Faith and Service Honored in Port Harcourt as Diocese of Niger Delta North Marks 30 Years

By Lod Onyeji

PORT HARCOURT — Inside the vaulted nave of the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Diobu, the Diocese of Niger Delta North marked three decades of ministry on Sunday with an investiture that blended liturgy, civic recognition, and a pointed charge on lay leadership in the Church.

Sixty-one men and women, including Sir Dr. Gabriel Nchey Achukwu and Lady Dr. Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu, were admitted into the Orders of the Knight of the Good Shepherd, Knight of Saint Christopher, and Knight of Saint Mary. The ceremony, presided over by the Lord Bishop, Rt. Rev. Wisdom Budu Ihunwo, DSSRS, drew dignitaries from across Nigeria and Anglican congregants from the diaspora.

The occasion was more than ceremonial. It functioned as both a retrospective on the Diocese’s growth since its creation in 1996 and a forward-looking call to deepen the role of lay professionals in church life. Bishop Ihunwo said the honorees were selected for “proven character and service to God and humanity,” and urged them to treat their new titles as obligations rather than accolades.

“We call on the new Knights to remember that the question whenever they reflect on their knighthood should be: ‘What is my work or duty as a lay member of the Church of God, especially to the Anglican Church?’” he said. “We congratulate all recipients and pray for many more years of meritorious service.”

The sermon, delivered by Rt. Rev. Geoffrey O. Ibeabuchi, Bishop of Umuahia, framed the investiture as a recognition of Christ-like character and a summons to higher responsibility. In Anglican practice, such honors acknowledge sustained contribution to the Church and society, while reinforcing the theology of the priesthood of all believers.

For the honorees, the tone was one of humility and renewed commitment. Sir Dr. Gabriel Achukwu, invested as a Knight of the Good Shepherd, said the recognition felt “unmerited” and described it as “God’s favor.” He pledged to use the platform to advance Christian witness in public life. 

“My expectation is to run a victorious race and receive the crown of victory from our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said. “Let the glory of Jesus manifest in you and through you to the unbelievers.”

Lady Dr. Barbara Achukwu, Assistant General Manager for Media Protocol and Event Planning at the Nigerian Ports Authority, said the honor underscored the visibility of private conduct. “This Knighthood has taught me that whatever you do in life, people are watching. Godly service will surely be rewarded,” she said. She thanked NPA Managing Director Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, the executive team, and Corporate Affairs General Manager Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, KSC, for their support.

Other recipients included Sir Hon. Dr. Kelvin Akani, Secretary of Obio/Akpor LGA, and Sir Cosy Favour Umeh, both admitted into the Order of the Knight of Saint Christopher.

The investiture closed a week of anniversary events that have positioned the Diocese of Niger Delta North as one of the Anglican Communion’s more active dioceses in the Niger Delta region. If the ceremony’s message holds, the next phase will be measured less by titles conferred than by the quality of service that follows.