The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) has officially cut all ties with the Church in Wales following the appointment of Bishop Cherry Vann, an openly lesbian cleric, as the 15th Archbishop of Wales.

The decision was announced by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, who described the development as ‘an abomination’ and a serious departure from biblical truth.

The announcement came during the opening session of the 14th Church of Nigeria Conference of Chancellors, Registrars and Legal Officers, held on Tuesday at the Church’s national secretariat in Abuja.

With the theme ‘Called as a Watchman’, the event brought together legal minds from across the Church to discuss matters of doctrinal integrity, justice, and governance.

READ ALSO:Nigerians, Churches Groaning Under Economic Pressure — Anglican Bishop

Primate Ndukuba delivered the keynote address titled ‘The Decade of the Reign of God: Progress, Challenges, and Prospects.’

Reacting to the Church in Wales’ elevation of a lesbian bishop, the Primate said, “We reject the election of the Right Reverend Cherry Vann as the Archbishop of Wales.”

He compared it to the 2003 consecration of Gene Robinson in the Episcopal Church (USA), which had also led to Nigeria severing ties with that province.

“Just as the Church of Nigeria took steps after the election of Gene Robinson in the United States, we are severing every tie and relationship with the Church of Wales,” he said.

Primate Ndukuba also criticised what he described as the growing influence of revisionist teachings within sections of the Western Church.

READ ALSO:Israeli Strike On Gaza’s Only Catholic Church Kills Two

“These individuals have not relented from their evil agenda; rather, they have intensified it. What they call their wisdom and culture is an abomination to God,” he declared.

Despite cutting formal ties with the Church in Wales, the Church of Nigeria reaffirmed its support for orthodox Anglicans in the region through platforms such as the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON).

“We pray that the Church of God in Wales will rise up, and that the faithful among them will stand strong. We, the Church of Nigeria, alongside GAFCON, will stand with them,” Ndukuba assured.

READ ALSO:Anglican Church Bans Partisan Speeches By Politicians During Services

Looking ahead, the Primate said the Church of Nigeria plans to expand its global mission, with new registrations underway in countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland.

“We feel that the Lord is calling us back to Europe for mission,” he said.

The Primate also used the opportunity to highlight the Church’s ongoing contributions to the GAFCON movement.

READ ALSO:Church Of England Approves Blessing Of Gay Marriages

He revealed that the Church of Nigeria had recently contributed $2.5 million to the GAFCON Endowment Fund and was planning a local Nigerian GAFCON Endowment worth $2.3 million to support orthodox Anglican work and mission.

On constitutional and legal matters, Ndukuba urged legal officers to strengthen the Church’s internal reforms and national engagement.

“You are to understand yourselves to be watchmen for the Church. You defend the Church against all forms of aggression. As modern-day watchmen, we must first listen to God, then speak His truth in love, knowing our duty lies in obedience,” he said, calling on legal professionals to support the Church’s constitutional review and advocate for a new Nigerian constitution.

The Federal Government has called on Nigerians travelling abroad to register with Nigerian embassies and consulates in their host countries to enable timely intervention during emergencies.

The appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, during a meeting with the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria, led by its Chairman, Idehai Frederick, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to DICAN, Amb. Ahmed stressed the importance of informing Nigerian missions upon arrival in foreign countries, rather than waiting until problems arise.

“I advise Nigerians to make it a point of duty to make their presence known to the Nigerian mission in the country they’re visiting.

READ ALSO:FG Approves N4bn For 158 TETFUND Research Projects

“This simple step can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that Nigerians receive the support they need in times of crisis.

“There was a recent case of Nigerians trapped in the Central African Republic, where some Nigerians tried to give the Ministry a bad name,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary highlighted the role of timely and accurate information in managing crises and emphasised the need for closer collaboration with media organisations like DICAN to combat misinformation.

“Most of the time, giving the necessary information before they even ask for information is crucial in managing crises effectively.

READ ALSO:FG Promotes 30 Senior NCoS Officers To Assistant Controller General

“We are saddled with the role of laundering the image of the country. Hence, the inevitability of a strengthened partnership between DICAN and the Ministry,” Perm. Sec. noted.

He underscored the significance of disseminating accurate narratives about Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly in the face of growing disinformation.

Ambassador Ahmed also commended DICAN for hosting the maiden Diplomatic and Security International Conference, which brought together about 70 diplomats, security experts, academics, and representatives of civil society to discuss strategies for global safety and peace.

In appreciation of the Ministry’s cooperation, DICAN Chairman said, “The Permanent Secretary has shown commitment to working with DICAN, and we appreciate his efforts in promoting a positive image of Nigeria.”

The Transmission Company of Nigeria said a fire incident at Egbin Power Plc at about 6:30am on Tuesday affected its 150 Mega Volt Ampere (MVA) transformer at the Egbin Transmission Substation.

TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, on Wednesday disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.

She explained that the fire originated from one of the power station’s service transformers, owned by Egbin Power, which was directly connected to the 33 kilovolts (kV) side of TCN’s 150MVA 330/132/33kV Inter-Bus Transformer II.

According to her, preliminary investigations traced the cause of the fire to a faulty 33kV instrument transformer (CT/VT) installed by Egbin Power, which caught fire.

READ ALSO:Collapsed National Grid Restored – TCN

”This ultimately led to the damage of a 150MVA power transformer belonging to TCN, causing oil leakage from the transformer due to a tear in its main tank.

”As a result of the incident, there is a temporary reduction in bulk power supply to Ikorodu and Odogunyan 132/33kV transmission substations, which supply Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IkEDC) and parts of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company franchise areas.

”As well as Sagamu Line 1, Sagamu Line 2, and Maryland Line 2 on the 132kV network within Lagos State,” he said.

Mbah said that at the time of the incident, a total load of 47 megawatts (MW) was affected.

READ ALSO:Court Remands Suspected Lagos Most Wanted Assassin

She said that the load was immediately diverted to the second available 150MVA power transformer within the substation, which was now operating under strain.

Mbah also noted that following the incident, the capacity deficit had increased and remained high, resulting in load-shedding across all affected areas.

She said that the company was working diligently to replace the damaged transformer and restore normal power supply as soon as possible and appealed for more time.

”TCN has already notified the IKEDC and Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) to assist in load management within their franchise areas.

READ ALSO:Cybercrime: Court Fines 21 Foreign Nationals N1m Each, Orders Deportation

”On our part, TCN is already making urgent arrangements to source the replacement transformer.

”We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this is causing the two distribution companies and electricity customers in the affected areas.

”And pledge to work hard to ensure full restoration of bulk supply to the substations in the shortest possible time.”

(NAN)