Diocese of Okrika - Church of Nigeria: Anglican Communion

Diocese of Okrika - Church of Nigeria: Anglican Communion Welcome to the official page for the Diocese of Okrika - Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion). Follow for videos, news, & more! Revd. Tubokosemie R.
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The Diocese of Okrika - Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) came into existence on the 16th day of November 2003 and is shepherded by the Rt. Abere, who was installed as its first Bishop of on the 17 day of November, 2003. The diocese comprises of the Okrika, Ogu/Bolo and part of the Port Harcourt Local Government Areas. It is divided into five archdeaconries, four deaneries with various parish

es, missions and stations. It is served by more than 50 active Clergy. General Disclaimer for Comments: Readers and patrons of this page are welcome to comment. Discussion is encouraged, but proper etiquette must be in place. In some cases, comments may be moderated. Obscenities, spam, bashing, bullying, verbal abuse, insults, partisan statements, solicitations, repetitive or fraudulent comments, comments irrelevant to the post under which they are written, or endorsements of political candidates or political parties, will not be tolerated. The opinions expressed are those of the author(s) (Facebook users) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Diocese of Okrika. Likewise, links to external websites (not owned by the Diocese of Okrika) should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the organization or the opinions thereof. Users of this website should have no expectation to privacy.

18/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

THURSDAY 18TH. JUNE, 2026.

RESTORATION OF LIFE Luke 7:11-15.

Luke 7:15, "So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother."

In our text, we see the culmination of Jesus' miraculous act. The young man who had been dead is now fully restored to life. He not only sits up, but he begins to talk, a clear sign that he is truly alive and well. Jesus doesn't just revive the young man physically; He restores him completely. Then, in a touching act, Jesus gives the young man back to his mother. This moment is significant because it not only restores her son's life but also gives her hope and security.

As a widow with no other family, she would have faced a bleak and uncertain future. By restoring her son, Jesus is also restoring her livelihood and dignity. This is more than a miracle - it's an act of compassion and grace. Our text for today's devotional highlights Jesus' power over death and His ability to restore what seems to be lost forever. Death, which is often viewed as final and irreversible, is no match for Jesus' authority.

His power to bring life is a foreshadowing of the resurrection, both His own and the future resurrection of all believers in Christ Jesus. Scripturally speaking, this moment is a picture of what God does for us spiritually. Just as Jesus brings the young man from death to life, God brings us from spiritual death to new life in Christ - Eph. 2:4-5. It's a reminder that Jesus doesn't just fix surface-level problems - He restores life at its core.

The act of Jesus giving the young man back to his mother also reflects God's restorative nature. God is not only interested in saving us for eternity but in healing and restoring our lives here and now. He brings hope to situations that seem beyond repair. Our text is a reminder that Jesus can bring life and restoration to any situation, no matter how hopeless it seems. Just as He restored the young man back to life. He can breathe new life into areas of our lives that feel dead - whether it's a broken relationship, a lost dream, or spiritual dryness.

Prayers: LORD, You have power over every situation in life, restore health and peace in my life. In Jesus' precious name, I ask this. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

17/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

WEDNESDAY 17TH. JUNE, 2026.

RAISING THE DEAD Luke 7:11-15.

Luke 7:14, "Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise.""

Jesus' heart went out to the woman who was left all alone by the death of her only child, haven lost her husband to death earlier. While many mourned with her, Jesus longed to comfort her. His heart was full of compassion. Knowing what He was about to do, He could say what no one else could say: "Don't cry!" Most of us can only cry with those who have lost loved ones. Only Jesus can truly wipe away our tears. Jesus is touched by our loss and by our mortal limitations.

That's why He came to earth. We can be assured that He feels our losses in the same way. When we cry in grief, we do not cry alone. Jesus spoke to the dead young man and made him live again. Then Luke says it so beautifully, "And Jesus gave him back to his mother." Despite death, Jesus brings Reunion! Despite sorrow, Jesus brings back joy. This event is a preview of our future in Christ. One day, all those who are dead in Christ will hear His voice and rise from the dead with immortal bodies and join Jesus.

Those believers in Christ Jesus who are still alive when Christ comes will also be changed and go to be with the LORD forever. Christ's return will be a time of great rejoicing as all believers in Christ Jesus will be reunited with each other and united with the LORD forever. In our text for today's meditation, Jesus said to the dead man, "Young man, I tell you, get up." The LORD can bring life into hopeless and desperate situations. He can breathe new life into our hearts and souls.

Perhaps circumstances, or the challenges of life, have brought us down. It is time to get up, pick up the pieces, and receive His faithfulness towards you. LORD, thank You for the promise of reunion with those that I love who have died before me. Thank You for their faith and Jesus' power over death that ensures our reunion.

Prayers: LORD, with Your help and Your strength, I will arise, and I will walk in the light of Your favour and blessings. Breathe new life into me, I pray, and may I know that You are with me, and I will step forward with confidence in You. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

16/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

TUESDAY 16TH. JUNE, 2026.

THE ALL COMPASSIONATE GOD Luke 7:11-15.

Luke 7:13, "When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, "Do not weep.""

I love Jesus' tenderness with the widow at Nain, as recorded in our reading for today's meditation. She is left all alone in a hard world with even harder grief when her only son dies. Luke chooses beautifully simple language to emphasize Jesus' compassion for the woman as He deals with the death of her son with little fuss and great tenderness - Lk. 7:11-15. What a precious way to describe such a life-changing moment: Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Oh, how every parent who has lost a child to death could experience such sweet grace. I don't have the right words or any simple answers for parents who bury children. I hope I am like the dear Christian brother who looked into the aged mother's eyes on Sunday. Then, he lovingly said, "I am sorry. We love you. We hurt with you. Your group of friends will stand by you." Then, without trying to explain, he hugged her, listened to her some more as she described her shock and pain.

Then, he held her shoulders and told her gently and tenderly what he had said to reassure her earlier. A moment later, he hugged her again and let her tears fall on his shoulder as her shaking subsided. We don't have easy answers. Most of our earth-bound explanations run up against death's realities and come off shallow and trite. Love listens and holds and helps until the brokenhearted parent is ready to throw their questions in "the deep pool of unknowingness."

All the while, they trust that one day Jesus will come and take their child by hand and say, "Get up, My child!" After all, this is Jesus' promise - Jn. 5:25. At that moment, each believing parent receives the blessing of Jesus giving that child back. Only this time, all reunions will be permanent, all tears will be wiped away by the LORD'S loving touch, and all separations will be banished to the broken world left behind - Rev. 21:3-4.

Prayers: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the answer to our sentence of death. Use me to bless those touched by death and to share Your grace with them. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Rejoice !

+Enoch
Okrika.

15/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

MONDAY 15TH. JUNE, 2026.

THE DEAD OF A CHILD Luke 7:11-15.

Luke 7:12, "And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her."

Few tragedies wound with as much trauma and inflict such deep sorrow as the death of a child. Indeed, every death of someone close to us can rattle us down to our marrow. However, something about the death of a child - the only child dismantles out strength. It challenges the faith of even the strongest of Jesus' followers. I still hear the waiting sorrow of a dear aged mother being told her son had died. I watched a few days ago as a brother held an aged mother as she shook with grief after losing her adult son unexpectedly.

I have felt the bitter chill of a nasty, wet, early spring north wind as it gouged empty canyons into the grief-stricken hearts of a young couple as they buried their baby boy. Losing a child is unspeakably hard. Such a death mocks us in its unfairness of parents having to bury children. Everything in us cries that children should bury their parents. Maybe that is why I am touched so personally by John's account of Jesus' words to Mary from the cross - Jn. 19:25-27. These words are poignant and touching.

They reach across the centuries and put a human face on the cross' tragic and brutal nature. This story reminds me that the crucifixion is more than a story about an obedient and divine Son submitting to the will of the Almighty God, His Father. The cross is also a story of a mother and her beloved son. Mary's boy was savagely beaten, repeatedly mocked, openly ridiculed, and physically tortured and humiliated till He died. Through Mary's eyes, a little of God's pain becomes real. We can imagine the pain of a mother losing her son.

God's grief becomes a little more comprehensible to us through the agony of Mary. For me, the LORD'S tenderness with His mother at His death makes two of Jesus' resurrection miracles all the more poignant. Jesus' raising of Jairus' twelve years old daughter is as emotionally moving to me as a parent, as the miracle seems so simple for Jesus to accomplish - Lk. 8:49-56. I love the phrase, "My child, get up!" I am reminded of a close friend who was deaf and has now gone home to be with the Lord. In his excitement and confidence, my friend looked forward to the day that he would meet Jesus. He often told us before his death, "The next voice I will hear is Jesus' voice, saying, Lloyd, it's time to get up and come home with me!"

Prayers: Heavenly Father, in my frustrating and hopeless conditions, it is Your voice I want to hear, speaking life and comfort to me. This I declare in Jesus' glorious name. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

To be continued tomorrow!

14/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

SUNDAY 14TH. JUNE, 2026

IN THE CITY OF NAIN Luke 7:11-15.

Luke 7:11, "Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd."

Nain was a small town located near the region of Galilee. It was not a major city, so Jesus' visit here highlights His concern for everyday people, even those in small, overlooked places like some of our communities today. Unlike Jerusalem or Capernaum, Nain would not have been a place where one would expect significant events to occur. Yet, Jesus' presence transforms this quiet town into the site of a major miracle. In the ancient world, large crowds often followed popular teachers or miracle workers, but they would not have expected what was about to happen in Nain.

During this time, death was seen as final, and raising the dead was considered beyond human ability. Even religious leaders did not expect such a miracle, which is why Jesus' actions in Nain would further prove His divine authority. Our text sets the stage for one of the most powerful demonstrations of Jesus' divine nature - His authority over death. Scripturally speaking, it points to the truth that Jesus is the LORD of life. His ability to raise the dead shows that He is more than just a teacher or prophet; He is the One through whom life is given and restored.

The fact that Jesus goes to a small, humble town shows that His mission isn't limited to important places or powerful people. God's grace is available to everyone, no matter how insignificant we may feel. This mirrors the biblical teaching that God often works through the humble and overlooked to reveal His glory - 1 Cor. 1:27-28. As believers in Christ Jesus, our text for today's devotional is a reminder that Jesus' presence transforms any situation, no matter how hopeless it seems.

Just as He went to the town of Nain and brought life to a grieving widow, Jesus can enter the "small towns" of our lives; places of personal pain; loss; origin despair, and bring hope and restoration. It also reminds us that Jesus is actively moving. His ministry wasn't static, and neither is His work in our lives. He is constantly reaching out to those in need, and His power isn't limited to the past. Believers in Christ Jesus today can trust that Jesus still moves toward those who are hurting, offering life and healing.

Prayers: LORD, just as You visited the city of Nain, visit my community and minister grace to me. In Jesus' gracious name, I ask this. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

12/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

FRIDAY 12TH. JUNE, 2026.

HAVING GREAT FAITH IN THE LORD Luke 7:9-10.

Luke 7:9, "When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel."

In the first century, many Jews believed that they were favoured by God simply because they were descendants of Abraham and followed the law. Faith, to them, often meant following rituals and rules. But Jesus turns this assumption upside down by praising the faith of a Roman centurion - someone outside the covenant community of Israel. This would have been shocking to those in the crowd. Roman centurions were part of the occupying force in Israel, often viewed as enemies by the Jewish people. For Jesus to praise one of them would have challenged the religious and cultural prejudices of the time.

The centurion's faith demonstrates that God's kingdom is open to anyone who believes, regardless of their background. In our text, Jesus marvels at the centurion's faith, something that happens only a few times in Scripture. The centurion had just expressed a belief in Jesus' authority, saying that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word without even needing to visit his house. This simple yet profound act of faith astonishes Jesus. What makes the centurion's faith so remarkable is that he's a Gentile - a Roman soldier, not part of God's chosen people, Israel. Yet, his faith surpasses that of many who had grown up knowing the Scriptures.

Jesus uses this moment too teach the crowd that faith is not about nationality, religious knowledge, or status. Instead, it's about trusting God completely, knowing He has the power to act even when we don't see it. Our text emphasizes that faith is the key to experiencing God's power and blessings. The centurion didn't rely on religious knowledge, rituals, or good works to gain Jesus' attention. Instead, he simply trusted that Jesus had the authority to heal. This teaches an important truth: God's grace and power are not earned - they are received through faith. It also highlights the inclusiveness of God's plan.

The fact that a Gentile is praised for his faith foreshadows the spreading of the gospel to the Gentiles. Salvation is not limited to one nation or group of people; it is available to all who trust in Jesus. Our text is a reminder that faith is what pleases God. It's not about how much Scripture we know, how many good deeds we've done, or how religious we appear. The centurion's faith was great because it was simple and direct - he trusted in Jesus' authority without needing to see any physical proof. As believers in Christ Jesus today, this means trusting God even when the outcome is uncertain or when we can't see how things will work out. It's about believing that God is able to act and trusting Him to do what is best, even if His timing or methods don't match our expectations.

Prayers: LORD, increase my faith. In Jesus' matchless name, I ask this. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

11/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

THURSDAY 11TH. JUNE, 2026.

TRUSTING IN THE LORD Luke 7:6-8.

Luke 7:8, "For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

In our text for today's meditation, the Roman centurion explains his understanding of authority to Jesus. He knows how authority works because, as a military officer, he both takes orders and gives them. When he commands a soldier, the soldier obeys without hesitation. The centurion uses this analogy to express his faith in Jesus' authority over sickness. Just as his words command action in the military, he believes Jesus' word is powerful enough to command healing in the life of his servant without Jesus even needing to be physically present.

This is a remarkable expression of faith. The centurion recognizes that Jesus' authority is not limited by physical distance. He understands that Jesus' power is spiritual and absolute - like God's command over creation. His faith goes beyond what most people expected of Jesus at that time. Our text reveals a profound truth about Jesus: His authority is absolute and extends over all creation. The centurion's analogy teaches that just as a human command can lead to action, Jesus' word carries divine power that brings healing, transformation, and life.

This concept is consistent with the broader biblical teaching that God's word is powerful and effective - Isaiah 55:11. The centurion's faith also reflects the kind of faith that God desires from His people. True faith involves recognizing and trusting in God's authority, even when we don't see immediate evidence of His work. The centurion didn't need Jesus to come and perform a ritual or lay hands on the servant. He trusted that Jesus' spoken word was enough. This kind of faith is central to the Christian life, where believers in Christ Jesus trust God's promises even when they don't see the outcome yet - Hebr. 11:1.

Our text challenges believers in Christ Jesus to have a faith that recognizes God's authority over every situation. Just as the centurion trusted that Jesus' word was enough, we are to believe that we are called to trust in the promises of God's word, even when we can't see the results immediately. It also serves as a reminder that God's authority extends over all areas of life - physical, emotional, and spiritual. When facing challenges, we can rest in the knowledge that Jesus has the power to command healing, peace, and provision. We don't need to rely on visible signs or feel that God is physically present to believe that He is at work.

Prayers: LORD, help me to daily trust in Your abilities and power to heal and help me in any situation I find myself. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

10/06/2026

THE SIGNATURE

WEDNESDAY 10TH. JUNE, 2026.

GENUINE HUMILITY 2 Luke 7:6-8.

Luke 7:7, "Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed."

Jesus loved to shock those who heard Him into listening and sometimes did so by making outsiders the heroes of His stories and actions. Like the stories of the "Good Samaritan," Zacchaeus, the widow of Zarephath, and Naaman the Syrian, the Roman officer is the hero in these events. Jesus wanted the people to see the importance of faith that trusts in His authority to act redemptively and bring salvation.

For those of us who have been Christians awhile, new Christians - especially those who have come from outside our social circle and our range of experience - have much to teach us about the joy of salvation. The freshness of their faith, the new-found joy of knowing Jesus, and overcoming the challenges they face in living for Jesus can renew our faith and expand our joy as we try to encourage them in their walk with the LORD. Rather than trying to find problems in their new walk with Jesus, let us look for ways they are positive examples for other believers in Christ Jesus.

In a world of prejudice and rank, this is a story that warms the heart and points us to our better selves. While Jews plead the case of a non-Jewish man to Jesus, an officer of rank pleads the case of his slave. Their concern transcends racial and social differences as they ask Jesus for grace. Of course, for Jesus, these distinctions didn't make any difference at all, but they did to the people of His day. This story is a great reminder that in the grace of Jesus, race, rank, and reputation pale in comparison to His desire to save and bless all people who will come to Him as LORD.

It takes someone with authority to truly and fully appreciate someone else who exercises authority. Here is a man of authority who showed His faith in Jesus's authority and showed his own humility, a humility that was most unexpected for his position. He trusted in the power of Jesus and the power of Jesus' will and word. His faith was exemplary: Do we have that same faith today? Do we believe in Jesus' promises and trust in His word with the same humility?

Prayers: Holy LORD, I believe, but help my faith grow and mature. Help me learn to trust Jesus' promises more completely and to live so that my actions may fully match Jesus' word that sets the standard for my life. In Jesus' precious name, I pray. Amen.

Rejoice!

+Enoch
Okrika.

At the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Pastor Naphtali Wakama where Bishops gathered to celebrate him.Congratulations Pas...
09/06/2026

At the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Pastor Naphtali Wakama where Bishops gathered to celebrate him.

Congratulations Pastor Naphtali Wakama at 50.

Nigerian Army, Diocese of Okrika Anglican Church Partner for Free Medical OutreachThe Nigerian Army, in collaboration wi...
09/06/2026

Nigerian Army, Diocese of Okrika Anglican Church Partner for Free Medical Outreach

The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion, has concluded arrangements to provide free medical services to residents of Okrika Local Government Area as part of activities marking the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.

As part of preparations for the programme, the Bishop of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev'd Dr. Enoch Atuboyedia, JP, recently led a delegation from the Nigerian Army on courtesy visits to the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Akuro A. Tobin, and traditional rulers within the area.

The delegation, led by Brigadier General O. O. Oni, Director of Military Hospital, Port Harcourt, formally informed the council chairman and traditional leaders of the planned Free Medical Outreach scheduled to hold at Okrika Grammar School (OGS), Okrika. The team explained that the initiative is aimed at delivering quality healthcare services to residents while strengthening civil-military relations through humanitarian service and community engagement.

Speaking during the visits, Brig. Gen. Oni emphasized the Nigerian Army's commitment to the welfare of Nigerians beyond its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity. He noted that the outreach would provide free medical consultations, diagnosis, treatment, health education, and other essential healthcare services to members of the public.

The Bishop of Okrika Diocese, Rt. Rev'd Dr. Enoch Atuboyedia, commended the Nigerian Army for its humanitarian gesture and expressed the Church's readiness to partner in initiatives that promote the health and well-being of the people. He described the outreach as a demonstration of compassion, service, and commitment to community development.

Responding on behalf of the council, the Executive Chairman of Okrika Local Government Area, Chief Hon. Akuro A. Tobin, lauded the Nigerian Army and the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion for bringing the initiative to the people of Okrika. He assured the delegation of the council's full support and cooperation, pledging that all necessary assistance would be provided to ensure the success of the programme.

Similarly, the traditional rulers welcomed the initiative and expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army and the Diocese for choosing Okrika as a beneficiary of the outreach. They pledged to mobilize their communities to take advantage of the free medical services and encouraged residents to participate fully in the programme.

The visits ended on a cordial note, with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to promoting the health, welfare, and overall well-being of residents through strategic partnerships and community-focused interventions.

The Free Medical Outreach is expected to benefit hundreds of residents by providing access to essential healthcare services at no cost, further underscoring the Nigerian Army's dedication to community development, humanitarian service, and national cohesion.

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