Guardian

RT. REV. ISAAC CHIJIOKE NWAOBIA is the Bishop of Isiala Ngwa South, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Ecclesiastical Province of Aba. At the just concluded first session of the second Synod of the church, he spoke with ISAAC TAIWO on the theme of the Synod, governance, the youth and others.

Success of the Synod

The Synod tagged: “Rise Up! Journey To Transformation”, was a success with the spiritual enrichment of lives of participants. Besides this, it gave us the privilege to hear last year’s report. We were also blessed by the different speakers. The previous year’s theme was Discipleship, which had to do with commitment to follow the Master.  Many, who responded to that theme stopped at a level, so this year, we decided to do a follow up. It is premised on the demand for those who have embraced the spirit of discipleship to rise from their spiritual slumber to the next level of total transformation of themselves and others.  The first theme calls for total repentance and true followership while the second makes the disciple to move forward, be spiritually equipped for his or her calling.

Relevance of the theme to governance

Leadership is all about people and human development. People that are privileged to work as leaders in government offices are public servants and are the engineers and pilots of government policies. Policy makers must be transformed to be able to tailor their reforming programmes towards lives, because it is certain that one cannot lead in a transformation agenda without first transforming him/herself. This is called for those in government to repent, be honest and act with good conscience.  Leaders, themselves, need to be transformed before engaging in the process of transforming others. For their work of transforming others to be result-oriented, they must act like servants.

Follow up and expectation

The Church leadership would continue to monitor the effectiveness of the theme in the lives of members in the various parishes, as their representatives at the Synod are also expected to impact what they have learnt during teachings and seminars on the congregation with a view to carrying everyone along, so that, the church would produce leaders who are honest, committed and possess the spirit of servant-leadership.

Partnership

The Church is not only producing and developing potential leaders, but also partnering with the government in educational development.  While the Church partner with the government in establishing schools, she is also developing future leaders.

Youth

We are planning of empowering the youth, so that, they can useful to themselves and the society. We have nonetheless started an agricultural programme for them on a small scale and with more money coming our way, we will expand the programme.

Democracy Day

Democracy in Nigeria is a nascent one. Leaders should have listening ears and human heart like Nehemiah, so that, God can do what He wants to do in His own way for His people.

Message

The Church should rise up to the message of uprightness, holiness and righteousness. It should also be careful with the spirit of money, while truly serving the Almighty God.