The Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Province, Most Rev. Sosthenes Ikechukwu Ezeh, on Thursday, paid a pastoral and courtesy visit to Udenu Local Government Area as part of his ongoing spiritual tour across the Enugu North Senatorial District. The Archbishop was received at the Council Secretariat in Obollo Afor by the Executive Chairman of Udenu LGA, Aka Eze Aka, alongside top officials of the Local Government Council.
The high-level visit formed part of Archbishop Eze’s broader mission to mobilize Communities in the senatorial zone for a sustained interdenominational prayer crusade. The spiritual initiative, according to the Archbishop, aims to rekindle a renewed sense of divine purpose and civic engagement among the people of Nsukka cultural zone, with particular emphasis on ensuring they take their rightful place in the political and developmental trajectory of Enugu State.
Archbishop S.I Ezeh during the visit
In his address during the visit, Archbishop Eze lauded the developmental strides recorded by the Udenu LGA Chairman within six months in office, describing Aka Eze Aka’s leadership style as “innovative and progressive.” He commended him for aligning closely with the transformational vision of the State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The Archbishop further acknowledged that the Enugu North zone was misdirected in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections, having largely opposed Governor Mbah’s candidacy. However, he expressed gratitude to God that despite the odds, Governor Mbah emerged victorious and has since demonstrated uncommon commitment to infrastructure and governance reforms across the state.
“The Governor has, by God’s grace, proven critics wrong through his exceptional performance and devotion to the people’s welfare. It is now the time for the Nsukka people to rise, take responsibility, and contribute meaningfully to the State’s leadership and development,” Archbishop Eze said.
He also used the occasion to formally invite Aka Eze Aka and his fellow Council Chairpersons within Nsukka Zone, to participate in the upcoming interdenominational prayer crusade being organized in conjunction with other prominent religious leaders from various Christian denominations across the Senatorial District.
Aka Eze Aka, receiving Archbishop Ezeh in his office during the visit
Responding, Aka Eze expressed profound appreciation to the Archbishop for the visit and his spiritual leadership. He pledged his full support for the prayer initiative and affirmed his readiness to participate actively in the forthcoming spiritual gathering. He also reiterated the Local Government’s commitment to promoting unity, peace, and moral rejuvenation among the people of Udenu.
Flanking the Chairman during the visit were the Deputy Mayor of Udenu, Hon. Mrs. Onyinye Odoh; Secretary to the Local Government, Rt. Hon. Chika Aroh; Special Adviser on Special Duties, Onyekachi C. Ugwu; and Chief of Staff, Dr. Jude Okwudili Ukwueze.
Archbishop Eze, who was elected in August 2024 and consecrated in September of the same year at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Enugu, by the Primate on the Niger, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, officially assumed duties as the head of the Enugu Province comprising 12 dioceses spanning Enugu and Ebonyi States. His tenure began with an elaborate reception on September 29, 2024, hosted by the people of Nsukka zone, including leaders of other Christian faiths and traditional institutions.
The Chairman in a group photograph with his officers and Archbishop with his own entourage
This visit signifies a crucial intersection of faith, leadership, and community mobilization. By bringing spiritual advocacy to the grassroots, Archbishop Eze’s initiative reflects the Anglican Communion’s role in encouraging moral reawakening, unity, and civic responsibility. It also offers a platform for reconciliation and partnership between religious institutions and Local Government in the collective quest for good governance and zonal development.
© AkaEzeAka Media Team.
