Archbishop Ede(2nd left) his wife 2nd(right) at the press conference
THE Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Enugu, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Grace, the Most Revd Barrister Chris N. Ede, says the archdiocese will soon establish a Methodist University in Enugu, the Enugu state capital.
This is just as Archbishop Ede, urged the federal and state governments to get committed to quality education and skills training, saying the approach would empower the youths to become solution-bearers, rather than victims of economic hopelessness.
VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Addressing a press conference at the Trinity Dome, in Enugu at the weekend as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the Archdiocese of Enugu, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Archbishop Ede, announced that the up-coming faith-based Methodist University, aims at promoting academic excellence, moral integrity, and spiritual development.
“This university will focus on science, technology, theology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. It will serve as a beacon of learning and ethical education; combining faith and reason in the Methodist tradition.
“This initiative aims to raise a generation of African leaders grounded in Christian values,” the archbishop explained.
He further announced plans by the archdiocese to launch a Methodist Television Channel, Online radio station, and comprehensive virtual platforms for worship, discipleship, and theological training.
“This digital strategy will leverage social media, mobile apps, and streaming technology to spread the Gospel to a connected world. It will also enable diaspora engagement and global missions networking,” he said.
According to Archbishop Ede, the archdiocese, as part of its forward-looking evangelistic strategy, intends to plant at least 100 new churches before the year 2030, to address spiritual hunger, foster discipleship, and deepen Methodist presence in communities.
He also said that the archdiocese plans to establish agribusiness cooperatives for the youth, women and families, explaining that this is in recognition of the socio-economic needs of its members.
SummitNews recalls that Enugu Archdiocese (to serve the whole of South-East, with headquarters in Enugu), was created in September 1975, alongside Lagos, Ilesa, and Calabar Arch-dioceses at the 14th Annual Conference of the Methodist Church Nigeria, held in Calabar, the present day capital of Cross River state.
According to Archbishop Ede, Enugu Archdiocese, has since then given birth to six archdioceses, for instance, Umuahia, Aba and Okigwe dioceses.
“Today we celebrate, fifty years of purposeful existence, spiritual exploits, ecclesiastical expansion, and transformative leadership,” said Archbishop Ede.
He paid glowing tributes to past archbishops of the archdiocese for their visionary, spirit-filled and principled leadership – His Grace, The Most Revd J. O. David(Late), the pioneer archbishop of the archdiocese, His Grace, The Most Revd Dr. J. N. Dimoji(Late) His Grace, The Most Revd M. U. Ogo(retd), His Grace, The Most Revd Dr. Ebere Nze(retd), and His Eminence, Dr. S. C. K. Uche(retd), who rose to become the Prelate, Methodist Church, Nigeria.
Archbishop Ede enumerated some of the landmark achievements of the archdiocese in the past 50 years, to include the establishment of over 120 churches and societies across both urban centers and remote rural communities, saying the Church has continued to respond to Christ’s Great Commission, through strategic evangelism efforts—including crusades, revivals and missions – have expanded into previously unreached territories.
According to him, ministers and lay leaders are trained through ongoing discipleship programmes to strengthen new converts and sustain church growth.
“The establishment of mission fields, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, stands as a testament to the Archdiocese’s commitment to soul-winning and spiritual transformation,” he said.
On education and human capital development, the Archbishop announced that the archdiocese has established nursery, primary, and secondary schools across the region.
“These institutions have provided affordable and quality education rooted in Christian values. In addition, the Archdiocese has supported hundreds of young scholars through scholarship schemes and youth mentorship initiatives. Vocational training, leadership workshops, and youth fellowships have equipped emerging leaders with the tools needed for spiritual maturity, civic engagement, and economic independence. Education under the Methodist system is holistic, focusing on both character and intellect,” he explained.
And on healthcare and social service, Archbishop Ede said:-
“The Archdiocese’s commitment to holistic ministry is evident in its robust health and welfare initiatives. It operates a Methodist hospital and satellite clinics, and periodically organizes health missions offering free medical care, including eye tests, immunizations, and maternal health services. Special programmes cater to the needs of the elderly, widows, orphans, and persons with disabilities. ..
He said the archdiocese has made monumental investments in religious and administrative infrastructure, such as building many clergy residences, diocesan secretariats, conference halls, retreat centers, and state-of the-art Trinity Dome.
MESSAGE TO THE NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT/SOUTHEAST STATES
“As a Church with deep historical roots and widespread influence across the Southeast, we use this moment to urge the Government of Nigeria and the governments of the Southeastern States to prioritize the following:-
JUSTICE AND GOOD GOVERNANCE
“Let equity, transparency, and the rule of law guide your leadership. A nation that neglects justice invites instability.
SECURITY AND PROTECTION OF LIVES
“Our region and nation continue to suffer from kidnappings, violent extremism, and socio-political unrest. We call for a coordinated, ethical, and community-engaging approach to national security.”
INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
“We urge state and federal governments to commit to quality education and skills training. Empower the youth to become solution-bearers, not victims of economic hopelessness.”
RESPECT FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
“Let every faith community worship without fear. We ask for increased protection of places of worship and support for interfaith harmony.”
INFRASTRUCTURE AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION
“We encourage sustained investments in roads, power, rail, and agricultural processing facilities across the Southeast to curb youth migration and promote economic self-reliance.”
Archbishop Ede said the Church was ready to partner with governments in moral advocacy, community development, peace building, and leadership ethics, adding that “we are not only preachers of salvation but partners in nation-building.”
He revealed that several landmark events have been scheduled to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration.
According to the schedule of events, there will be an award service on August 24, 2025, while the Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Alli Abbah, would embark on Apostolic visit to the archdiocese from September 1 to 8. A thanks giving service would take place on September 9, 2025,
“This historic visit sets the tone for the Jubilee celebrations and signals the beginning of an apostolic tour across the Dioceses under the Archdiocese of Enugu,” said Archbishop Ede.
Furthermore, a Golden Jubilee Colloquium is planned to take place on September 5, 2025.
The colloquium with the theme:
“Neo-Religious Practices and the Challenge of Faith: Implications for Security, Ethical Values, and the economy of Igboland,” will address the rising concerns about neo-religious practices such as Oke-Ite, Ezenwanyi cults, and the growing influence of self-proclaimed prophets.
The keynote Speakers are:
Rt. Rev. (Prof.) Igwebuike Onah– Theological Scholar and Bishop,
Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu – Esteemed Traditional Ruler and former Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers
Prof. Amadi Chukwuemeka – Erudite Scholar of Religion and Society.:
