Newly ordained deacons, priests urged to be focused

As Ademowo Performs His Last Ordination Service

Last Sunday, at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos and Dean Emeritus, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Dr. Ephraim Adebola Ademowo, performed his last ordination service, as he prepares to retire this month. He ordained four deacons and eight priests, at the Service tagged: “2018 Trinity Ordination.”

The newly ordained deacons are: Agunlejika Ayodeji Adegboyega; Akumah Nelson Chimenum; Nwokoma Oliver Ugwunna and Opara Emmanuel Onyedikachi. While the priests include Adefemiwa Bayonle Solomon; Akinsola Emmanuel Olaoluwa; Akinyemi Julius Olabode; Mordi Ugochukwu Emmanuel; Ojumola Paul Segun; Onaolapo Lawrence Babatunde; Oso Ayodeji Oluwasina and Sopeju Iyiola Oluwasegun.

Speaking on the fundamentals of a robust ministry, the Lord Bishop of Igbomina West Diocese, Kwara State, Rt. Rev. Olajide Adebayo highlighted call to salvation; call to holy living and call to ministry, as three key areas to successful ministry. He said a minister who is not saved and is not called is a pretender and cannot get to heaven.

While urging them to be focused, as well remain faithful to God Who has called them into the ministry, the cleric noted, “where salvation is missing there is no message to preach; God cannot be bribed and your personal endeavour cannot save you, it is the blood of Jesus. Salvation cannot be replaced by dedication, devotion, donation, or education and so salvation is fundamental.”

On the activities of herdsmen, the Bishop called on the Federal Government to apply the law on those who mastermind the killing of Nigerians in the country.

The Guardian spoke to some of the priests and deacons on their impression. Rev. Nelson Chimenum Akumah who admitted that the new role came with responsibilities, said: “Our ordination is to further empower and strengthen us by the power of the Holy Spirit to continue doing what we are doing to the glory of God.”

Rev. Iyiola Oluwasegun Sopeju described his ordination as a day of mixed feelings.

According to him, “It’s the Lord’s doing and I’m excited about it and that means more assignment on the way. It’s a mixed feeling in the sense that the task ahead of us is much.”

Deacon Emmanuel Onyedikachi Opara expresses his feelings thus: “I feel highly exalted because it is beyond expression. This is the day I have been waiting for and it eventually came to pass. I want to thank God for giving me the grace to be alive to experience what is happening in my life today and I really give thanks to Him.”