We warmly welcome all members of the press to this historic gathering and express our heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering cooperation received from the media throughout the four years of our episcopacy in the Diocese of Calabar, Anglican Communion. May the Lord bless and increase you in every area of life, in Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.
Today, the St. Jude’s Anglican Church commence it’s 2nd Session of the 12th Synod with this press briefing, trusting that the deliberations will impact not only the Anglican faithful but all Cross Riverians and Nigerians at large.
DIOCESAN REPORT & ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the past year, the Diocese has continued to witness God’s faithfulness. Key areas of progress include:
1. Education
- Appointment of an Education Secretary to enforce Diocesan academic standards.
- Significant improvements in school administration.
- Scholarship schemes for indigent students.
- Support for clergy in theological institutions.
2. Economic Investments
- Reduced reliance on offerings through targeted investment initiatives.
- Launch of the first phase of the Diocesan Printing Press.
- Advancing into agricultural ventures with community involvement.
3. Rural Evangelism
- Increased church presence and visibility in rural communities, furthering the mission to reach the grassroots.
4. Social Outreach
- Active role in tackling Gender-Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse, and promoting Community Health Evangelism via NAWADA/ACADI.
- Community impact projects: scholarships, borehole projects, widow support, youth empowerment, and housing assistance.
CROSS RIVER STATE: A GOVERNMENT ON THE RISE
We commend His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for people-centered leadership and strides across multiple sectors:
Security
Marked improvements in security, with a call to further safeguard our forest reserves.
Infrastructure
- Visible road projects such as:
– Wanakande–Iyahe Road
– Aliforkpa–Yache Road
– Adiabo–Creek Town Road
Strategic Partnerships
- Collaboration with AfDB on agriculture and health, we encourage full implementation.
Agricultural Upscaling
- Governor’s promise to create a food-secure Cross River is inspiring. We echo his vision for a state that feeds itself and the nation.
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
- Signs of effective financial management and rising local revenue.
The JESUS (Easter) Carnival
- We celebrate the intentional exaltation of Christ in public life. However, we encourage the removal of political overtones, giving full leadership of this carnival to the church.
Senatorial Development
Commendable infrastructural development by state Senators. We observe healthy competition and demand sustained momentum.
NIGERIA: A NATION IN CRISIS
We say it with heavy hearts “Nigeria is dead.” What we see today is a nation:
- Bereft of functional laws and institutions
- Strangled by bad leadership
- Afflicted by widespread poverty, insecurity, and hopelessness
Despite continued prayers, we must acknowledge the urgent need for national repentance and structural overhaul.
THE WAY FORWARD: REBIRTH OR RUIN
To rebuild Nigeria, we must urgently:
1. Replace the current constitution with a truly national charter.
2. Eliminate religious and ethnic bias in governance.
3. Restructure our value system eliminate the “get rich quick” mindset.
4. Enshrine true federalism, empowering states to control resources.
5. Restore truth, transparency, and justice in all institutions.
6. Overhaul the judiciary for credibility and fairness.
7. Reform our democracy make it simpler, cheaper, and less prone to manipulation.
8. Make INEC truly independent, free from executive influence.
9. Promote national identity over tribal affiliations.
10. Prioritize merit and skill in public service recruitment.
11. Tighten border control to curb illegal influx of destabilizing elements.
CONCLUSION
We believe and declare that a new Nigeria is possible, It begins with honesty, courage, and faith. May the Lord breathe life once again into our land.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.
