By Nkeiruka Innocent Ekeh
A Methodist Presbyter, Very Rev. Anomnachi Ogwo, was on October 18, inducted into office as the Presbyter-in-Charge of St. John’s Methodist Church, Obosi Circuit, under the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Anambra State. The induction followed the confirmation of his appointment and formally marked the congregation’s acceptance of him as its spiritual leader.
The ceremony was conducted by the Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Chimezie Nnaji, on behalf of the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Onitsha, Most Rev. Vincent Ejikeme Chukwukadibia Onoh. Bishop Nnaji performed the necessary rites and formally ushered Rev. Ogwo to his seat of authority.
The bishop urged the newly inducted presbyter to sustain his exemplary lifestyle and avoid conflicts with fellow ministers and members of the congregation. He noted that maintaining peace and unity would help him earn the trust of his members and serve effectively in God’s vineyard.
Similarly, the Lay President Emeritus of the diocese, Sir Onyedikachi Nwulo, commended Rev. Ogwo for his admirable qualities and encouraged him to maintain them. He likened the church to a barracks and ministers to soldiers who may come and go, while the institution remains standing.
He advised the presbyter to remain on the right path, noting that members could continue to support him if he performed well or petition against him if he acted contrary to the church’s expectations. The congregation expressed its wholehearted acceptance of Rev. Ogwo when asked whether members would accept and support him as their presbyter.
A church member, Mr. Somadina Onwubiko, said several ministers had served in the circuit and later been transferred, but he had not encountered one like the current presbyter, describing his kindness and care for members as exceptional. Another member, Miss Precious Egbo, praised Rev. Ogwo for sharing in the challenges of his congregation and supporting members facing difficulties.
She explained that whenever a member fell ill, faced eviction or experienced business setbacks, the presbyter often mobilised financial assistance from the congregation and added his personal funds to help. Other members, including Onyemaechi Daniel, Jerry Chijioke and Njideka Odoemenam, also commended Rev. Ogwo for his contributions to the church’s building project, particularly his willingness to supplement church funds with his personal money.
They prayed for God’s abundant blessings upon him and expressed the hope that he would not be transferred away from the circuit anytime soon. The congregation presented substantial cash gifts and other material items to the presbyter in appreciation of his service and generosity.
The gesture prompted Bishop Nnaji to urge other ministers of God to emulate Rev. Ogwo’s example, stressing that it pays to be good and committed to serving others. The ceremony ended with a closing prayer by the bishop, who committed the presbyter and congregation to God’s care, after which entertainment followed.
Nkeiruka Innocent Ekeh is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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