By ADEKUNLE WILLIAMS

The United African Methodist Church (UAMC) Organisation on Saturday inaugurated the Diocese of Lagos and enthroned Most Rev’d Moses Jesuyon Toyi as Archbishop.

Toyi was proclaimed Diocesan Bishop by Conference Committee Secretary, Bro. Bunmi Kuti, during the ceremony at the UAMC Cathedral, Jebba St., Ebute Meta (West), Lagos.

Kuti said the conference selected Toyi to head the first of three approved dioceses, namely Lagos, Badagry and Ogun.

The UAMC Lay President, Mr Adeyanju Ogunlewe, formally declared the Diocese of Lagos inaugurated.

Ogunlewe said the diocese originated from a proposal presented at the church’s 2008 conference in Iworo and became reality following implementation of the Olakitan Report in 2023.

He described the inauguration as the fulfilment of an 18-year vision conceived by the church’s founding leaders.

“What happened here today is a thing of joy. We are inaugurating the Diocese of Lagos after almost 18 years since the vision was conceived by our predecessors.

“The essence is to decentralise the administration so that it goes nearer to the people at the grassroots,” he said.

Ogunlewe said the Lagos Diocese now had full administrative authority over its four circuits through the office of the diocesan bishop, subject to conference approval.

He directed the diocese to hold quarterly meetings before every Standing Committee meeting and convene its synod before the annual conference.

According to him, immediate priorities include establishing a UAMC church in Ikeja and facilitating the resettlement of Oko Agbon.

He disclosed that the Diocese of Badagry would be inaugurated within two weeks, while the Diocese of Ogun would follow in November.

Ogunlewe urged the new diocesan leadership to prioritise church planting and evangelism across Lagos State.

Earlier, the Primate of UAMC Worldwide, Joseph Ojaoba, urged church leaders to rise, build and strengthen God’s church.

Preaching from Nehemiah 2:17-18, Ojaoba said clergy and laity must unite to advance God’s kingdom, describing the inauguration as a historic milestone.

“This is not just the creation of an administrative structure; it is a call to build and advance God’s kingdom for greater spiritual, social and human development,” he said.

Ojaoba charged the diocese to pursue evangelism, unity, holiness and faithful service while avoiding distractions capable of weakening the church’s spiritual mandate.

He said every diocese must be guided by a divine vision rooted in the Great Commission to preach the gospel and make disciples.

“Our purpose is enshrined in the Great Commission to preach the gospel faithfully and make disciples of all nations,” he said.

The primate urged members to nurture believers, serve their communities and work together for the growth and progress of the diocese.

He stressed that unity between clergy and laity remained indispensable, while holiness, prayer, faithful preaching and compassionate service were the church’s true strength.

Ojaoba urged deliberate investment in children and youths to secure the future of both the church and society.

Expressing optimism, he prayed that Lagos Diocese would become a model for others.

“Lagos will lead and others will follow. May the Diocese of Lagos become a house of prayer, a centre of sound biblical teaching, a beacon of holiness and a blessing to future generations,” he prayed.

In his inauguration and enthronement address, Toyi applauded the church leaders for finding him worthy.

He described the event as historic milestone in the life of the church and a testimony to God’s abundance grace, mercy and faithfulness.

The new Diocesan Bishop said his leadership would focus on church growth and development, church planting and expansion, evangelism among others.

He said: “The inauguration of this Diocese is not merely the creation of an administrative structure, it is a call to greater spiritual, social, and human development.

“As a Diocese, we commit ourselves to fostering growth in faith, education, healthcare, youth empowerment and community development.

“We envision a Diocese that will serve as a beacon of hope, promoting excellence, integrity and selfless service to humanity.

“Through collaborative efforts, we shall continue to contribute meaningfully to the development of our communities and nation.”

The inauguration attracted ministers, church members and guests from Lagos and other parts of Nigeria. (NAN)

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