Abakaliki Synod marks Presbyterian Church’s 180th anniversary in Nigeria

The Abakaliki Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria joined nationwide celebrations on Friday, June 5, 2026 to mark 180 years of the church’s existence in the country with a service at St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church, Kpirikpiri.

The 180th anniversary was launched on April 10, 2026 at the General Assembly in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.

The General Assembly is the church’s highest decision-making body.

The launch of the anniversary has since continued with events across all synods.

Prelate and General Assembly Moderator, Most Rev. Dr. Ekpenyong Akpanika, who flagged off the celebrations, urged members to shun division, declaring: “We are one body, one faith, one Presbyterian family.” 

He attributed the church’s growth from a “mustard seed” in 1846 to “God’s unwavering faithfulness and divine grace”.

Akpanika paid tribute to founding missionaries and indigenous pioneers, including Rev. Hope Waddell, Hugh Goldie, the Edgerleys, Rev. Anderson, Mary Slessor, and Rev. Essien Ukpabio, the first indigenous minister, for laying the church’s foundation.

He outlined his vision to include strengthening spirituality, aggressive evangelism, economic empowerment, youth development, digital access, and inclusive ministry.

Presiding over the Abakaliki event, Synod Moderator, Rt. Rev. Chidi Igwe, praised the church’s pioneering role in education, health, and abolishing harmful traditions like the killing of twins. 

Igwe described the anniversary as “remembrance, rejoicing and renewal”, urging members to renew their covenant with God.

Members, including Ikechukwu Okoro-Agha, Nkechi Ipere, and Precious Okoronkwo, a youth, pledged to sustain the church’s legacies.

The event featured a road walk, march past, football match, concerts, and prayers for peace and continued growth of the church.

The Presbyterian Church was founded in Calabar on April 10, 1846 by Scottish missionaries and became the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria on June 16, 1960 following Nigeria’s independence.