CCN North Central Zone Gets New Officers Inducted with Archbishop M. O. Akinwale as Chairman

 

By The Revd. Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles — Abuja Bureau

Abuja, October 31, 2025

— The atmosphere at the First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja was filled with joy, unity, and a renewed sense of purpose today, as The Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusegun Akinwale, JP, the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, was officially inducted as Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), North Central Zone.

The solemn but spirit-filled ceremony, which drew together leaders and representatives from various denominations under the CCN family, marked another significant milestone in the Council’s ongoing mission to strengthen ecumenical ties and uphold the unity of the Body of Christ in Nigeria.

The induction service was officiated by the Rt. Rev. M. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D., TFSG, GSJW, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, who also represented the National President, The Most Rev. Dr. David Okechukwu Chikezie Onuoha, the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiatical Province, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion)

A Call to Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

Delivering a spirit-lifting sermon titled “Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ,” Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara drew his message from Ephesians 4:14–15, which says:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine… but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ.”

The General Secretary, in his powerful and thought-provoking message, emphasized that unity and maturity are indispensable virtues for the Church to effectively represent Christ in a divided and troubled world.

“The more united the Church becomes, the stronger it grows in spiritual depth and social influence. Disunity weakens our testimony, but unity magnifies our witness to the world,” he declared.

He urged the newly inducted officers to lead by example, build bridges among member churches, and ensure that the Christian Council of Nigeria remains a beacon of cooperation, justice, and faith.

“If we are united as the body of Christ, there is nothing that will be impossible for us. Our strength as believers lies in our oneness in Christ,” he stressed, drawing applause from the congregation.

CCN’s Distinct Role in Global Christian Witness

Highlighting the unique position of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) among the nation’s Christian bodies, Bishop Onyemara noted that CCN is a vital platform for inter-church collaboration, dialogue, and engagement with the international Christian community.

“CCN stands as Nigeria’s most connected ecumenical voice — a platform through which the Church in Nigeria engages the world and the world engages the Nigerian Church,” he affirmed.

 He challenged the new zonal leaders to be ambassadors of faith and integrity, upholding the ideals of love, justice, and unity in their leadership and community outreach.

Induction of New Zonal Officers

During the act of induction, the following officers were officially inaugurated to steer the affairs of CCN North Central Zone:

– Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusegun Akinwale, JP — Chairman (Methodist Church Nigeria, Abuja Archdiocese)

– Rev. Dr. Dogara Raphael Gwana — Vice Chairman (Nigerian Baptist Convention)

– Rev. Sunday K. Garba — Secretary (Anglican)

– Rev. Gabriel Onaji.- Assistant Secretary (UEC)

– Very Rev. Daniel Mba Uka– Treasurer (Presbyterian)

– Evang. Sanya Matthew– P. R. O. (Church of The Lord, Worldwide )

– Major Aniekan Abasi–  Financial Secretary (Salvation Army)

 

Celebration of Faith, Fellowship, and Service

The induction was graced by several dignitaries, including *Very Rev. David Ogbu*, Synod Secretary of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Abuja; Nneoma Mopelola Oluwatosin Akinwale, wife of the Archbishop of Abuja; Nneoma Mary Onyemara, wife of the CCN General Secretary; Very Revd Agbo Job J, members of WOWICCN (Women’s Wing of CCN); and YOWICCN (Youth Wing).

Also in attendance was The Revd. Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles, Conference Protocol Officer, Abuja Liaison, Methodist Church Nigeria, alongside numerous church leaders, ecumenical partners, and guests from across the North Central Zone.

The event (solemn act of dedication) was filled with worship, scripture readings, intercessory prayers, and hymns of dedication as the newly inducted officers took their vows to uphold the tenets of faith and unity in their service to God and humanity.

A New Dawn for CCN North Central Zone

In his brief but heartfelt response, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Akinwale  expressed gratitude to God for the honour to serve and to the leadership of CCN for their confidence in him.

This assignment is not about position, but about mission,  the mission to promote unity, deepen faith, and advance the witness of the Gospel across our region and nation, he stated, pledging to lead with humility, love, and integrity.

The induction ceremony ended with prayers of consecration and a benediction, marking the beginning of what many described as a new dawn for the Christian Council of Nigeria in the North Central Zone.

Reported by:

The Revd. Uruakpa Onyemaechi Charles

Abuja Correspondent, Christian Council of Nigeria Media Bureau