Six years ago, The Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba assumed the mantle of Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) during one of the darkest chapters of modern history.
Today, as he celebrates his sixth anniversary, the “shadow of the lockdown” has been replaced by a vibrant era of evangelical expansion and digital innovation.
A Subdued Beginning, A Bold Vision
On March 25, 2020, the baton of leadership passed from the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh to Henry Ndukuba at the Cathedral of the Advent in Abuja. It was a ceremony whispered into history; with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, the pews were nearly empty, and the atmosphere was clouded by global uncertainty.
Yet, what many feared would be a period of paralysis for the Church became a springboard for revival. Primate Ndukuba turned the isolation of the pandemic into a “Decade of God’s Reign,” a ten-year mandate focused on intentional discipleship and aggressive evangelism.
The Architecture of Growth
Primate Ndukuba’s track record for church planting is nothing short of prolific. His journey began in Gombe, where he grew the diocese from 18 to over 150 churches. As Primate, he has maintained this momentum, recently inaugurating 15 new dioceses to strengthen the Church’s grassroots outreach.
Key pillars of his six-year tenure include:
The Digital Sanctuary: Leveraging the Advent Cable Network Nigeria Television (ACNNTV) and social media platforms to bring the Gospel into homes when physical doors were shut.
Youth Mobilisation: The Joshua Generation International Youth Conference (JGIYC) has become a flagship movement, complemented by a proposed ₦5 billion youth investment fund and initiatives in sports and music to curb youth attrition.
Social Impact: Through the Anglican Compassionate and Development Initiative (ACADI), the Church has moved beyond the pulpit to tackle gender-based violence and community health crises.
A Global Voice for Orthodoxy
Under Ndukuba’s leadership, the Church of Nigeria has cemented its role as a guardian of biblical doctrine within the global Anglican Communion.
From hosting the historic G26 GAFCON Conference—which drew over 600 international delegates—to establishing the Church of Nigeria North American Mission (CONNAM), his influence now resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
He has also emerged as a moral compass for the nation, consistently advocating for ethical leadership and accountability while speaking out against corruption and social decay.
Navigating Dissent with Grace
Leadership at this level is rarely a smooth path. When asked recently how he navigates the complexities and occasional dissent within the Houses of Bishops, Clergy, and Laity, the Primate’s response was rooted in faith.
”God has been faithful,” Ndukuba remarked, citing Philippians 4:19. He noted with quiet conviction that despite the economic hurdles facing the nation, the Church of Nigeria “owes no one and is owed by none,” standing on a firm foundation of divine supply.
The Road Ahead
As the Church prepares for the upcoming Joshua Generation Conference in Enugu, the momentum shows no signs of slowing. Six years in, the “whispered” inauguration of 2020 has evolved into a resounding roar of revival. The Church of Nigeria today stands not just as a religious institution, but as a growing global movement firmly rooted in Scripture and resilient in the face of change.
Ngwakwe writes from Gombe.
