03/08/2026
Opening Eucharistic Service for the 50th/15th Biennial Conference, 2026 holding at Methodist Church Cathedral of Light Agodi Ibadan Oyo State Nigeria, led by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. O. O. Odejayi, Archbishop of Igbobini, Bishops, Presbyters, and Priests.
Rt. Rev. Barr. Ukut delivered a powerful message on the Conference theme, "He Will Fight for You" (Exodus 14:14), urging all present to avoid anything that could cause quarrel or discord, that peace may reign throughout the Conference.
Among others present at the service were: His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria
Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Taiwo, TFG, Secretary of Conference
Rt. Rev. Dr. Effiong Okon Inyang, Connexional Secretary for Evangelism and Discipleship
Sir (Ide) Ifeanyichukwu Okechukwu, Conference Lay President, Deaconess Maria O Aba, National Women's Fellowship Methodist Church Nigeria.
His Eminence Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche immediate past Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria.
His Eminence Dr Sunday Ola Makinde Prelate Emeritus Methodist Church Nigeria
Foreign delegates in attendance included: Most Rev. Dr. Paul K. Baofo, former Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Ghana
The Reverend Dr. R. F. Leao Neato, General Secretary, World Methodist Council
Rt. Rev. William Lodu Upendo, Bishop-Elect, Methodist Church South Sudan
Rev. David Bidali, Secretary of Conference, Methodist Church South Sudan
Most Rev. Dr. B. F. Manga, Presiding Bishop, Methodist Church Gambia, ably represented by Rev. Rodney L. Prom, General Secretary, Methodist Church Gambia.
The Opening Eucharistic Service set a solemn and unifying tone for the Conference, as the Word rightly declared: He will fight for us. With such a rich gathering of Bishops, Presbyters, Priests, and distinguished delegates from within and beyond our shores, the Church stood as one body, united in purpose and undivided in spirit.
We give thanks to God for a glorious beginning to this Conference.