Activities marking 10 years inauguration of the Diocese of Igbomina West, Anglican Communion has commenced with the unveiling of new logo as the diocese rolled out programmes lined up for a year long celebration.
Briefing newsmen on the celebration of the Decennial anniversary of the Diocese at the Cathedral of St. James, Iludun-Oro, Kwara state, the Diocesan Bishop, Right Reverend Jide Adebayo, said that the one-year long celebration would hold from January to December, 2020 with series of events.
“Our tenth anniversary shall be held over a period of one year because most of our members reside outside, so we have decided to commence in January and conclude in December when most members would be at home. We have also decided to move some events to them where they live for the sake of convenience,” the Diocesan Bishop added.
Speaking on the achievement of the Diocese since inauguration, the Diocesan Bishop said they had adopted over 20 university, secondary and primary school students in its adopt-a-child programme.
The church, which said that several millions of naira had been spent on the scheme, added that beneficiaries of the scheme are in public and private institutions.
Adebayo said the diocese had been able to provide affordable education and offered scholarships to indigent but brilliant students at all levels.
The clergy, who said that the church was committed to missionary outreaches, discipleship and evangelism, added that, “together with the women’s and girl’s organisations, we embark on medical outreaches in markets throughout the diocese as a means of evangelism”.
He said the diocese had recorded landmark achievements in the last 10 years, adding that 10 additional churches were planted and population of priests increased to 23, nine lay evangelists, while 13 churches are at different stages of completion.
“Similarly, a 500-capacity multi purpose hall is being undertaken by the women organisation, while a multi million Naira hostel project is going on in Ilorin, the state capital.
“We also established a post primary institution, named Anglican Unique College. In conjunction with the women organisation, we established a piggery, cassava plantation and processing mill, palm kernel cracker and a women charity shop” he said.
He further said the proceeds from the charity shop was channeled towards providing scholarships to university students, secondary and primary school pupils.
Adebayo, however, identified funding as major challenge of the diocese, saying that the diocese is also facing challenges of accommodation for priests because of inadequate vicarages.
“The priests and pastors are working under difficult conditions due to inadequate income. This situation scares new workers away as they rush to richer dioceses. Our structure is such that most of the people who reside in the diocese are elderly and the youth who need our support”, he said.
He said activities lined up for the celebration are: rally in all cities and villages in the Diocese, revivals, dedication of new churches, Revival and Holy Communion Service, football matches, lectures, School debate, Synod, conferences and award night among other.
“The grand finale is going to be an award and thanksgiving service on December 27, 2020 at the Cathedral of St. James, Iludun-Oro, Diocese of Igbomina West, Kwara State”, he said.