Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, has urged newly ordained deacons and priests to lead lives of sacrifice and unwavering doctrinal integrity to foster nation-building.

​Mr Ndukuba gave the charge on Sunday during the Diaconate and Priesthood Trinity Ordination Service held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja.

​According to him, the family remains the bedrock of society, and strengthening it is crucial to overcoming the multi-faceted pressures currently facing the nation

​“You are being sent not to titles, but to souls. Your first parish is the home. If you strengthen families, you will strengthen the nation,” Mr Ndukuba said.

​The primate admonished the new clergy to emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, act as worthy ambassadors of the church, and uphold the dignity of the nation through sacrificial service.

​Reflecting on the divine origin of ministry and spiritual gifts, Mr Ndukuba prayed for God’s protection as they began their ministry journey.

“To heaven, he has given, having ascended into heaven, he has given his gifts abundantly, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers to equip your people for the work of ministry and to build up his body.

​“And now, we give you thanks that you have called these your servants, whom we ordain in your name, to share the ministry entrusted to your church.

​“May they exalt you, O Lord, in the midst of your people, may they offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to you. May they boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation and rightly administer the sacraments of the new covenant.”

​He also expressed appreciation to the visiting dignitaries, the legal team, the house of clergy, and families who turned out in large numbers to support the ordinands.

​In his sermon, the preacher at the service, Bishop of Ukwa Diocese, Rt. Rev. Manasses Okere, reminded the ordinands that the priesthood is a call to faithfulness and self-denial rather than fame and self-promotion.

​“The altar is not a place for self-promotion, but for self-denial. As you are ordained today, be men of prayer, men of the Word, and shepherds who smell like the sheep,” Mr Okere said.

He noted that the church currently needs leaders who will courageously stand for truth, promote unity, and intercede fervently for the burdens of the populace.

​The highpoints of the service included the examination of the candidates, administrative and canonical oath-taking, and the laying of hands.

​A total of 10 deacons and 14 priests were ordained during the Trinity Sunday service, attended by clergy, families, and members of the Anglican Communion.

​The service concluded with special anointing and prayers for the newly ordained ministers to succeed in their deployment across the country, as well as intercessions for peace and stability in Nigeria for the remaining half of 2026. 

(NAN)​