By Uzo Ugwunze
The President, House of Laity, Diocese on the Niger, Pharm. Chris Ukachukwu, has urged catechists and church teachers to remain committed to their duties and develop their capacity to address challenges confronting churches and parishes.
Ukachukwu made the call on Sept. 22, while speaking at the 2026 Diocese on the Niger Annual Catechists/Church Teachers Training School (DoN ACCTS) at the Diocesan Church Centre (DCC), Onitsha.
He said the activities of the laity were geared towards effective mobilisation for Christ, in line with the mantra of the House of Laity.
Ukachukwu described catechists and church teachers as important links between the clergy, laity and wider congregation, stressing their roles in the spiritual and administrative life of the Church.
According to him, the challenges confronting the Church require committed, knowledgeable and resourceful workers capable of responding to emerging realities while remaining faithful to its teachings, vision and mission.
The laity president urged participants to use the training to broaden their knowledge, strengthen their leadership skills and acquire practical tools for more effective service in their respective churches and parishes.
He also encouraged them to work closely with parish priests and other church leaders, saying effective collaboration was essential for the growth and stability of the Church.
Ukachukwu described the Council of Laity as a platform representing various groups and organisations in the Church and urged members to work towards building a strong and united council.
He further challenged the catechists and church teachers to contribute actively to strengthening the House of Laity in the Diocese on the Niger, noting that an active laity was important to the advancement of the Church and its programmes.
Meanwhile, Engr. Nwachukwu Nwachinemelu of St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Odoata, Nkwelle Ezunaka, received a prize for applying knowledge acquired during previous training sessions to the administration of his church.
The Rector, Diocesan Church Centre, Onitsha, Venerable Izuchukwu Obiekwe, said the annual training was part of the diocese’s efforts to equip church workers with relevant knowledge and skills for effective service and ministry.
The month long training began on Sept. 1 and is held every Tuesday at the Diocesan Church Centre, Onitsha. The session covered on Sept. 22 was the fourth, with the final session scheduled for Sept. 29.
Participants are drawn from churches and parishes across the diocese.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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