Diocese On The Niger Says No To New Diocese, Declares UniNiger Best University

By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka

Bishop on the Niger, Rt.Rev.Dr. Owen Nwokolo has said that the diocese has put a stop to further creation of new dioceses from the Niger Diocese.

Bishop Owen reminded that after the creation of three dioceses from the Diocese on the Niger in the recent past, namely: Ogbaru, Niger West and Mbamili( now Niger East) it was agreed that there would be a stay for the time being on further creation of new dioceses from the present Diocese on the Niger to help in the nurturing and stability of the dioceses created and for the further development of the Diocese on the Niger.

He informed that the Diocese on the Niger is presently consolidating it’s new medical and educational institutions established and acquiring more lands for the newly planted churches.

He said that all requests should follow due process as basic requirements have been placed on ground for any new Diocese to be carved out.

Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo spoke while delivering his charge during the first session of it’s 33rd synod at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Ojoto, Idemmili South local government area, Anambra State.

He thanked God that the University on the Niger is no longer a dream but a reality, adding that UniNiger has been specially packaged to become the Star of the East among Ivory Towers in Africa.

Bishop Owen expressed delight that his recent Trans- Atlantic mission shuttles to Europe and America is yielding good results as Niger Diocese and the UniNiger now partner with some institutions and establishments overseas for the consolidation of his programs & projects designed to better mankind in this part of the world.

The Lion on the Niger made it clear that Niger remains the way it is, pushing for the placements of critical mission infrastructures on ground and leading the people in the march to ports of salvation.

On the collapsed DMGS Centenary building in Onitsha , Bishop Owen also made it clear that the Diocese on the Niger inquiry concluded that the likely cause of the collapse was foundation failure due to poor soil conditions.
He however stated that technical review had concluded the internal inquiries into the collapsed building adding that the foundation for the new building was laid on January 25th 2025, symbolizing a new begining with an increased focus on safety and quality.
The Bishop also commended Governor Charles Soludo for the employment of teachers in their thousands to boost the educational sector and to abate unemployment in the state while also appreciating the Governor for the dualization of some major roads and decongesting some areas in major markets in the state.

He further encouraged those facing life’s challenges not to lose hope, reminding them that the indwelling Christ is the ultimate assurance of glory.
Others who spoke described the milestones recorded so far by Bishop Owens Episcopacy as very intimidating adding that he’s firing on all cylinders in a way that may never be in history.

Meanwhile, it was a spirit-lifting atmosphere at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Ojoto, as delegates from various parishes under the Diocese on the Niger, gathered for the 1st session of its 33rd Synod, a sacred time dedicated for reflection, renewal, and re-energizing the mission of God’s work.

The Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, Most Rev.Dr Henry Ndukuba praised the vision and purpose of the Synod , reflected on its theme “Christ in You, the Hope of Glory” , emphasized its timeliness for both the Church and the nation, amid widespread despair, reminded believers that this hope is rooted in the living Christ, His resurrection, humility, and ever presence.
He expressed joy that Bishop Owen Nwokolo has set new targets on his incredible record of achievements taking his Episcopacy to new levels adding that these milestones underscore his unwavering commitment to advancing the cause of humanity.

The Archbishop , Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, expressed delight that God has blessed the Diocese on the Niger, the oldest diocese in Nigeria with a solid foundation in the establishment of educational institutions and appreciated Bishop Owen’s Vision which is to make the University on the Niger a leading tertiary institution in the achievement of excellence in knowledge dissemination, character building and leadership for the production of entrepreneurial and globally competitive graduates for national development .

In a motion for the adoption of the Bishop Owen’s address the chancellor of the Diocese, Barr. Sir Nnamdi Ibegbu said that history will be kind to Bishop Owen, pointing out that the bishop is presently consolidating the pace he set in mission infrastructural development with the effective coordination of the multi dimensional projects that touch many lives .