By Egbe Attah
Methodist Church Nigeria, Otukpo Diocese, has expressed satisfaction with the infrastructural developmental effort of the Archbishop of Benue and Bishop of Otukpo Diocese, His Grace, the Most Reverend Oliver Aba.
The Diocesan Lay President, and former Chairman of Ohimini Local Government, Faith Agbo, gave the commendation Thursday at the Methodist Norcross Memorial Cathedral, Otukpo Benue during the sent-off party of the archbishop organised by the diocese.
According to her “Aba, who is a Prelate-elect, Methodist Church Nigeria, is a pacesetter, an achiever, chief administrator, a dedicated lover of God, who transformed the rustic Benue Archdiocese of Benue to an enviable height.”
On his part, the incoming Diocesan Bishop and Archbishop – elect, Methodist Archdiocese of Benue, Bishop J.Y. Ngbede congratulated Oliver Aba on his elevation to the seat of Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria.
Archbishop Ngbede, who applauded the good work and effort of the cleric said since 1842 of Methodism in Nigeria, he is the first prelate of Northern extraction, describing him as God’s chosen, not man made.
Others who spoke, including the Very Reverend Frederic Onoja – Bishop-elect for Agatu, Chief Isaac Ochekliye, Sir Yusufu Elisha and Benson Ochekliye commended the sterling qualities of Archbishop Aba and prayed God to bless him, give him the knowledge and wisdom to succeed in his new assignment.
Speaking earlier, the celebrant, the Most Reverend Oliver Aba, who described himself as a “destiny child” thanked the church, friends and well-wishers for their support during his reign.
“Without you, I wouldn’t have succeeded. And without you, I can’t succeed in this new assignment, so continue to support me. This elevation is not mine but ours. I’m also using this opportunity to appeal to those I might have offended in the course of my duties as I have equally forgiven those who wronged me. We’re humans,” he stated.
He urged the diocesan members to give the incoming Diocesan Bishop, J. Y. Ngbede maximum support as given to him while advising his successor not to depends on the church alone but friends, individuals and others.
Most Rev Aba called on the ministers of God to rededicate themselves to the service of God to engender growth in the church.
The Voice gathered that the new Methodist leader will be installed this month in Lagos, the capital city of the Methodist Church Nigeria.