Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Abuja, April 12, 2005 - The Anglican Bishop of Kubwa, the Rt Revd Simon Bala has urged the Nigerian government to make the on-going anti-corruption campaign all encompassing.

Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo had in the last three weeks sacked two of his ministers for alleged involvement in corrupt practices. The swoop on corruption also led to the resignation of the country number three man, the Senate President, Adolphus Wabara following his indictment on a 55 million ($400,000) naira bribery scam.

In a communique issued at the end of the one-day inaugural council of the Missionary Diocese of Kubwa, the Bishop also called on the government to ensure that the National Political Reforms Conference was not an exercise in futility.

Earlier, the Bishop in his inaugural address highlighted the major interests of his administration. He encapsulated his mission statement thus "The Diocese of Kubwa shall be a community of faith where each member reflects the character of Christ and so becomes a catalyst for the expansion of speedy consummation of God's kingdom.'

According to him the beginning of his tenure marked a good opportunity to prove the saying that "the church exists by mission just like fire exists by burning." The Bishop said the vision of the diocese will give priority to evangelism, rural development and education. He, however underscored the financial responsibility required to realize the vision even as the new diocese- mainly rural based- had enjoyed a comfort zone from her parent diocese, Abuja.

He proposed a Budget of Sacrifice saying "you would have to pay an assessment that is a bit unusual from the former one. We appeal to all churches to accept this budget and the assessment given as a sacrifice they have to make.'

The council accepted the budget and further constituted an investment and development committee with the sole aim of putting the new diocese on a sound economic footing.

Already plans are underway to develop a 20-hecatare of land belonging to the diocese in Paegei, Kuje area council and a health centre located in Sokoa, along the Airport road, is to receive immediate attention.

The Missionary Diocese of Kubwa, carved out of the Diocese of Abuja was inaugurated on March 12, 2005 at the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew Kubwa.

Article from: Church of Nigeria News