Anglicans in Onitsha mark 165 years of Christianity in Igbo Land
By Uzo Ugwunze
Onitsha Central Archdeaconry has joined other Christian faithfuls of the Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria as they mark 165 years anniversary of advent of gospel of Christianity in Igbo land.
The event was characterised with pomp, merriment, road shows, motorcade with gospel music and dancing followed by motely crowd sharing gospel tracts, rejoicing because of the benefits of Christianity.
Speaking at the event, the Vicar Basilica of St Andrew, Onitsha, Venerable Daniel Uche stated that the advent of the gospel of Christianity brought illumination and civilisation to Nigeria.
He said that before the coming of Christianity through Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1857, to the South Eastern and part of South Southern Nigeria people were in darkness.
“This is a day to reenact the essence of Christianity which is the harbinger of throwing away darkness. Africans were wallowing in darkness before the advent of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Our Diocesan motto is”Show the light”. Preach the gospel, spread love, forgive, do not pay evil with evil, be a true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ and become an agent of positive change”
The trio of the Chairman planning Committee, Ven. Kperechuwu Nwankwo, President, Niger Diocesan Men’s Fellowship ,Chief Sir Emeka Anyaenetu, Diocesan legal Adviser, Humphrey Udechukwu in their separate speeches noted that July 27 of every year was remarkable to Christians in Igboland.
“We celebrate the coming of the gospel of Christianity through the CMS led by Bishop Ajayi Crowther to Igbo Land. It brought civilization everyone is enjoying today” they said.
The Anambra State Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Chairman, Ven. Joseph Nweke after narrating the exploits of the Church Missionary Society who jeopardised their lives to ensure that the gospel and civilisation got to Africa hinterlands.
Venerable Nweke tasked Church leaders to beef up security around their churches, saying that there was a security alert that enemies of Christianity disguised as bandits or gunmen were planning to attack churches.
Moreover, Ven. Kperechuwu Nwankwo also narrated how early Church Missionaries first settled in Onitsha, where they were given large portion of land by the then traditional ruler of Onitsha. and from where they began to spread the gospel to other parts of Igbo land.
While recalling some obnoxious cultural practices of killing of twins among others that Christianity abolished in Igbo land, Ven. Kperechuwu Nwankwo also highlighted other numerous benefits that Christianity brought which include hospitals, healthcare, clothing, education.
