A Shepherd worth Celebrating: CCN Honours the Birthday of Its General Secretary, Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Evans Onyemara

In a beautiful blend of fellowship, joy, and gratitude, the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) family came together to celebrate the birthday of its esteemed General Secretary, His Lordship, The Rt. Rev. M. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., during the just-concluded 2025 General Assembly National Planning Committee Meeting held at All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja.

Though the celebration was not pre-announced, it blossomed naturally into a moment of heartfelt thanksgiving and unity. The General Assembly National Planning Committee, ably chaired by Very Rev. Ikechukwu Anaga of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, who also serves as the National Ecumenical Director of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria graciously steered the proceedings that later turned into a joyful expression of love and honour for the General Secretary.

The meeting took a memorable turn when members paused their deliberations to acknowledge and celebrate the life of a servant-leader whose humility and commitment have continued to strengthen the ecumenical vision of the CCN.

Amid hymns of thanksgiving and smiles of admiration, Rev. Sabonyaro Adams, the CCN FCT Chairman, together with Major Stephen Ezechukwu of The Salvation Army, led the committee members in a moving session of birthday prayers, thanking God for His abundant grace upon the life and ministry of the celebrant.

The atmosphere radiated warmth and fraternal joy as representatives from various denominational components of the Council offered goodwill messages and heartfelt tributes, each testifying to the sterling leadership, deep spirituality, and vision-driven stewardship of the General Secretary.

But the day’s celebration did not end there. Upon returning to his office, His Lordship was met with a delightful surprise party organized by the staff, management, and close friends of the CCN Secretariat including a cross-Section of staff of the Anglican Compassionate and Development Initiative (ACADI). A beautifully decorated cake, gifts, and songs of joy filled the room, transforming the office into a vibrant chamber of thanksgiving and laughter.

In a brief remark after cutting the cake, Rt. Rev. Dr. Onyemara expressed his heartfelt gratitude to God for the gift of life and to all who took time to share in his joy. He reaffirmed his commitment to the service of Christ and to the unity of the body of Christ in Nigeria, which remains at the core of CCN’s mission.

Indeed, the day was more than a birthday, it was a testimony to grace, leadership, and the enduring bond of Christian fellowship that defines the Christian Council of Nigeria.

📸 See pictorial highlights on the following pages.

✍️ By The Revd Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles

Conference Protocol Officer,

Abuja Liaison Methodist Church Nigeria / Member, CCN Abuja Ecumenical Circle