‘We Will Rise Again!’

The Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, 2nd Right, The Prelate, Dr. Oliver Ali Abba And Archbishop Emmanuel Okon Udofia

History was made in the ancient town of Oron, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, May 2, 2025, as the Methodist Church Nigeria officially inaugurated the Archdiocese of Oron and enthroned its pioneer Archbishop, His Grace, The Most Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Okon Udofia, JP. The momentous event, held at the Cathedral of the Cross, Oron, marked a new chapter in the spiritual journey of Methodism in the region, a journey that dates back to 1893.

The atmosphere at the Cathedral of the Cross was one of jubilant celebration, with dignitaries, ecumenical partners, and a multitude of faithful Methodists from across the nation gathered to witness this historic occasion. The colorful and spirit-filled service was presided over by the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Abba, JP, who led the rites of inauguration and enthronement in the presence of top ecclesiastical dignitaries, government officials, and the faithful.

Among the distinguished guests were the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, PhD, represented by his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, a proud daughter of the Oron soil and a Methodist by birth. Also gracing the event was Justice John Inyang Okoro of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, highlighting the societal significance of the day. The grand service also saw the formal presentation of Sir. Prof. Inyang A. Atting, KJW, as the Pioneer Archdiocesan Lay President of Oron Archdiocese, and Sir. Barr. Ekpenyong Ntekim, KJW, as the 8th Diocesan Lay President of Oron Diocese.

Their leadership is anticipated to further strengthen the church’s mission and outreach.
The inauguration follows the resolution of the 49th/14th Biennial Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria held at Groves Wesley Cathedral, Ikot Ekpene, on Saturday, August 10, 2024. At that session, the Conference approved the creation of the Archdiocese of Oron — comprising the Dioceses of Oron, Oyubia, Ebughu, and Okobo — with its headquarters at Oron, carved out of the existing Calabar Archdiocese.

Oron’s historical significance to Methodism in the defunct Eastern region was a recurring theme throughout the day. It was in Oron, in 1893, that the Primitive Methodist Mission first established its presence, laying the foundation for a vibrant Christian community. Milestones such as the assembly of a prefabricated mission house in 1902 and the establishment of Methodist Boys’ High School (initially Oron Training Institute) in 1905 by Reverend Nathaniel Boocock, underscore Oron’s enduring legacy in the spread of Methodism and education.

In his sermon titled, “We Will Rise Again!,” drawn from the John 9, Udofia reflected on the story of the man born blind whose life was transformed by Jesus. “I chose this passage to align with the aspirations of our people and our state,” he said. “Just as Jesus restored the blind man, He will also lift us from every background limitation. We will rise again.”

He expressed deep gratitude to God, the church leadership, and the government of Akwa Ibom State for their unwavering support. He also paid homage to the legacy of Methodism in Oron, highlighting its rich roots dating back to the Primitive Methodist Mission’s arrival in 1893. He recalled how the mission house was assembled in 1902 and celebrated the founding of Methodist Boys’ High School in 1905 by Rev. Nathaniel Boocock – a key institution in the region’s spiritual and educational development.
The Prelate, Dr. Oliver Ali Abba, commended the faithfulness and spiritual resilience of the Oron people. “Today, we witness the fruits of steadfast devotion. The Archdiocese of Oron is a symbol of God’s reward for a century of labor in His vineyard,” he declared.

As the sun set on this momentous day, the air in Oron was thick with joy and a profound sense of accomplishment. The enthronement of Archbishop Emmanuel Udofia and the inauguration of the Oron Archdiocese not only signify a new administrative structure but also represent the deeply rooted faith and vibrant future of Methodism in this historic cradle of Christianity. The Oron people, overflowing with joy, look forward to a new era of spiritual growth and community upliftment under their new leadership.