By Ben Ngwakwe, Gombe
The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on Monday commenced its 2026 Annual Retreat for bishops and their wives in Lagos, with a renewed emphasis on spiritual revival, faithful leadership and commitment to Christian service.
The retreat opened with a Holy Eucharist at the Bethany Chapel, Archbishop Adebola and Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo Christian Resource Centre (Faith Plaza), Bariga, setting the tone for days of prayer, reflection and rededication.
According to a statement made available to journalists, the opening service was presided over by the Bishop of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ifedola Senasu Gabriel Okupevi, on behalf of the Primate and Metropolitan of the Church of Nigeria, His Grace, the Most Rev. Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba.
The annual gathering, attended by bishops and their spouses from dioceses across the country, is themed “Prepared and Useful to the Master,” drawn from 2 Timothy 2:8-13.
In his sermon, Rt. Rev. Okupevi called on church leaders to remain steadfast in their faith, rooted in the Scriptures and unwavering in defending sound Christian doctrine amid growing moral and spiritual challenges.
He stressed that discipleship and soul-winning remain the core of Christian ministry, noting that being “useful to the Master” requires believers to be spiritually prepared, active in service and committed to holy living.
The bishop also reminded participants that suffering and endurance are inseparable from genuine Christian ministry, citing Apostle Paul’s experiences in 2 Corinthians 11 as an example of perseverance in the face of adversity.
He further urged bishops to embrace humility in leadership, warning that the privileges associated with high ecclesiastical office could easily breed pride if not carefully guarded against. Quoting James 4:12, he encouraged the clerics to remain faithful servants of God rather than seek personal glory.
Rt. Rev. Okupevi concluded his message with the hymn, “Courage, brothers, do not stumble,” urging participants to continue trusting God while remaining steadfast in righteous service.
He also welcomed the Primate, his wife, popularly known as Mama Nigeria, and other delegates to the Diocese of Lagos, describing it as the “mother of many dioceses,” while thanking God for granting all participants safe journeys.
The opening service featured congregational worship, the recitation of the Nicene Creed, prayers and hymns centred on devotion, thanksgiving and spiritual renewal.
In his remarks, the Primate, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, expressed appreciation to the Bishop of Lagos and his wife for hosting the retreat and commended the hospitality extended to participants.
He also acknowledged the Provost, Very Rev. Segun Ladeinde, alongside other clergy who assisted during the Eucharistic service.
Welcoming bishops and their wives from across the Church of Nigeria, the Primate thanked God for their safe arrival and urged participants to observe the retreat schedule diligently to maximise its spiritual benefits.
He explained that the retreat is designed around what he described as the four “Rs”—Rest, Reflection, Refreshing and Refire—which, according to him, encapsulate the purpose of the annual gathering.
The Primate further reminded participants that Tuesday, January 6, marks the Feast of the Epiphany and encouraged them to attend the early morning Holy Communion service, while outlining ministerial responsibilities assigned to senior clergy throughout the retreat.
The opening ceremony ended with the Benediction and the singing of the hymn, “Abide With Me, Fast Falls the Eventide,” as participants committed the retreat into God’s hands.
