AWORI ANGLICAN DIOCESE CLOCKS 12YEARS- THE PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE

When the creation of Awori Missionary Diocese, now a full-fledge diocese was announced by the retired Primate of Church of Nigeria, the Most Revd Dr Peter Jasper Akinola in the year 2008, some people were happy because the area is old enough to have her own diocese while some school of thought believe the creation of Awori Diocese from Lagos West Diocese is like easing the burden of Lagos West Diocese because the area was the weakest archdeaconry of the diocese as regards financial performances.


Aworiland was the second place of settlement for the missionaries around 1842. The missionaries established St. James Anglican Church at Ipate-Oyinbo, Ota, Ogun State.

St. James, being the oldest church, was, unopposed became the headquarters of Lagoon Provincial District Council, the district comprises Badagry, Apapa, Ota, Agege. As the churches grows so also the financial responsibilities increases. The District Church Council decided to transfer the headquarters to Christ Church, Elere, Agege, Lagos State when St. James can no longer meet up with her financial responsibilities.

St. James has established many churches, among them are, St. Andrew's Ipaja, St. Luke's Amje, St. Timothys Sango-Ota St. Peter's Suberu-Oje among others.

The late primate and Archbishop Church of Nigeria, most Revd Abiodun Adetiloye introduced archdeaconry to replaced District Church Council, thus, Ipaja Archdeaconry was created out of Agege and St. James Ota was moved to Ipaja Archdeaconry.
Not too long, Awori Archdeaconry was created and Ven(Engr) Ogunmekan was posted and collated as the first Archdeacon.

Awori Archdeaconry comprises, St. James, Ota, St. Timothys Sango-Ota, All Saints Igbesa, St. Judes Ajibode, St. Pauls Atan, St. Peters Konifewo. Besides, Ven. Ogunmekan was later transferred and Ven. Chris Ola Ayejoto was brought to take over. Ven. Ayejoto could be refers to as the Fore-runners, as he prepared the archdeaconry for the status of a Diocese.

The man of God worked tirelessly by planting more churches, such as Christ Church, Owode, All Saints Iloye, he revived St. James, Tigbo,-Ilu, plant more churches in Iju, Iyana-Iyesi. All Saints Church, Igbesa later joined Badagry Missionary Diocese, their reason best known to them though.

The year 2007, was a day of joy and unforgettable day in the annals of Awori people as the retired Primate Peter Jasper Akinola announced the creation of Awori Missionary Diocese. Anglican Communion House of Bishops in their meeting agreed to translates the former Bishop of Akoko, the Rt Revd. Obijole to the newly created missionary diocese. However, the Aworis in their best decision and in a respected way appealed to the House of Bishops to give them a newly consecrated bishop to pioneer the diocese.

Gods willing, their request was granted, the Rt. Revd. Dr. Johnson Akinwamide Atere was consecrated as a Bishop at St. James the Great Cathedral in Ibadan on 14th of May 2008, hence, he was translated to pioneer the newly created missionary diocese.

The arrival of Bishop Akin Atere is just like Omobowale literarily meaning This is our own. Bishop Atere was once a vicar of St. Timothys Sango-Ota in the year 1994, he was instrumental to the planting of more churches and he equally knows the terrain of Awori.

Awori Missionary Diocese was inaugurated on Thursday, May 29, 2008 and Bishop Akin Atere was enthroned by the retired Primate Peter Jasper Akinola. He was assisted by the retired Archbishop of Lagos Province, most Revd Ephraim Ademowo with other bishops from the province.

Bishop Atere, a man called by God, a spirit filled man who does nothing without seeking the face of God. He accepted the job joyfully, and thus, he set the ball rolling. Awori Missionary Diocese took up with just seven priests and few churches (St. James-Cathedral), St. Timothys Sango-Ota, St. Judes, Ajibode, St. Peters Konifewo, Christ Church, Owode, Anglican Church, Iyana-Iyesi, Anglican Church, Iju.

The first General Council Meeting of the diocese was held in the year 2008 with the theme: Small Beginning, Prosperous Future. The belief of many was that the diocese would not survive because of her financial status, many people advised Bishop Atere to live the diocese and continue his lecturing job while some people make jest of him that, the house of bishops deliberately want to punish him by taking him to a fallow and remote area. Bishop Akin Atere was not distracted a bit, rather, he concentrates more on the assignment given to him by God.

Bishop Akin Atere and his wife Mrs. Foluso used their hard earned savings, their connection and networking to continue to push the work of God ahead. Many thanks to Awori people for their unwavering support in all areas to this great man of God. History will be fair to Baba Bishop that the building of multimillion naira bishops court edifice is through his personal connections.

Today, the prophetical theme of the first general council meeting (Small Beginning, Prosperous Future) has come to fulfillment as the diocese that began with 7 priests few churches now have over 40 priests and 14 church workers. To the glory of God, Awori Diocese has over 50churches. A group of schools (Nursery, Basic and Secondary), a befitting Bishop's Court and office complex. A women centre (comprising of hall, schools, poultry, a chapel and dormitory) sitting on two acres of land. Awori Diocese to the glory of God has become one of enviable dioceses in the Church of Nigeria.

Awori Diocese now has four archdeaconries. No doubt, the future of Awori Diocese is bright. The chief shepherd, Bishop Atere is not relenting in his effort to populate the area with Anglican churches.

As the diocese celebrates her 12years of creation today, it is my prayers that God will continue to guide, direct and be with our father, mentor, benefactor, role model, team leader, the chief servant himself, the Rt. Revd. Dr. J. Akin Atere has he continue to paddle the ship of the diocese, God will continue to bless all the priests and workers of the diocese and pour down His financial blessings on all the members of the diocese.

Awori Diocese is not yet there but we believe we will get there, lets not relent in doing good and continue to give our best to the diocese. I know that the God that has brought the Diocese thus far will not live us. Happy celebrations!!!
Long live Awori Diocese
Long live Church of Nigeria
Long may you live and reign Baba Bishop Atere

Oladele Damilola Moses
Diocesan Assistant Communicator