03/08/2026
OPENING EUCARISTIC SERVICE HERALD SPIRIT OF UNITY AT METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA 50th/15th BIENNIAL CONFERENCE.
By Very Rev. Godwin Enenche Ojobor
Head, Conference Media and Communications
Methodist Church Nigeria Headquarters, Wesley House, Lagos
The 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria commenced on a deeply spiritual and solemn note with an inspiring Opening Eucharistic Service held on Sunday at the Methodist Cathedral of Light, Agodi, Ibadan, Oyo State, drawing bishops, clergy, laity and international delegates into a sacred atmosphere of worship, thanksgiving and unity.
The Eucharistic celebration was led by His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. O. O. Odejayi, Archbishop of Igbobini, alongside an impressive gathering of Bishops, Presbyters and Priests, who ministered before a congregation representing every Diocese and Archdiocese of the Methodist Church Nigeria and the Diaspora.
Delivering the sermon, Rt. Rev. Barr. Ukut challenged delegates to embrace the Conference theme, “I Will Fight for You,” reminding the Church that God’s promise of divine intervention is inseparable from a life of peace, humility and obedience. Drawing from the Conference text, he urged delegates to shun every form of quarrelling, bitterness, division and unnecessary contention throughout the Conference.
According to him, “If truly we believe that God will fight for us, then we must not engage in battles that God has not called us to fight. Let there be no room for discord, misunderstanding or unhealthy rivalry. Unity attracts the presence of God, and where His presence abides, victory is assured.”
The Bishop further encouraged participants to approach every session, discussion and decision with prayerful hearts, seeking the mind of Christ above personal interests. He noted that the success of the Conference would not merely be measured by resolutions reached but by the spirit of love, harmony and godliness demonstrated among God’s people.
The service was graced by the presence of the leadership of the Methodist Church Nigeria, including His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria and Diaspora; His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, Immediate Past Prelate; His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, Prelate Emeritus; 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; and Deaconess Maria O. Aba, National President, Women’s Fellowship, Methodist Church Nigeria.
Also lending an international dimension to the opening service were distinguished ecumenical guests from across the global Methodist family. Among them were Most Rev. Dr. Paul K. Baofo, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana; Rev. Dr. R. F. LeĂŁo Neto, General Secretary of the World Methodist Council; Rt. Rev. William Lodu Upendo, Bishop-Elect of the Methodist Church South Sudan; Rev. David Bidali, Secretary of Conference, Methodist Church South Sudan; while Most Rev. Dr. B. F. Manga, Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Gambia, was represented by Rev. Rodney L. Prom, General Secretary of the Methodist Church Gambia.
The Cathedral resonated with vibrant hymns, fervent prayers, Scripture readings and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, as delegates from across Nigeria and beyond recommitted themselves to Christ and to the mission of His Church. The worship reflected the rich liturgical heritage of Methodism and reinforced the Conference’s resolve to seek God’s direction before the commencement of deliberations.
The Opening Eucharistic Service set a solemn and unifying tone for the Conference, affirming the central message that the Lord Himself will fight for His people. The convergence of bishops, presbyters, priests, lay leaders and foreign delegates underscored the unity of the worldwide Methodist family and the shared commitment to advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
As the Conference proceeds, prayers continue to rise that God will preside over every session, inspire every deliberation and guide every decision. Delegates expressed confidence that under God’s leadership, the Conference will produce outcomes that will strengthen the Church, deepen its witness and advance its mission across Nigeria and the Diaspora.
The Opening Eucharistic Service was streamed live through Wesley Media, enabling members of the Methodist family around the world to participate virtually in the historic commencement of the Church’s highest decision-making assembly. While the livestream confirms the service and key participants, I could not independently verify additional details beyond the broadcast.
