Diocese on the Niger Laity President Urges Catechists,Church Teachers to Help Strengthen the Laity
By Uzo Ugwunze
The President of the Diocese on the Niger House of Laity, Pharm. Sir Chris Ukachukwu, has charged Catechists and Church Teachers in the Diocese to remain committed to their responsibilities and develop the capacity to navigate the various challenges confronting their churches and parishes.
Ukachukwu gave the charge while speaking at the ongoing 2026 Diocese on the Niger Annual Catechists/Church Teachers Training School, DoN ACCTS holding at the Diocesan Church Centre (DCC), Onitsha.
In the words of Sir Ukachukwu, “every action, activities and effort of the Laity is geared towards effective mobilization for Christ as embedded in the mantra of the House of Laity”.
The DoN Laity President therefore stressed the important role of Catechists and Church Teachers in the spiritual and administrative life of the Church, describing them as critical links between the clergy, laity and the wider congregation.
According to Ukachukwu, the challenges confronting the Church require committed, knowledgeable and resourceful workers who can effectively respond to emerging realities while remaining faithful to the teachings, vision and mission of the Church.
The House of Laity President urged the participants to take advantage of the training to broaden their knowledge, improve their leadership skills and acquire practical tools that would enable them to serve more effectively in their respective churches and parishes.
He further encouraged them to work closely with their parish priests and other church leaders, stressing that effective collaboration was essential for the growth and stability of the Church, describing the Council of Laity as a representative of all the groups and organizations in the Church, conjugating for a formidable Council of Laity.
Ukachukwu also challenged the Catechists and Church Teachers to contribute actively towards the establishment of a formidable House of Laity in the Diocese on the Niger, noting that a strong and vibrant laity is essential to the advancement of the Church and its programmes.
Meanwhile, Engr Nwachukwu Nwachinemelu, a participant from St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Odoata, Nkwelle Ezunaka received a prize for implementing knowledge gathered in previous sessions in the administration of his Church.
The Rector, Diocesan Church Centre, DCC, Onitsha, Venerable Dr. Izuchukwu Obiekwe said that the Annual Catechists/Church Teachers Training School is part of the Diocese on the Niger’s efforts to equip its church workers at that level with relevant knowledge and skills for more effective service and ministry.
The training continues at the Diocesan Church Centre, Onitsha, with participants drawn from churches and parishes across the Diocese.
