God and strengthen their commitment to the progress, vision and mission of the Church.
Some Church members who interacted with newsmen including the Synodical president of the Men’s Christian Association of the church, Ikechukwu Okoro-Agha, Women’s Guild President of Azuiyiokwu Model Parsh, Mrs Nkechi Ipere and a youth member of the Church, Precious Okoronkwo expressed joy in the event which they described as a great milestone and a joyful event.
They expressed pride in the many legacies of the church over the years spanning across education, health, Agriculture, social warfare sectors and spiritual development, pledging their commitment to sustaining them for the future of the church.
The event featured rally/roadwalk through some major streets in Abakaliki, March Past by all arms of the church, a novelty football match, choral and music concerts. It also features prayers for sustained peace and growth of the Church and the nation.
The Presbyterian Church was first established in Calabar, Nigeria on April 10, 1846 by Scottish missionaries as the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland. It officially became known as the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in June 16, 1960 following Nigeria’s independence.
As part of the church’s administrative reform, it inaugurated the General Assembly as its highest decision-making body in 1987.
