Obiano, others eulogize Archbishop Efobi as he bows out from active pastoral work

Governor Willie Obiano yesterday joined communicants in the Anglican Province of the Niger to bid farewell to the Archbishop of the Province and Bishop of Aguata Diocese, the most Reverend Christian Efobi who retires from active service. 

The Cathedral Church of St John, Ekwulobia venue for a Valedictory Service to mark the Sendforth, witnessed the presence of Anglican faithful, state government functionaries, Bishops and clergymen from within and outside the state including friends and family who came to felicitate with the outgoing archbishop.

Archbishop Efobi was elected Bishop of Aguata Diocese in 2005, from the Anglican Diocese of Yola where he had served for 15 years and had also served as Archbishop of Niger Province for 7 years. 

He retires from active service having attained the retirement age of 70 years. 

Speaking at the event, Governor Obiano said Archbishop Efobi had no doubt enjoyed uncommon grace of God in his years of episcopacy and is retiring in good health.

He commended the Prelate for his efforts in the Lord's vineyard, his fatherly disposition towards his administration as well as his fervency in supporting him, assuring him that he will not forget his service. 

The governor thanked members of the Anglican Diocese for their overwhelming support that secured him landslide victory in the November 18th governorship election in the state and promised that he is committed to meeting all the promises he made to Ndi Anambra during the elections. 

In his valedictory sermon, the Outgoing Archbishop Efobi who recalled God's faithfulness upon him and his family throughout his years of episcopacy, thanked members of the Diocese for supporting his ministry during his stay with them. 

He called on the clergy in the Diocese to avail his successor the required support to enable him succeed, urging them to embrace love for one another and to shun hatred and division among themselves to as to move the Diocese forward. 

On his part, the President, Joint Council of knights, Church of Nigeria, Sir Isaiah Ezezika said it was a moment of reflection for people of the Diocese in view of the Prelate's outstanding stewardship and the need to reposition the Diocese to move forward, praying God to grant him peaceful retirement and many more years of sound health and happiness. 

Highpoints were special thanksgiving by the Archbishop and his family, presentation of the insignia of the Boys Brigade to the Prelate by Governor Obiano who is a grand patron of the organization as well as special music rendition by the cathedral Choir.

The Archbishop later prayed for the Clergymen in the Diocese and their wives after which he and his wife exchanged pleasantries with them.